SINCE 1992
CUSTOM FRAMING
the Publisher’s Note
The Importance of Durability in Construction: A Often Overlooked Aspect
When building or designing a house, durability is a crucial aspect that’s often neglected. While we acknowledge that certain elements like roofing have a shorter lifespan, other components are frequently overlooked. For instance, designers and architects often position entries or decking above livable spaces, which can lead to water damage and leaks down the line.
“ ASK YOURSELF: ‘IS THE EXTRA AESTHETIC APPEAL OR CONVENIENCE WORTH THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE?’ ”
These issues can be challenging to identify and repair. My advice is to prioritize durability during the design phase. Consider the long-term implications of your design choices. Ask yourself: ‘Is the extra aesthetic appeal or convenience worth the potential problems that may arise?’ Being proactive and mindful of durability will save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
Jacob Surkis Founder & Publisher THE NYGC MAGAZINE
About the Business
Supreme Decks was started in 2016 in Monroe, NY. We do all kinds of decks including wood, composite, and even basic gazebos. We work a lot in the new housing industry, and our number one priority is to make sure everything is on the highest standard.
As a whole, we service NY NJ CT, but most of the jobs we do are located specifically in Monroe, Monsey, Lakewood, Linden, and the Catskills. When it comes to city porches though, we are totally out of the picture since those are made of brick or steel which isn’t in our league.
Industry Background & Basics
Years ago it was part of a framer’s job to do the porches of the house too, but in the last 20 years the entire field has changed and when the framer completes his job inside the house, a separate porch company is called in.
During a single home job, usually, the deck company will come into the picture only once the siding is done. But, different contractors work in different ways, and some like when we place a piece of wood in the spot where the porch will
SUPREME DECKS WITH ARON DEUTSCH
www.supreme-decks.com
https://www.instagram.com/supreme_decks/
“Our team is busy day and night with porches and only porches...”
be made, before the siding installation, so the workers know to keep that part empty. In such a case, we give a quote right away, put the wood marking, and come back once the siding is installed to complete the job. Other contractors mark this themselves.
When it comes to bigger projects, for example, a big housing complex, the job involves so many porches and sometimes fire escapes that it’s impossible to figure the locations out yourself. In cases like these the only option is to have the spots marked professionally by calling us down.
As a rule, siding is done before porches for a few reasons. Firstly, you want to put the siding on the home as soon as possible to protect against water damage. Aside from that, a porch done mid-construction tends to become a base spot where the workers put building material and then you end up dealing with stains on the new porch, and overall it’s just not recommended for best porch quality.
Before the standard was set, we were busy handling lots of such issues. The stains from construction are very hard to get rid of and nobody is interested in getting their newly built beautiful porch ruined before they even have a chance to use it.
Lastly, it’s always nice when you move into a new home with a porch that’s still nice and gleaming. As time goes on the wood loses some of its shine and beauty, so by postponing the installation, the owner has a chance to enjoy the freshness for longer once they move in.
Where It All Started
Way back as a young child, I found myself obsessed with decks. I remember watching workers putting up a huge development in the area where we lived, and I’d just be standing and staring for hours mesmerized. When it came to building the porches, that was the highlight for me. I was fascinated by the process!
After that, about ten years ago, when I was still a teenager, I took on a side job of assisting a young man who had a business then fixing up lots of porches in upstate NY.
While working with him, I found myself really enjoying the work. It made me feel so alive; I knew right away that this was my calling. My passion was further affirmed when I tried my hand working for an electrician where I could barely hold on for 2 months. It just wasn’t for me.
Once I got a bit older, an acquaintance approached me asking for me to do his porch, knowing that I’d worked a bit in the porch field. Grabbing the opportunity with both hands, I promptly drove down to Monsey, NY where the job was, picked up two workers (literally off the street!), and with my own two hands built up that porch. Thankfully, that first job was a great success and the customer loved it.
Forming the Business
Once I’d done that first job on my own, I began to think of opening an actual company. I was still young, single, and had lots of energy - plus, of course, it doesn’t cost to dream. So, I’d walk around forming ideas in my head of how I would open this big business.
I spoke to a friend, but somehow he wasn’t very enthusiastic about it. I tried talking him into joining the venture, but he wasn’t convinced. He’d tell me, “First open it and if it works I’ll come help you.”
Wonder of wonders, I opened it myself and was so successful, I had no need for his help even half a year later. A relative helped me come up with the name Supreme Decks and the business was born!
A Hard Beginning
It wasn’t easy scoring these big jobs that I have nowadays. At first, I would go down to different contractors, and beg them to give me a chance. They’d barely look at me. I was still young and single and some of them wondered why someone like me should be making so much money. I didn’t let that get me down.
It took time for people to trust me. Sometimes it was easier to get jobs from strangers who didn’t know about my age and stage status.
I remember some of them being astonished to realize how young I was when they later heard that I’d gotten engaged.
During this time, I met one contractor who - unlike most others - afforded me a second glance and asked me, “Do you have insurance?”
Between you and me, I had no clue about insurance, but I made sure to look into it and within a few days it was all arranged. Afterward, the contractor hired me for the job, and upon completion he loved the work. Since then he’s been taking me for all his jobs!
With time the first few satisfied customers brought many others, and work began flowing in. I do have to admit that I’m very thankful I jumped into it so early on; I’m not sure I’d be able to handle all that now.
The Process
How do you actually go about getting your home a new porch?
Next, there is composite wood - or trex. This is a mix of wood and a type of material similar to plastic. The pros of it are that it looks nice, holds up well, and doesn’t cause splinters. On the other hand, the con is the price point which is quite a bit higher than standard wood.
Common Denominators
We find that most people have their sukkah in mind when building their porches, and we take that need into consideration.
Of course there are those with high-end homes usually have a built-in sukkah included inside their house, or even regular people who just already have another place where they build their sukkah and all they’re looking for is to add a bit more living space to their house.
“...we’re talking about a porch which may be several floors high and you’ll be standing on it... So, make sure you use a trusted reliable company.”
You call us, and we send someone down for measurements.
Next, we sit down with the customer and give him all the options there are including multiple styles of doing the floor, railings, inside and outside of the porch. We have a big selection of style types and are able to customize to each customer’s taste and needs.
Once you’ve picked your porch specifics, we deliver the project in top form!
In general, there are two different material options used. The first one is simple treated wood. This is the standard option which is more affordable. The downsides are that it’s hard to paint and needs lots of maintenance over the years.
One thing that has become pretty much universal is that porches are no longer considered a luxury. They’re a fundamental part of every home, and we make it work with each specific budget.
Typically the most recommended spot for a porch is to lead off the kitchen. Others also like doing it off the living or dining room for maximum ease of use.
What you might not know
Both with new and existing homes you’ll need a permit to build a porch/porches.
With new homes, you’ll need to make sure the porch is approved to be built, and that the ground is strong enough to support it. If the ground is weak, we may need to use posts for strengthening.
With existing multi-family homes, all neighbors need to agree to have your porch built.
We’ll help you with the process in the most efficient and easiest way. Sometimes you’ll need to give in the engineer’s plan for the porch and we’ll do that for you. Getting a permit easily is one of the services we offer our customers.
Once we start building we also work according to the regulations in that specific town with periodic town inspections mid-project and one final inspection when the job is completed.There are yearly new laws regarding porches based on statistics for maximum safety. We take care of all the regulations for you so that once done you can be free to enjoy your brand new deck- one hundred percent legally and safely built.
Another point to keep in mind is that although nowadays, special supports are usually included in the home by the framer for the porch to be properly attached once built, there are instances where we may need to open the walls to check if it’s possible to attach a porch.
Now, a recommendation: I’ve heard people complaining about the composite decking saying it gets overheated by the sun, but lately we’ve gotten
to work with one specific company that produces material that doesn’t heat up and is very beautiful. I very much recommend the investment of a few extra dollars in this product, because although it may be more costly than the average decking, it is worth every penny when you don’t need to keep redoing the porch every few years.
Porch Quality
First and foremost, it is crucial to use a proper company, that specializes in porches, for the job (not just anybody who knows a thing or two about construction). That is a very big mistake that people make. Hiring somebody who doesn’t have experience specifically with porches will unknowingly cause problems down the line, not to mention that the speed and efficiency of the job will be compromised. Our team is busy day and night with porches and only porches, and we therefore have a vast amount of experience and knowledge in the field, making it possible for us to do the work on an entirely new level (not to mention the fact that we’re talking about a porch which may be several floors high and you’ll be standing on it...).
Although we’ve never had a porch of ours collapse, we’ve been called to fix collapsed porches built by others. It’s especially vital for the porch to be correctly attached to the home and properly supported with beams from the other side. Remember cheap may cost you less in the outset but will be a lot more expensive down the line. Therefore, please make sure you use a trusted reliable company.
Keeping it Safe
If you notice your porch or deck starting to shake when you walk on it, or if the beams that connect it to the house are feeling loose, it’s a good idea to call a professional to check it out. Loose parts can weaken the structure and might lead to serious issues if not fixed.
A well-built porch can easily hold up a lot. There should be no issue with doing a kiddy pool on it or hanging a swing from it. Even with lots of people on it together, it should be fine, but an old or badly built porch can be a dangerous place to host an event. I always recommend calling an expert before doing an event on a porch to make sure it’s safe.
Additionally, after every project, we remind our customers that painting a deck can be a safety risk. Paint tends to crack over time, allowing water to seep in and causing mold to grow underneath the surface. This hidden mold can weaken the wood and create dangerous conditions. That’s why we strongly recommend staining your deck instead of painting it, and always hiring a professional for the job.
We are often asked to inspect decks where the deck is shaking or unstable, and many of these homes are only 3 to 4 years old. Unfortunately, we frequently find that improper construction or maintenance has caused damage. In these cases, the deck may need to be completely redone—even though it’s relatively new.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to ensure your deck is built and maintained properly from the start.
Making it big
We’ve done quite a lot of large projects over the years. We once did a huge job for a day camp. They wanted a porch across the entire length of the building- even turning the corner and all of it about 14 feet high. According to the code, we had to include lots of ramps so it could be accessible for those with disabilities. I don’t think we’ve ever done so many ramps! I also remember that we did a huge porch for Camp Orah which came to over 100 feet long! Other big jobs we’ve done are for entire building complexes in Monroe, NY where we’ve done all the
porches in the entire complex.
Tips for Business and Life
First of all, customer service is #1. When you give each customer the time and patience they deserve, you communicate properly, you are dedicated to them and constantly there for them. That’s the secret; that’s what makes clients happy. In fact, the best advertising we ever do is by word of mouth. Happy clients bring more clients.
Don’t give up even if the going is tough in the beginning.
Thirdly, a person should be busy with what he enjoys. If you’re always busy with something that doesn’t pull your heart, you’ll never be able to grow with it. Obviously all jobs are hard, but if you do it with a passion you can pull through the rough times! This article was contributed by Supreme Decks Contact them at: info@Supremedecks.com or 845-751-1113
MARKET INSIGHTS:
“SO...
DID WE PASS, OR FAIL?”
A Home Inspector’s Perspective
I often get asked this question at the end of a home inspection, and I usually respond with something like “Do you want to pass? Or do you want to fail?” It seems like everyone has their own motivations…
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is something like a general health checkup for a house. In many states in the USA, there are strict requirements for licensure to be able to perform a proper home inspection including classroom education, field experience, and passing a national level exam, among others. Not only that, but many professional organizations also require further protocols and standards above the minimum state requirements for even more detailed analysis of the components of the home. Buyer beware, though: Many states do not have ANY training or other licensing requirements for home inspectors.
A home inspection typically includes a visual review of the grounds, and a top-to-bottom systematic evaluation of the major components of the home including the structural components, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC, insulation, and others. It’s not all fun and games though,
a thorough evaluation can take a few hours, and as it’s only a “general checkup” – even further review by trades-people like electricians or fireplace specialists may be advised. Furthermore, without the ability to see
behind walls or other obstructions, an inspector can only report on what they can see at the time of the inspection. Finally, home inspectors are often NOT required to know or speak on building codes, but more on that later.
WHY PERFORM A HOME INSPECTION?
With all those limitations, one may wonder why to do a home inspection at all. Oftentimes, prospective homebuyers think that what they don’t know can’t hurt them. Nobody wants to buy a money-pit. However, performing a home inspection can save people money and many headaches down the road after the purchase by bringing to light many issues (or even potential issues) to the buyers before they buy a home, helping people know what they’re getting into. Additionally, oftentimes, sellers will concede a reduction of the sale price of the home to accommodate for repairs that need to be made. Oftentimes, this amounts to substantially more than the cost of the inspection.
With so many different sets of building codes to comply with (electricians have theirs, plumbers have theirs, etc.) and each one often taking years to master, it’s virtually impossible for a home inspector to know all of them –especially since they also vary from place to place and change with time too. So what does an inspector really focus on? SAFETY. Above all else, a home inspector should perform a careful evaluation of the systems of the home which can often be (or become) hazardous to occupants or residents.
Water penetration, potential mold growth, fire hazards, electrocution, noxious fumes, and structural concerns are some of the primary points of focus for safety. Then, we worry about the safety of your dollars, trying to point out things that might be in need of repair or appear to be nearing the end of their useful lives.
TO PASS OR FAIL, IS THERE AN IN-BETWEEN?
After a home inspection, the inspector usually writes up a detailed report, often 50+ pages long including photos and descriptions of their findings. It’s basically impossible to sum up so much into a pass or fail. What if the electrical system looks good, but the plumbing appears old? What if the pipes are “a little old” but
not “very old”? How would one go about prioritizing, delineating, and weighing each finding to ascertain a passing or failing remark? With so much variety in homes, it’s virtually impossible. Much like merely using a blood-test to check someone’s health often misses what a holistic approach may provide, simplifying things into a pass-or-fail creates an oversimplification of a very nuanced subject. What one person might consider minor, someone else might consider major. So the question remains: Do you want to pass, potentially oversimplifying or skipping details? One thing’s for sure: Skipping a home inspection when buying a home can definitely lead to failure.
Refael (Ralph) Mizrahi is a licensed home inspector (# 24GI00244900) and home improvement contractor (# 13VH13128400) in NJ who strives to educate homeowners and homebuyers on all aspects of their homes. Visit smartstartservices.com for a full bio.
Say you saw it in the IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
NYGC
on the Production Line
HOW CONSTRUCTION LUMBER is made.
You’re excited that you’re finally building that deck extension you’ve been planning as the family grew, and you watch the workmen with interest lugging the pieces of wood to be formed into the new porch.
Have you ever thought about those pieces of wood and how exactly they become these uniform planks ready for construction?
Maybe you’ve even visited a lumber yard, but did you stop and think how the wood is actually brought there and made?
Time to follow these beauties through their journey from trees to ready building material!
In the United States, most trees destined to be cut into lumber are grown in managed forests either owned by the lumber company or leased from the government.
WHAT EXACTLY IS LUMBER?
Lumber is a generic term that applies to various lengths of wood used as construction materials. Pieces of lumber are cut lengthwise from the trunks of trees and are characterized by having generally rectangular or square cross sections, as opposed to poles or pilings, which have round cross sections.
Since way back in history lumber has been used as a material in building. In North America in particular, wood became the principal building material when European colonists found vast forests of trees on the newly discovered continent.
Lumber produced in early sawmills had varying dimensions depending on the customer’s specific order or the mill’s standard practice. Today, lumber pieces used in construction have standard measurements and are divided into three categories, depending on the thickness of the piece: boards, dimensions, and timbers.
THE PROCESS
Headrig Sawing or Bandsawing Resawing Drying or
Grade Stamping and Banding
Step 1
FELLING
Selected trees in an area are visually inspected and marked as being ready to be cut down, or felled. If a road does not already exist in the area, one is cut and graded using bulldozers. Most tree felling is done with gasoline-powered chain saws. Afterward, the cut trees are dragged to a clearing for loading using special diesel-powered tractors called skidders. In cases where the ground is too steep, a special mechanism is used to lower the trees to the trucks.
Step 3
BUCKING
On the way in with the chain conveyor, the logs are stopped momentarily as a huge circular saw cuts them into predetermined lengths. This process is called bucking and the saw is called a bucking saw.
Step 2
DEBARKING
The trees are transported by truck to a lumber mill and are on a chain conveyor. There, the outer bark of the log is removed either with sharp-toothed grinding wheels or with a jet of highpressure water, while the log is slowly rotated.
Step 4
HEADRIG SAWING OR
BANDSAWING
Thick logs are put onto moveable carriages on rails. There, optical sensors scan the log and a computer calculates the best cutting pattern for each log. A worker called the headrig sawyer reviews the suggestions and makes a series of cuts by feeding the log through a vertical bandsaw.
The smaller logs are fed through a series of bandsaws to cut them into small pieces between 1 and 4 inches thick, in one go.
Step 6
DRYING OR SEASONING
The cut wood pieces are dried or seasoned to prevent decay. This process differs based on the type and size of wood.
Step 5
RESAWING
The large cut pieces from the headrig saw, called cants, are laid flat and moved by chain conveyor to multipleblade bandsaws, where they are cut into the required widths and the outside edges are trimmed square. The pieces that were cut from smaller logs may also pass through multiple-blade bandsaws to cut them to width. If the pieces are small enough that they do not need further cutting, they may pass through a chipper, which grinds the uneven edges square.
Step 7
PLANING
The dried pieces of lumber are passed through planers, where rotating cutting heads trim the pieces to their final dimensions, smooth all four surfaces, and round the edges.
Step 8
GRADE STAMPING AND BANDING
Each piece of lumber is visually or mechanically inspected and graded according to the amount of defects present. The grade is stamped on each piece, along with information about the moisture content, and a mill identification number. The lumber is then bundled according to the type of wood, grade, and moisture content, and the bundle is secured with steel bands. The bundle is loaded on a truck or train and shipped to a lumber yard for resale to customers. There are very few pieces of perfect lumber. Even though great care is taken to avoid or minimize defects when sawing the wood to the required sizes, there are almost always some defects present. The number and location of these defects determine the grade of the lumber, and the purchaser must choose the grade that is appropriate for each specific application.
...and voila your builder has material to do his job!
ARCHITECT REVIEW
THIS MONTHFRANK
LLOYD
WRIGHT SR.
AMERICAN ARCHITECT 1893-1959
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT WAS BORN AND RAISED IN RURAL WISCONSIN. GROWING UP HE WAS SURROUNDED BY INSTABILITY AND POVERTY AS HIS PARENTS STRUGGLED TO MAKE A LIVING, BUT FROM A YOUNG AGE HIS MOTHER ANNA LLOYD JONES INSTILLED IN HIM A PASSION TO BUILD BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS. ACCORDING TO WRIGHT’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY, ANNE EVEN DECORATED HER NEWLY BORN SON’S NURSERY WITH PICTURES OF ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE FROM A NEWSPAPER TO ENCOURAGE THE INFANT’S AMBITION.
STYLE/SPECIALTY:
Wright believed in designing in harmony with humanity and the environment, a philosophy he called Organic Architecture. This philosophy was exemplified in his Fallingwater design, which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture”.
FAMOUS PROJECTS:
Aside from the Fallingwater project which we will be taking a detailed look into, Wright is famous for his design of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and the Marin County government centre near San Francisco.
The Guggenheim Museum was commissioned as early as 1943 to house a permanent collection of abstract art. Construction began in 1956, and the museum opened in 1959 after Wright’s death. The Guggenheim, which has no separate floor levels but instead uses a spiral ramp, realized Wright’s ideal of a continuous space and is one of his most significant buildings. The Marin County complex is Wright’s only executed work for government, and the only one that integrates architecture, highway, and automobile, a concept that had long preoccupied Wright.
HARDSHIPS: Although his creativity and expertise was admired, Wright experienced lots of difficulty in acquiring major commissions because of his unfortunate tendency of egocentric and unconventional behaviour and the scandals that surrounded his private life.
Construction Cleaning,
Get your new house cleaned to the highest standards, Our experienced team will clean every inch of your space, so you can enjoy moving in to your fresh home!
Post
FALLING WATER
STEWART TOWNSHIP, SOUTHWEST PA
BUILT 1935
Fallingwater is a house designed by Wright in 1935. Situated in Stewart Township, Pennsylvania, it was built partly over a waterfall on the Bear Run River. The house was designed to serve as a weekend retreat for a famous couple named Liliane and Edger J. Kaufman - owner of Pittsburgh’s Kaufmann’s Department Store.
The Kaufmans got to know Wright through their son Edgar kaufmann Jr. who went to study under Wright’s architecture program. The Kaufmans owned the remote property in PA which originally had a small cabin near the waterfall. When the cabin detieriorated, they hired Wright to redo the property.
According to Frank Llyod Wright’s apprentices the Fallingwater design came about under extraordinary circumstances. Kaufman called Wright a few months after hiring, saying that he’s surprising him with a visit to his home. Wright, who’d told Kaufman in earlier communications that he’d been making progress on the plans but had actually done nothing, remained unfazed even as his apprentices started getting nervous. After breakfast that morning, he calmly drew the plans in the two hours it took for Kaufmann to drive over to him!
stone from local quarries) and cantilevered terraces were intended to resemble the nearby rock formations, while the windows and balconies extended into their surroundings.
The main house was completed in 1938 and the guest house was completed the following year. The total cost of $155,000, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to about $3.4 million these days. Additionally, the house was partially restored in 2001 with an estimated total cost of $11.5 million.
Fallingwater was the Kaufmann family’s weekend home, where they would retreat from the heat and smoke of industrial Pittsburgh, from 1937 until 1963. Including the time period after Edger J. Kaufman died when it was used by his son. After that, Edgar Kaufmann Jr. donated the property to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy so it could be properly maintained and preserved as per his father’s wishes.
“[WRIGHT] UNDERSTOOD THAT PEOPLE WERE CREATURES OF NATURE, HENCE AN ARCHITECTURE WHICH CONFORMED TO NATURE WOULD CONFORM TO WHAT WAS BASIC IN PEOPLE.”
There was a lot of arguing between Kaufmann and Wright regarding the plans. Wright took offense when Kaufmann mentioned his concerns of durability, but they eventually worked it out. Wright had also changed the plan from a cabin with a view of the cascades, to a house atop the waterfall, and it took time for Kaufmann to get used to the ideas.
Further changes were made to the plans by adding additional bedrooms so the Kaufmanns could host large groups of people. The final drawings were issued by Wright in March of 1936 and work began on the bridge and main house in April.
Wright planned the house to blend into its natural settings in rural Pennsylvania therefore he used only two colors, a light ocher for the concrete and his signature Cherokee red for the steel. The stone walls (made of
Edgar Kaufman said about the house, “[Wright] understood that people were creatures of nature, hence an architecture which conformed to nature would conform to what was basic in people. For example, although all of Falling Water [sic] is opened by broad bands of windows, people inside are sheltered as in a deep cave, secure in the sense of the hill behind them.”
Even the interior components integrate the natural material to give an overall organic vibe. Some of the interior designs include: a fireplace hearth in the living room using boulders found on the site where the home was built, a rock ledge protruding up to a foot through the living room floor left in place effectively linking the outside to the inside, and waxed stone floors giving the impression of a flowing stream with the plain rocks sticking into it. Furthermore, the glass windows run into a caulked space in the stonework giving a flawlessly smooth impression with no noticeable caulking. There is also a stairway leading from the living room down to an isolated platform at the stream below. The bedrooms are small, most with low ceilings, to encourage people outward. The furnishings were also designed by Wright.
The strong horizontal and vertical lines are a distinctive feature of Fallingwater.
Miniature replica of the Fallingwater building at MRRV, at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.
photo credit: Raunaq Gupta
Falling Water in real life------
The interior of Fallingwater, showing a sitting area with furnishings designed by Wright.
photo credit: Jeffrey Neal at the English Wikipedia
The cantilevers at Fallingwater photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Driveway leading to the entrance of Fallingwater photo credit: Surfsupusa
SPECS IN NUMBERS
380
8 of Wright’s building designs came to fruition!
1,000 structures
over a creative period of years buildings designed by Wright were designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2019!
70
After it was completed, Fallingwater was featured in various magazines of that time, and designated a National Historic Landmark on May 11, 1976.
In 1991, members of the American Institute of Architects named it the “best alltime work of American architecture”.
Furthermore, in 2019, the house and seven other Wright constructions were inscribed as World Heritage Sites under the title, “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright”.
INSIDE
OUT
WHEN THE BEAUTY OF OUTDOORS AND THE COMFORT OF INDOORS MEET
Suppose you closed your eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and landed in the backyard fantasy of your dreams. Lush landscape design of blooming flowers and blossoming trees surround you, and an inviting crystal clear pool and bubbling hot tub are off to the far end. A colorful play area greets you, replete with a trampoline, zip line and a biking track that winds around the property. A stately outdoor kitchen and charming rustic bar begs to invite friends and family to party.
And, of course, this breathtaking scene would not be complete without an impressive pergola amid this oasis of calm.
Meet LiVout. Creators of pergolas and outdoor spaces.
Built upon a desire to improve the quality of outdoor living and dining, LiVout combines a passion for detailed construction and a commitment to connecting with our clients by getting to know their distinct needs, thus revolutionizing the ‘live-out’ industry.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
How do we do that?
We partner with leading pergola brands, manufactured in both the US and internationally, and are constantly on the lookout for innovative and revolutionary products to enhance outdoor living.
These partnerships enable us to expand the variety of available options for our customers, as we will oftentimes deal with more than one brand simultaneously to create a specific outcome.
A backyard’s statement piece
Designed with natural-looking wood, sleek black metal, and bold white finishes, our pergolas effortlessly blend into your home’s elegant exterior.
Whether you go with the louvered look, retractable roof, glass or screened walls, there is something uniquely beautiful about a pergola that is just right for your home.
Beauty aside, what is a pergola’s main function?
Depending on the type of pergola you choose, it functions as a shady space amid the sunny outdoors, an all-season family room, and/or a Succah.
A little rich history.
Pergolas have a vibrant history that dates back thousands of years.
The earliest known pergolas can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used as shaded walkways in gardens. These structures were primarily made of wood and were often covered with vines or other climbing plants to create a natural canopy that provided relief from the harsh sun.
Later, the Romans were known for their love of gardens, and pergolas played a significant role in their outdoor spaces.
They were often constructed from stone columns with wooden beams, and like the Egyptians, the Romans used climbing plants to create shade. Much like the modern pergola, the pergolas of ancient Rome were not only functional but also served as architectural features that enhanced the beauty of the garden.
The Italian influence on garden design spread throughout Europe, and pergolas became a common feature in French and English gardens as well.
By the 19th century, pergolas had become a popular feature in the grand estates and country homes of Europe and the United States. The Victorian era, in particular, saw the use of ornate, cast-iron pergolas that were often integrated into the overall design of the garden or attached to the house.
In the 20th century, pergolas began to be made from a wider range of materials, including metal, concrete, and synthetic materials. They also became more accessible to the general public, as gardens and outdoor living spaces became more common in suburban homes.
Today’s Pergolas
Today, pergolas are a popular feature in residential and commercial landscapes around the world. They create shaded outdoor spaces, define garden areas, and serve as architectural focal points. Modern pergolas come in a variety of styles and materials, ranging from traditional wood designs to sleek, contemporary structures made from aluminum or steel. The use of retractable canopies, shade sails, and other modern innovations has further expanded the versatility of pergolas in contemporary outdoor design.
The enduring appeal of pergolas lies in their ability to blend functionality with aesthetic beauty, making them a timeless feature in garden and landscape design and family living.
Vista+ Veray, actual project Monsey NY
Vanchor, actual project Airmont NY
Premium LiVout Spaces
Roof Variations
Vista
Retractable Roof Pergola
Veray
Louvered Pergola
Vanchor
Fixed Paneled Pergola
Shayd
Instant Cassette Shade System
Wall Variations
Vetro
Glass Wall System
Canva
Screened Wall
“A pergola can be installed on a patio, porch or rooftop. It can be freestanding or affixed to your home.“
Timing Pricing and Handling
A LiVout pergola can be installed as fast as three weeks, and up to twelve weeks after the approved design, depending on the precise details. To date, we’ve delivered and installed multiple custom pergolas within three weeks of approval!
A custom pergola is a luxury product, offering quality of outdoor life at its best. Its price point begins at around 20k and the sky is literally (almost;) the limit. We do offer some more economic options like Shayd, an instant cassette shade system.
And of course, we offer payment plans, for you to enjoy your outdoor space today.
Go the LIVout route
Unparalleled craftsmanship, patient and responsive customer service, on-time delivery and installation and product guarantee.
It’s simple. Spacious pleasure is so easily attainable!
You contact us. We plan, design and price.
You visit our showroom & receive 3-D renderings to best visualize your pergola. (Optional, of course.)
You place your order. We update you along the process.
We install your pergola. You are fully satisfied, guaranteed! 1 2 3 4
Enhancing. Upgrading. Elevating. Pergolas. Plus.
Our clients’ comfort is our utmost concern.
With upgrades and enhancements to make your outdoor living more comfortable and beautiful, choose from sleek ceiling fans, outdoor air conditioning and/or heat, builtin LED lighting strips and custom fixtures, waterproof privacy shades, and so much more.
Tell us what you envision, and we’ll try to make that happen.
No longer an outdoor fantasy of yours, LiVout is here to actualize your dreams.
Get your outdoor space and enjoy each season’s beauty.
914-280-4411
livoutspace.com
Veray (closed louvers) - Actual project Monsey, NY
Veray (open louvers) - Actual project Airmont, NY
THE BOH SHOW IN ACTION AND REACTION
The 2024 Build and Management Summit
When we at The NYGC heard about the BOH show being quality vs. quantity we were intrigued.
Now in the aftermath, we are here to report that the event was an absolute success. It was a pleasure meeting all of you who were there! Missed it? Here are some of the hilights, and comments from the attending people...
Let me take you on a little tour...
Upon entering the venue - Bellworks in Holmdel, NJexhibitors were greeted by a welcoming arch and a red carpet to complete their grand entrance.
After that it was time to sign in, receive a welcome package with exhibitor badges and head on over to the booth area.
Morning found the majority of exhibitors finishing their booth setup and heading on over to the food station for some much needed fuel, and I can assure you they were not disappointed. The sheer amount of food was a marvel on its own, and the food itself was next level. For breakfast, you could get your custom pizza, warm out of a pizza oven. Mhhm... Just thinking about it is making me hungry.
In the back, you can see some seating set up for people to enjoy their food.
“ “ WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Every minute, I meet other people!” -Lucid Windows and Doors
“We’re here today in hopes of earning new business and meeting new people.” -Ace Fire Protection
“It’s going amazing; lots of people, lots of relationships.” -Bluestone Brokerage
“I’ve met so many wonderful people here, so many opportunities. I just want to say, Powwow, this was a knock out of the park, today’s show!” -Kando
“The Powwow event has delivered on many fronts.”
“I want to thank everyone for coming. What an unbelievable turnouthad a great show that collaborates many different people in the field.” -P&G Insurance Brokers
“Outstanding show; we made a whole bunch of contacts.” -OceanStone
“We met a lot of people; hope to close a couple of deals.”
“This show has been one of the best shows we’ve ever been by.”
“Lots of great food, great entertainment.” -Home Surplus
“Joel Wall and his team pulled it off again. Shoutout to all of you guys!”
“Powwow is awesome; they’re always there to pump up everybody and to pay to make everyone happy.”
“Great vibes, great food, great new people to meet.”
“They keep crushing it and I’m sure we’ll be on their next event pretty soon!” -Bluestone Brokerage
“To the Powwow team, thank you again for putting together such an amazing show.”
There were some eye-catching exhibit setups. One of the booths had a full bathtub brought down. We got some cool handouts like a pack of sticky notes resembling a stacked pallet, a little ceramic animal figure growing grass from its back, a mini garbage can replica, some bath bombs, and the ever-present personalized company pens. You gotta refill your stock of pens that never work, huh?:)
Here we are with Jacob at the NYGC booth!
The rest of the day’s food was amazing, but the epic top-off was at the VIP dinner after-party! Check it out, there were meat-carving stations, grills, cocktail stations, a smores bar, cigar rolling and hookah smoking, as well as awesome entertainment including live music. All in all, it lent the perfect vibe for some good old casual conversation and fun. What a great way to end a successful day.
I keep describing the food, the entertainment, and the interesting perks, but what the show brought about most of all was the time and space to meet new clients, network, and form new relationships.
Powwow Events has outdone themselves by presenting an event beyond all expectations. I hope to be there with you next time!
THE AFTERMATH HOW TO SOLIDIFY NEW CONNECTIONS
1
2 3
Reach out and reintroduce yourself, mentioning any points discussed at the show which stand out in your mind.
Don’t delay; the more time you let pass, the hazier the memory will become and you don’t want all that investment to go to waste!
Maintain the relationship for further growth. Keep relevant parties involved throughout the year by sending periodic emails and offers, or by checking in with them.
WINNERS!
Thank you to all of you out there who submitted such outstanding submissions! Each and every one was a masterpiece, but we did have to pick two. AND NOW...... our winners are..... DRUMROLL!!!
(Turn the page to find out!)
T.F. AGE 17
Great job with the details and measurements!
Beautiful layoutrooms are laid out in a convenient way. generous closet space in the playroom
Great window placement, but I’d recommend additional windows to bring in more natural lightespecially in the playroom and kitchen where families tend to spend the most time.
I like the location of the wash-room near the bedrooms tucked in the back corner of the house, so visitors don’t need to see any mess of laundry.
The playroom is in a great spot next to the kitchen and living/dining room, but it would be even better if we were to add an additional doorway into the living room, so the adults can relax there on a lengthy Shabbos afternoon while keeping an ear out for trouble in the playroom.
Overall, very impressive! Keep practicing, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be doing this professionally one day!
All the best,
RUCHEL’A FRIEDMAN
AGE 12
Once again, amazing job here!
The details are labeled and measurements are clearly noted.
Beautiful, spacious kitchen.
I love the way you placed windows at each countertop, that’s the best spot to get the light flowing in.
I also like how you cut the edge off the master bedroom, to give the kitchen entrance more space.
In general, I’d recommend putting the kitchen closer to the front of the house and the kid’s bedroom in the back, for convenience when serving in the dining room and to minimize noise levels when the kids sleep.
so warm and homey!
Amazing job! Thank you for joining; keep learning and I’m sure you’ll go very far!
All the best,
Design Architecture +
The way we design our living spaces has a profound impact on our day-to-day lives.
Join us in exploring different trends and issues in today’s Architectural Design Field, and how the world has evolved in architectural design throughout the ages!
Contributed
by:
Silverlock Design Group
DesignDeck
It’s that time of year again. The days are shorter, the weather cooler, but you don’t want to leave the outdoors yet. It’s at times like these that we find ourselves hanging out on our porches, etching the greenery into our minds until next summer, and watching those beautiful autumn hues come to life.
Here are some tips on how to best preserve your deck space from the outdoor elements and have it be as cozy and warm as possible for maximum use.
FURNITURE
First of all, an empty deck is only half the space - you’ve got to fill it with some furniture to add that inviting feel. What material types should you get for the blustery outdoors? Aluminum, plastic, concrete or teak wood are the most durable and therefore best recommended. Keep away from iron, steel, wicker and outdoor cushions. They may look nice, but won’t hold up long.
There are so many different furnishings you can go for. You can utilize an assortment of elements from the following categories to complete your space: seating, tables, and storage.
Seating: Use hammocks, patio swings, lounge chairs, ottomans and even outdoor couches to make your space functional and comfortable.
Tables: Place a coffee table, countertop or end table strategically to minimize space invasion while still broadening your options for using the porch.
Storage: If you utilize your porch for outdoor cooking, crafting or other activities specifically done in that area, it’s smart to keep the supplies outdoors in a portable cupboard or storage chest. Make sure whatever you are keeping there is safely sealed from the elements to avoid sun/water damage.
LIGHTING
Use light to bring your porch to life. Landscape lighting, abmiance lighting, and area-specific lighting will create a relaxing atmosphere.
If you pre plan your outdoor space you can pull electricity to the desired location which will be the simplest option for having lighting.
Otherwise, you can use solar lights or string lights so you don’t have to deal with wires. Outdoor sconces are a good option when you don’t have any rooftops or overhangs. Finally, a firepit can also light up an area if it works with your deck.
UPGRADES
You can take your porch space to the next level by separating it into distinct designated areas:
A Conversation Area - Use coffee tables with tabletop lamps, chairs, a firepit or patio heater and ambient lighting.
An Outdoor Kitchen Area - Incorporate a countertop and grill with some bar stools for the perfect little cooking nook. Outdoor cooking space can still be in use during the colder months as long as there’s some sort of rooftop or awning protecting it. The heat from the cooking element will keep the area warm and comfy.
A Lounging Area- Feature a patio swing for endless rocking and relaxation. I can assure you there is absolutely nothing like it; the weightlessness you experience when swinging - combined with the utter tranquility of the crisp autumn night air is the perfect way to unwind after a long day spent preparing for Yom Tov (or even on Yom Tov itself)!
When it comes to swings there are a couple of options to choose from.
Support Types: Attaching it to a roof above is neat and takes up the least amount of space. You have to make sure the structure you are hanging it up on can take the weight, and if you do that, you cannot routinely change the location of it. Having it on a stand is bulkier, but it means you can put it anywhere and move it around. Seating: Single seaters are more comfortable to sit on. Moving furniture like a swing can be uncomfortable to share with another person. Some people do like it because with individual swings it’s hard to interact with another person if the swings aren’t facing each other. Don’t forget to use throws and pillows to enhance the comfiness!
FAKE FLOWERS/PLANTS:
Artificial plants are a simple and low-maintenance option if you don’t have time to take care of your plants, and are especially convenient in the winter. At the same time, it does lack authenticity and will not give you the same benefits as live plants. If you think you can handle real plants try Japanese yew, Evergreen plants or Compact Oregon Grape plants. These will hold up well in the winter.
Happy Deck-orating;)!
“ Transform your outdoor space into a daily haven, not just an occasional getaway.”
The Vacation Illusion: A Reality Check
Whenever I travel, I catch myself thinking that locals are perpetually on vacation, relaxed and carefree. Similarly, we often fantasize about our own outdoor spaces, envisioning leisurely afternoons on our deck. But reality sets in: our carefully crafted oases often gather dust, unused.
Why? We position our decks in spots perfect for occasional escapes, but inconvenient for daily use. The result? Our tranquil retreats become neglected, reserved for rare, blue moon moments.
The takeaway is simple: practicality trumps aesthetics. For a deck to become a true sanctuary, it needs easy access, integrating seamlessly into our daily routine.
Design with functionality in mind:
- Locate decks near main living areas
- Ensure effortless flow between indoors and outdoors
- Prioritize comfort and usability
Transform your outdoor space into a daily haven, not just an occasional getaway.
- Jacob Surkis
