Rock Solid Builders, Inc's Blog

2012 Pre-Season Specials

2012-01-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

This winter has been the winter that didn't happen or at least it feels like that to us here at RSB. We have enjoyed the milder temps which have allowed us to comfortably continue to build decks all winter. Although the snow is almost all melted and there isn't any snow in the upcoming forecast, it is beginning to look like spring. With spring comes a flurry of activity in the deck building world and it is our busiest time of the year. With that busyness comes a back up in our schedule and we tend to be scheduled out anywhere from a few weeks to up to two months come spring.

To encourage our customers to start thinking about and planning their projects now, we are offering all new contracts signed by 02/15/12 with 5% OFF the total cost of the project. We are also offering FREE HIDDEN FASTENERS in addition to the 5% off on all new Trex deck contracts signed by 02/15/12.

If you have received an estimate in previous years, please contact us for an updated estimate with adjusted pricing. We can be reached at (815)363-7133 or visit our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. We look forward to partnering with you to plan your home improvement projects!

HGTV & RSB

2012-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

We have been super excited about this upcoming news for several months and are finally announcing our partnership with HGTV host and deck designer from the hit shows Decked Out and Deck Wars! You probably have seen Paul and his crew on Decked Out on HGTV or on the DIY Network last year! In 2012, Rock Solid Builders is partnering with Paul Lafrance to offer our customers the HGTV look right here in our area even though Paul and his team are located in Canada!

We have met Paul several times at our annual TrexPro Summits and our last meeting in Las Vegas was very exciting. Paul has been designing and building beautiful outdoor spaces for years through his company, Cutting Edge Construciton. Now he is able to share that with select builders throughout the world. Because of our relationship with Trex and Paul, our customers now have direct access through RSB to an HGTV host and designer to design their space!

If one of our customers is interested in this service, we would provide the initial consultation regarding the project including taking all necessary measurements and pictures of the home. Then RSB would provide the details to Paul and his crew to design an amazing outdoor space worthy of being on TV! This is a very exciting option we can now provide our customers.

To discuss more about this fee-based design service, please call our office at (815)363-7133 or visit our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. Now is the time to plan your space designed by an HGTV host and built by RSB!

Trex Pergolas

2012-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Pergolas are such a great way to add interest as well as shade to a new deck or an existing deck or patio. We have built dozens of wood pergolas over the years in both treated pine and cedar. They have been free-standing and also attached to the house. A common question that we are asked by our Trex customers is if Trex has a pergola to match the low-maintenance of their Trex deck.

Rock Solid Builders is excited that Trex has developed their own Pergola line made with low-maintenance TrexTrim cellular PVC. The pergolas can be free-standing or attached to the house. With a Trex pergola, you won't have to worry about rotting, fading, or splitting for decades. They are also extremely strong and designed to meet 140 mph winds. They aren't just practical, but they are beautiful in person! We were lucky to see them in person at the most recent TrexPro Summit in Las Vegas. To learn more, visit www.trexpergola.com or contact us today at (815)363-7133 or www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com for a free estimate!

End of the Year Savings Event

2011-12-07T09:02:00.001-08:00

As we come to a close in 2011, we look ahead to the upcoming year. At Rock Solid Builders, we pride ourselves in the fact that we build decks year-round and are currently scheduling for January deck installs.

To celebrate the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, we are offering 15% Off all Trex deck contracts signed by 12/31/2011 for January and February installs! In addition to the 15% Off all Trex decks, we are also offering new Trex customers with free hidden-fasteners which are an upgrade valued at $1.50 per square foot. This is the first time we have offered this great of savings on Trex decks and the savings are not over! Trex deck customers with decks valued over $10K will also receive $500 in free Trex Lighting of their choice by signing a new contract by 12/31/2011. These savings cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts we have run.

The huge benefits of installing a Trex Transcend deck in the winter is that Transcend decks have a 25 year limited stain and fade warranty for residential installs which means your deck built in winter will look brand new in the spring! Also, if we build a new Trex deck for our customers over the winter, we are going to provide a free spring inspection and cleaning to ensure that your deck looks brand new in the spring!

Rock Solid Builders also has an end of the year promotion for all wood deck customers. We are offering 10% Off all wood deck contracts signed by 12/31/2011. This savings also cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.

These savings are off of 2011 pricing. Our costs have gone up every year and we are anticipating our costs to go up approximately 10 to 15% in 2012. By choosing to build your deck in the winter, you are not only getting these huge savings, you are also getting the savings off of the lower 2011 pricing before our increases take in effect in 2012.

Contact us today at (815)363-7133 or at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com for your free estimate and to start planning your dream deck!

Trex Color Visualizer

2011-12-07T08:52:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered what different color combinations would look like on your ideal Trex deck? Now you can design your own deck color combinations on Rock Solid Builders' website at http://www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com/trex_deck_visualizer.html

On Trex's visualizer, you can choose your deck shape, color combinations, and alter the house colors. It is truly remarkable and definitely an added tool in planning your project. Rock Solid Builders also has all the actual samples for you to review. Contact us today at (815)363-7133 to discuss your dream deck, schedule a free estimate, and view the samples in person.

Price Match Guarantee

2011-12-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

In this economy it has been detrimental for businesses to remain cost competitive. Our customers choose us because of our quality which provides them with long-term value by choosing a reputable and reliable contractor. RSB only has employees on staff which adds to our quality since our employees are trained and have been with our business for years compared to other contractors who only use sub-contractors. This adds to our cost, but even with these added costs we remain competitively priced.

We have continued to stress that we make every attempt to match any written estimate from another contractor. We realize that this economy has spurred a lot of one-man operations or even new businesses which are pricing projects much lower than us and in some cases below the actual cost of a project. We don't guarantee we can match these contractors, but we make every attempt to. If a customer receives another written estimate that is lower than ours, we are happy to review that estimate with the homeowner to make sure that we are comparing apples to apples and we try to price match as close as possible.

If you have any questions regarding our Price Match Guarantee, please don't hesitate to contact our office at (815)363-7133 or email us at office@rocksolidbuildersinc.com.

Trex Transcend Porch

2011-12-07T08:27:00.001-08:00

We were so excited to be able to see Trex Transcend Porch Flooring & Railing System in person at the TrexPro Summit in Las Vegas a few weeks back. The system provides all the benefits that our customers have grown to love with Trex Trancend, but it also finishes smooth and is virtually gap-free. The entire Trex Transcend Porch line is a great low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood porch components. You can learn more about this revolutionary product line at http://www.trex.com//plan/products/porch/trex-transcend-porch/index.htm.

Unadvertised Trex Specials through 10/31/11

2011-10-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

RSB has done it again! We are offering unadvertised specials on new Trex deck contracts signed by 10/31/11!! Our unadvertised specials can save you hundreds even thousands of dollars based on your project! Contact us today to discuss these savings at (815)363-7133 or on our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com!!

Unilock is a perfect addition to our family of products!

2011-10-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

RSB has been asked numerous times over the year if we also install paver patios. After many years of consideration and research, we are proud to announce our partnership with Unilock pavers! Similarly to the reason why we partner with the leading manufacturer of decking, Trex, we have chosen Unilock as our main source of paver patios because they were the first manufacturer of stone pavers and continue to be the innovating leader in paver patios. Unilock has dozens of choices of pavers to incorporate into your backyard design. RSB feels like paver patios are a terrific addition to your new deck project or even as a stand alone project. Whether you are looking for a deck and patio combination, a plain patio, or an elaborate stone entertaining area, Unilock and RSB have the solutions. We have found over the years that there are times when customers are looking at a deck as a solution to their ground level project, but decide on a paver patio as a more cost effective low-maintenance solution. RSB is proud to now be able to offer these solutions to homeowners to best fit their budget. To celebrate the pre-launch of our partnership we Unilock, we are offering 20% off a paver patio with Brussels pavers, 4x8 Hollandstone, and Richcliff. Brussels Block is the original tumbled paver of North America and continues to be one of their most popular product. Hollandstone is a traditional favorite that mimics brick, and Richcliff has a realistic embossed stone surface that looks stone pavers. You can learn more about these products at www.unilock.com. To view samples of these pavers in person or to get a free estimate, contact us today at (815)363-7133 or on our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. We look forward to the full launch of their products with RSB in 2012. In the meantime, contact us today to take advantage of 20% off! We are only offering 20% off these three product lines listed through 10/31/11 for installs to be completed before the end of November. We look forward to planning your dream outdoor project!

Fall is ideal deck building season!

2011-10-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Fall is the ideal time to build your new Trex Transcend deck. One of the many benefits of Trex Transcend is that it has a 25 year stain and fade warranty. This means that you can build your Trex deck in the fall or winter and have it look new in the spring. Another benefit of contracting to build your deck in the fall or winter is that the lead time to wait for RSB is only a couple of weeks long compared to an up to two month wait in the spring. RSB also raises prices due the rising cost of material in January. Take advantage of this year's pricing and contact us today to schedule your free estimate at (815)363-7133 or on our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com.

RSB attending TrexPro Summit in Las Vegas

2011-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Rock Solid Builders was proud to be invited to the presitgious annual TrexPro Summit held this year in Las Vegas. RSB is one of only a handful of contractors from Illinois invited. We will be receiving updates on the many Trex products including the new Trex Pergola line and Trex Elevations steel deck framing. We are exciting for the week's trainings and will share our knowledge will our customers when we return.

10% off Backyard America Pergolas in September

2011-09-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

In addition to our incredible basement savings in the month of September, we are also offering 10% off the purchase price and install price of a new pergola manufactured by Backyard America.

Backyard America has great alternatives to wood pergolas in their vinyl collection. Pergolas are a great way to bring shade into your yard and add visual interest. Pergolas can be built over an existing patio, deck, or even free-standing. You can view Backyard America's packages at http://www.backyardamerica.com/pergolas.htm.

We are offering 10% of the cost of the pergola kit and install if we do the install for you. This offer is for new contracts signed by 09/30/2011. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and to design your new pergola! We can be reached at (815)363-7133 or on our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com.

10% Off Basement Finishing in September!!

2011-09-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that fall is upon us and the holidays are right around the corner. You have spent the last several months enjoying the outside of your home and hopefully on a RSB built deck, but now it is time to starting planning inside projects. Finishing the basement is a great way to increase the value of your home while improving the time spent indoors over the cold months.

In the month of September only, we are offering 10% off all basement finishing projects for contracts signed by 09/30/2011. This adds up to substantial savings and by scheduling your project now, we can guarantee that the project will be completed by Thanksgiving which is just in time for family get togethers. Contact us today at (815)363-7133 or on our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com to schedule a free estimate!

Popular Trex Colors

2011-09-07T11:48:00.001-07:00

We are often asked what the most popular Trex colors our customers chose every year. This year has definitely been the year of Trex Transcend white posts and white fascia boards. Our customers have been choosing to mix the white with darker colored rails and decking. The most popular decking color has been Spiced Rum which is part of the Trex Transcend Tropics and has a pronounced range in color as well as darker streaking. This gives the illusion of real tropical hardwood.

We have also found customers have been choosing to mix Spiced Rum with a darker Vintage Lantern for a picture frame border and as the rails on the deck. This gives a unique contrast and was the same color combination that The Trex Company chose for the display decks we installed at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. This picture illustrates how the color combinations pop and how the white posts are a nice contrast that dresses up the look of the deck. The color combinations are endless. Contact us today to start planning your dream deck! We can be reached at (815)363-7133 or through our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com.

1/2 Off Trex Custom Bending

2011-08-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

For a limited time, RSB is offering all new Trex deck customers with 1/2 price custom curving of their Trex decking and/or railings. No longer will you be limited with straight-edged corners. You are now able to curve your deck to any shape you desire to match your home and landscape. RSB is the only contractor in the area that owns a Trex Custom Curve bending machine which allows us to bend Trex to the company's specifications. We can even provide you with a free deck design showing how a curved deck on your home adds unique interest to your property.

This is for new contracts signed by 09/15/2011 for a complete new Trex deck. For details call our office at (815)363-7133 or email us at office@rocksolidbuildersinc.com.

RSB has the Trex CustomCurve bending machine!

2011-08-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

RSB is one of only two TrexPro contractors in the state of Illinois that have purchased the Trex CustomCurve bending machine! This machine allows RSB to curve Trex decking, railings, and fascia to any curve while following the Trex guidelines by using their bending machine. We have used the machine already on The Merchandise Mart project and look forward to using it on more projects lined up later this month! Your design possibilities are no longer limited to square-edged decks, but your dream deck can be curved to any design your heart desires. Contact us today at (815)363-7133 for a free deck estimate and computer animated deck design.

August is Trex Savings Month at RSB!

2011-08-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

August is the month to save on a new Trex deck! We are excited to offer our Trex customers three promotions for any new Trex contract signed by 08/31/11 for September installs. They include the following:

1. Free Trex Hideaway stainless steel hidden fasteners on all Trex decking projects of any size.

2. $500 off Trex decks valued over $10K that have both Trex decking and Trex railings.

3. $500 in FREE Trex lighting of your choice on Trex decks valued over $20K that have both Trex decking and Trex railings.

These three promotions can be combined based on the value of the project to save potentially over $1K. There is still time to get your dream Trex deck built before Labor day! Don't delay in contacting us at (815)363-7133 for a free estimate!

RSB completed Trex deck displays at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago

2011-08-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Rock Solid Builders was honored to be the TrexPro contractor selected by The Trex Company to build their permanent deck display at the prestigious Merchandise Mart in Chicago. We completed the project over the spring time and it was a unique experience for our company.

It consisted of three separate small decks, two stationary decks and one deck on wheels that could be moved to the outside of the showroom to give the illusion that the deck continued through the glass showroom window. We had to purchase the Trex Custom Curve bending machine to complete these decks which had curved decking and railings. Our crews worked a tremendous amount of hours over a two week period to complete this project from pre-building the framing and curving all the pieces needed off site. Then the install had to happened over the course for three nights since power tools weren't able to be used during the day.

The color choices on these decks have since become the most popular color choices of the season. They include Trex Transcend Spiced Rum as the main decking, Vintage Lantern as the borders as well as rails, black aluminum round balusters, and white posts. There were also a variety of Trex lighting used as well. We can understand why Trex picked these color combinations because they are beautiful.

Rock Solid Builders is so proud to have been selected by The Trex Company to complete this project.

Anniversary Special

2011-03-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Rock Solid Builders is proud to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in business this month! To celebrate our anniversary, we are offering all new Trex deck customers 5% off and free hidden fasteners on their deck. The average customer is seeing savings of around $1,000 or more! Hidden fasteners are valued at $2 per square foot and they give a nice seamless appearance compared to face screws.

Rock Solid Builders has to receive the signed contract for the new Trex deck and deposit prior to 03/31/2011 to receive these discounts. Wood decks are not eligible for this promotion. Contact us today at (815)363-7133 or www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com to discuss how Rock Solid Builders can make your dream deck a reality with these incredible savings!

RSB is now offering financing through First Midwest Bank!

2011-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce that RSB is now offering a variety of financing options for our projects directly through First Midwest Bank! We will provide our customers with a brochure listing options and a local representative to contact to discuss your individual needs for your project during your estimating appointment.

Your dream project can now be a reality with Rock Solid Builders and financing from First Midwest Bank! Contact us today to schedule a free estimate at (815)363-7133 or through email at office@rocksolidbuildersinc.com! We look forward to making your dreams a reality!

10% off Basement Finishing in February!

2011-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Rock Solid Builders is proud to offer all customers 10% off their complete basement finishing project for the entire month of February 2011! If you have ever thought about finishing your basement, now is the time to take advantage of this rare savings. This savings applies to all previous estimates we have provided and any future estimates in the month of February. Contact us today at (815)363-7133 or office@rocksolidbuildersinc.com to schedule a free estimate and to get more details!

Trex Summit 2010 in Miami

2010-12-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Rock Solid Builders was blessed to be one of only three contractors in the state to be invited to an exclusive TrexPro Summit in Miami last week. We had a great time at this function and learned many things that we are going to apply to our business in 2011.

RSB is proud to be purchasing the Trex Custom Curve bending machine in 2011 which will allow us to heat up Trex boards to create curved decks. We will be the only local contractor creating curved Trex decks with this system. Pictures and video will be posted soon!

We also loved seeing Trex's new furniture line. Contact us today to find out how you can get upwards of 30% off this line of low-maintenance outdoor furniture. You can view this beautiful collection at http://www.trexfurniture.com/furniture-styles.html. Make sure to contact us first before placing your order.

The last thing we are super excited about is Trex's development of their own line of low-voltage LED deck lighting. RSB has been using deck lighting for years, but we are excited to be able to get these high-end lights directly through Trex in 2011. To learn more about Trex's lighting, please visit http://www.trex.com/plan/products/lighting/trex-deck-lighting/index.htm

2011 is going to be an exciting year at RSB! Contact us today to start planning your dream deck!

November & December are the best times to build a Trex deck!

2010-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

So often people think that the fall and winter aren't good times to build a new deck. This is the farthest from the truth. November and December tend to be the best times to build a new deck for a variety of reasons. You might be thinking we are crazy because you probably believe, "How often can we really enjoy a new deck when the weather starts getting colder?". We beg to differ. Check out these great reasons to consider building your dream deck in the months of November and December!

1. 2010 Lower Trex Pricing - RSB has observed the cost of Trex increase every year. Because of this there is a large possibility that the cost of Trex will continue to increase in 2011 and our cost of labor tends to also increase at the beginning of every year. November and December start dates are great because you can get your deck built before the price increases in January.

2. Quicker Start Dates - RSB tends to be booked 6 to 8 weeks out starting in the spring and through the summer. You can conceivably have your project start 2 to 4 weeks from when you receive a signed contract in the month of October.

3. Enjoy Grilling on Your New Deck - Grilling tends to be a colder month activity especially with football season. Wouldn't it be great to actually enjoy grilling on your new Trex deck?

4. Incorporating a Fireplace or Fire Pit - A great way to enjoy your new Trex deck during the cooler months is by incorporating a fireplace or fire pit into your new deck design. Even free-standing units are beautiful to look at. That is illustrated in the deck we built that is photographed on the header of our website.

5. Have a Deck Completed to Enjoy Right Away in the Spring - Before you know it the winter is over and spring has sprung. How great would it be to already have your new deck waiting for you when the weather starts warming up? You wouldn't have to wait for scheduling to enjoy it and with Trex Transcend's fade resistance it will look just as good come spring as it does when it is installed in November or December.

You can't go wrong with deciding to make the investment in a new Trex Deck for an install in November or December. Contact us today for your free estimate at (815)363-7133 or through our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. We look forward to discussing your dream plans!

RSB is Quoted in McHenry County Magazine

2010-09-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Rock Solid Builders is excited to be quoted for the second time in McHenry County Magazine. The first article was in the summer of 2009 and it was related to deck building including the benefits of Trex products. This month's article is about Basement Finishing. We were proud to be contacted by the magazine for the second time and to be the expert in the county on basement finishing. The entire article can be read on McHenry County Magazine's website at http://www.mchenrycountymagazine.com/articles/2010/08/26/basement_getaway/index.xml.

As the weather cools down, now is the time to start planning on finishing your basement to enjoy the colder months inside your home. Contact us today for a free estimate!

RSB's New Website!

2010-08-25T11:25:00.001-07:00

Rock Solid Builders is proud to announce our new website, www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. We have been contemplating a complete makeover of our site for over a year and finally took the plunge this year. We are very happy with the results of the new site and are excited to have a more user friendly gallery including updated pictures. A preview of one of our projects this year is below:

Visit our site today to see all that has changed including lots of pictures of recent projects.

Our Website is Under Construction

2010-08-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

After three years of having the same website, Rock Solid Builders is excited to have a completely new re-designed website. This weekend we are currently in the process of the transfer to the new site which has caused www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com to go down and our emails are not being received either. We currently have several people working on getting our new site and emails up as quickly as possible.

We apologize for the inconvenience and are anticipating it being up shortly. In the meantime, please feel free to visit our Trex profile page at http://www.trex.com/profile/default.aspx?PRO=36513TP or our facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/McHenry-IL/Rock-Solid-Builders-Inc/58316901321. Check back at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com for the new updated website within the next day or so. Thank you for your understanding.

Comparing Deck Estimates

2010-04-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

As spring is here, RSB is busy providing dozens of estimates monthly and it is very common for us to come across situations where homeowners are comparing several estimates for their project. There have been a couple of recent situations that should warrant a red flag being raised to a homeowner.

The most alarming is when one estimate is greatly lower than other estimates. When this is the case it is very common that either the contractor does not have enough knowledge on material cost to accurately bid the project or that the contractor is hiring illegal workers and/or doesn't have the proper insurance. These situations tend to end badly especially if the contractor realizes after starting the project that they are loosing money because the material is costing them more then they bid the job. It is situations like these where unethical contractors will walk off the job, not finish the project, or not pay their suppliers. If the suppliers don't get paid, then a lien can be put on a home. This obviously is a worst case scenario, but it is important for a homeowner to look at the possible consequences of choosing a particular contractor when looking at the cheapest estimate. Some of the questions that should be asked in this situation or whenever you are comparing estimates are the following:

1. Why are you so much cheaper than another contractor?
2. Have you priced out the material?
3. Where do you purchase material? (If it is a big box store, they probably don't have the best credit to use a lumberyard to purchase their material and this IS a red flag.)
4. How many similar projects have you successfully completed?
5. Do you have a reference list?
6. Do you have insurance and if I choose you, can I get a Certificate of Insurance?
7. Who is building my deck? Is it employees or sub-contractors?

Another red flag that was waived recently was when a homeowner from another part of the country called our business looking to see if we could build her a Trex Transcends gate and ship it over 1,000 miles to her home since the contractor building her deck didn't know how to build a gate which is something she wanted. In this situation, the gate should have been discussed at the time of estimating and added to the subsequent contract.

If there are missing details on the contract, ask questions to make sure they are added and also make sure you contractor knows how to build your custom features. This should be done prior to signing a contract and not while the deck is being built like this poor homeowner. In this situation I actually walked her through where to look up a Certified TrexPro Contractor on Trex's website in her area. I suggested she contact one of these contractors to build the gate on site which is they way it should be done.

I know it can be cumbersome to ask so many questions, but building a deck especially a Trex deck is a large investment. You want to make sure it is done right the first time! Spend the time upfront to know your contractor, check references, and iron out all the details. If you do this, you should be able to sit back in confidence while your new deck is being built and feel proud that you got it done right the first time!

Best of the Fox Voting!

2010-04-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

It is that time again where the Northwest Herald has opened up voting for their Best of the Fox nominations. Rock Solid Builders prides ourselves in our "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau and feels like the Best of the Fox awards would be a great way to show the community that we are McHenry County's Premier Deck Builder. Do you mind taking a moment to vote for at least 10 of your favorite businesses located in McHenry County? You can vote by clicking on the Best of the Fox voting in the upper right hand side at www.nwherald.com. Thank you in advance for voting Rock Solid Builders Inc as the Best of the Fox Deck Builder!

RSB is still the #1 Trex Builder located in McHenry County!

2010-03-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, Rock Solid Builders has continued to be the number one Trex builder located in McHenry County. McHenry County is where we grew up, where we run our business, and were we are happy to raise our family. We thoroughly enjoy working with the wonderful people that also call McHenry County their home! Thank you to all of our customers that have continued to spread the word about our company. We are forever grateful!

Have Confidence in Choosing Trex Decking

2010-03-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Rock Solid Builders is one of the largest Trex composite deck builders in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Because of this we quite frequently get contacted by different manufacturers of composite decking asking us to carry their product. We have looked into probably close to a dozen different manufacturers of composite decking and actually installed several different types of composite decking. There are a lot of things we have considered over the years when evaluating which composite manufacturer to partner with. The main reason we have chosen to offer Trex over any other composite decking is that our customers can be ensured that Trex will still be in business 25 years from the completion of their deck to ensure that their warranty will be honored. We have seem multiple composite decking companies go out of business or go bankrupt this past year while Trex is the strongest financially than they ever have been.

As a consumer, you are bombarded with different composite decking. You will see that by walking into all three of the main big box stores including Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes who each carry their own brands. If you also get multiple estimates from different decking contractors, you also are offered their main preferred decking. It is easy to be persuaded by a lower cost product that might look similar to Trex, but is nothing like Trex.

We realize that everyone has a budget that they must consider when deciding to build a new deck, but are you building a deck to look good for a year or do you want your deck to still look good after 5 or 10 or 25 years. You know the old saying, "You get what you pay for"? Composite decking is a great example of this. You might pay less for an off brand, but the quality will not be as good and believe me you can definitely tell. We have seen brands that have gone out of business that look terrible after just one year, but Trex has stood the test of time. They were the inventor of composite decking and continue to be the #1 manufacturer of composite decking. The new Trex Transcends is far superior then any other product on the market and we are proud to offer this new product which will look just as good 25 years from now as the day it was installed. So, although there are often imitators, there is only one leader in composite decking and that is Trex. To learn more, please visit our website at www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com or www.trex.com.

The Need to Hire a Professional

2010-03-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

As a avid watcher of the HGTV show, Holmes on Homes, I witness second-hand these desperate homeowners who put their trust into the wrong contractor only to come up with a botched project and usually they are out of money as well. If you have watched this program, I'm sure you can sympathize with these homeowners as I have. Last night's episode really struck home because it was regarding a second-story deck that detached from the home. There were four women on the deck at the time and each of them suffered terrible injuries. It is really a miracle that all four survived. This poor homeowner was taken by a contractor that didn't get the necessary permit and was not knowledgeable about deck building. With the help of Mike Holmes and his crew, this women now has a securely built second story and first story deck.

Although thank goodness we don't encounter too many of these types of circumstances first-hand, we have encountered situations where decks were definitely not built to code and not built with permits. We also hear quite frequently from homeowners that they have a laid off family member or friend, that is going to build them a new deck. I think it is very thoughtful to hire an unemployed carpenter to complete your project, but it is important to make sure you still get a permit to ensure the deck is built correctly. Also, just because someone is a carpenter, doesn't mean they know how to build a deck. I can't even tell you how many carpenters we encounter in the trades that have never built a deck and don't know how to design it let alone what is required by building code.

There is also the fact that as a homeowner you open yourself up from a liability standpoint when you hire someone that doesn't have his own commercial liability and worker's compensation insurance. If that carpenter gets injured at your house and does not have these policies, you would be liable. Also, if he does damage to your property, you would also be liable. It is important to contact an insurance agent to discuss these risks.

The last thing to consider if you choose to hire a family member or friend to complete your project, is that you could ruin your relationship with that person if it doesn't go over well. This might not be something that you would want to chance. If you are willing to chance this, make sure to get a signed proposal outlining all of the work being completed, who is purchasing the material, and payment terms. I know it might feel awkward to ask someone you know for a contract, but you should still do it to protect yourselves.

So in closing, if you are considering hiring a family member or friend to complete your new deck, make sure that they are knowledgeable regarding deck building and get the necessary permits. Also discuss the necessary insurance policies needed with your insurance agent and get a signed contract. If you decide to move forward with a professional, you might pay more up front, but you probably will be saving yourself headaches in the long run. It is up to you what type of risks you are willing to take on.

Rock Solid Builders is a professional deck building contractor that is fully insured, obtains permits on all projects, and has continued to have a complaint-free record with the Better Business Bureau. If you decide you don't want to risk having a family member or friend build your new deck, trust Rock Solid Builders to build you a deck to last!

RSB is Scheduling Deck Installs for February

2010-01-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

As I'm writing this, there is still a considerable amount of snow on the ground, but Rock Solid Builders is busy scheduling deck installs starting in February. We have already built decks in the winter this year and the ground is very frozen, but with patience and persistence, the pier holes are being dug. We have found that by the end of February, the ground begins to thaw and the frost line which currently is around 15 inches, drastically reduces in thickness.

It is important to note that if you are interested in possibly having a deck built in the spring, to contact us as soon as possible to set up an appointment. This will allow adequate time for us to iron out the details of your new deck and get on our schedule for the first round of installs for the spring. It truly is the best feeling for our customers to have a deck built in February or March and be able to enjoy their new deck to the fullest for the remainder of the year. Call us today at (815)363-7133 or email our office at office@rocksolidbuildersinc.com to schedule an appointment!

Despite the Housing Market, Decks Continue to Add to Home Equity

2010-01-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

I regularly read trade magazines and in the most recent addition of Professional Deck Builder, they had an article regarding how decks continue to add value to a home's equity despite the tough housing market. I was very intrigued by this article and want to share some of the facts that are included. Building a deck continues to be a good investment compared to other home improvement projects. Nationally, the cost-value ratio for a pressure-treated-wood deck (80.6%), is topped by only three other home improvement projects: an inexpensive steel entry door replacement (128.9%), fiber-cement siding replacement (83.6%), and an attic bedroom remodel (83.1%). The cost-value for a mid-range composite deck (70.9%) is lower than that for the less-expensive pressure-treated version, but is still above the overall cost-value ratio for remodeling projects (63.8%).

It was interesting to me that there was a higher re coop cost for a pressure-treated wood deck compared with a mid-range composite which is the standard deck that Rock Solid Builders constructs. What is misleading about the cost-value report was that although you re-coop more of the construction costs for a wood treated deck, you still have to take the time and money to maintain the deck so that it is appealing to a home buyer. The time and money to maintain a deck by power washing as well as staining or sealing it annually is not factored into a cost-value report. Wood decks also require several sandings over the lifetime of the deck to keep the wood from developing larges splinters. This is not mentioned in the article, but it is a point that a homeowner needs to consider.

The benefits to a composite deck especially an ultra-low-maintenance deck such as Trex Transcends, is that the deck will still look new 20 years from now and you would not have to invest in the power washing, sanding, and staining of the deck to continue its beauty. With Trex Transcends, you would just need soap and water to occasionally clean the deck. So although a cost-value report states that you average a 70.9% return on the investment, I believe this figure to be higher especially because you are saving a considerable amount of time and money by not having to maintain the deck like a wood deck.

Butch Represents RSB at the TrexPro Gold Convention in Las Vegas

2009-12-11T06:59:00.001-08:00

Butch is just finishing up an exciting convention for TrexPro Gold contractors in Las Vegas. RSB is honored that we were invited again to this prestigious event and are excited to share the announcements made during this trip. When Butch returns to the office, there will be another post with all the details.

So far, they have introduced Trex's new product line, Trex Transcend which is going to transform the composite decking market by offering a limited 25 year Stain and Fade Warranty which is very exciting. Rock Solid Builders is looking forward to offering this product in 2010 and will be announcing a promotion of this product in January.

With the addition of Trex Transcend, Rock Solid Builders feels like now Trex has product lines to fit every deck customer. Because of this, we have decided to exclusively offer Trex products over other composite or PVC products on the market. We are excited to continue to offer our customers the best decking products on the market with the biggest value. To learn more about Trex Transcend, please visit www.trex.com. You can also call our office at (815)363-7133 to schedule an appointment to view samples of this new product.

Stay tuned for more posts on the TrexPro Gold Convention and our 2010 promotion!!

RSB is William Ryan Homes' New Deck Builder

2009-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

RSB has built our business by first being hired as a sub-contractor to complete HUD kitchen and bath remodels throughout the chicagoland area. We since have evolved from no longer working on HUD projects to all residential projects with our main specialty being custom decks and basement remodels. Over the last couple of years we have grown to be the largest Trex composite deck builder located in McHenry County and one of the largest in Illinois as well as Wisconsin.

We recently built two cedar decks in the Autumn Grove Subdivision in Volo, IL which is a William Ryan Homes community. During this time, a representative from William Ryan Homes recognized our work and approached us on our interest in building decks for them on their homes in Illinois. After much consideration and research, we decided to partner with William Ryan Homes to build their customers consistently high quality decks on all of their projects in Illinois. Their projects include seven William Ryan Home communities, custom projects on the North Shore, and other projects that they have been hired to complete due to bankrupt builders.

RSB recently went to their main office in Illinois to facilitate a training on the different types of decking material being offered including treated, cedar, and Trex. Our local Trex representative also was there to train the staff on Trex decking and railings. We are looking forward to this partnership as well as the opportunity to offer their customers Trex decking which is in line with William Ryan Homes' green focused initiative.

Building Decks Throughout the Winter

2009-11-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Rock Solid Builders has previously stopped building decks towards the end of December and then we would continue to build them starting in March when the ground started to thaw. Our main reasoning for this was that it is difficult to dig the pier holes when the ground is frozen. We have since discovered ways to thaw the location of the pier holes to allow for the digging in the winter. The concrete has additives in it which allows the concrete to be poured in the freezing weather. You probably noticed that builders continue to pour concrete foundations on new homes throughout the winter. The same can be done for deck piers.

We realize that building a deck in the winter is an unusual time to build a deck since most customers don't spend much time on a deck during the winter, but the winter is usually the most cost effective time to build a deck. We have seen the cost of material increase every year especially composite deck material. Composite decking has gone up an average of 10 to 20% every year for the past several years since we have been building composite decks. Winter is a great time to take advantage of the current pricing before the price of the material increases in the early spring.

Rock Solid Builders sits down with Trex's CEO, Ron Kaplan!

2009-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Rock Solid Builders had a unique opportunity to sit down for coffee this morning with our regional Trex Representative and the CEO of Trex, Ron Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan was in town for business and wanted to meet with the top TrexPro Gold Contractors in Chicagoland. We felt honored that our company was one of the few contractors choosen. Mr. Kaplan stressed how although sales might be down due to the economy, the company's revenue has increased and they are extremely financially secure. We were amazed to hear how he has made Trex much more efficient and how there will be exciting new products announced towards the end of the year.

Butch and I had previously met Mr. Kaplan in San Antonio earlier this year for a TrexPro Gold convention, but this was our first one-on-one interaction with him. We have always felt that Trex is the leader in composite decking and after meeting with Mr. Kaplan, our believes that Trex should be a consumer's number one choice for decking and fencing has only intensified. As consumers are choosing a decking brand, it is important to not only look at the price and the warranty of the product, but it is important to look at how financially strong a company is. This can help ensure that the company is going to be around for the length of the warranty.

Trex truely is "How Outdoor Living Should Feel" and we are proud to be the largest Trex builder located in McHenry County!

RSB's 1st CorrectDeck CX Deck Completed!

2009-08-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

We had previously introduced the CorrectDeck product line in July's Newsletter as well as on this blog. We are proud that we recently finished our first CorrectDeck in color Mahogany in McHenry County.

The main cosmetic differences between CorrectDeck and Trex Accents is that CorrectDeck's standard railing height is taller than Trex's and their posts are not as wide. The finished product is beautiful and this homeowner will be able to enjoy the limited lifetime warranty from CorrectDeck as well as the built-in Antimicrobial protection to resist mold.

Cedar Deck with Half-Moon Shaped Pergola

2009-08-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

This project was one of the most interesting projects we have completed. We started with a sketch from the homeowners that they wanted an octagon small deck with a pergola going off the deck to mimic the same shape. It took a lot of hours to complete this project, but after the project was complete, the homeowners were extremely happy and that is why we enjoy our business. Here are several photos of the project from start to finish.

Doug's Couch visits RSB's first composite deck!

2009-07-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

I met Doug Hein, the co-owner of BK Boat and Sleds, through my membership with the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals group. As a publicity stunt he started, www.dougscouch.com. The couch travels with him to various locations including many local businesses. We had the pleasure of having him visit our personal composite deck that was built over 5 years ago. We had a blast and even our 4 year old son got on in the picture. Our 2 year old had a meltdown since he didn't understand why a couch was on our deck.

BK Boat and Sleds specializes in pre-owned and vintage boats and snowmobiles as well as used parts. You can learn more about them on their website: www.bkboatnsleds.com. I also had the opportunity to visit Doug's BK office and their parts supply is enormous so if you need a boat or snowmobile part, call them first. Their contact info is listed below:
BK Boat and Sleds
27992 W Route 120 Unit #27
Lakemoor, IL 60051
(815) 363-1254

Recent Trex Project

2009-05-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

The flared stairs.

This is the finished octagon on this deck.

You can view the hidden fastener system being used on this Trex Brasilia Deck in Burnished Amber. This deck also has a board running down the center which allows for each side of the deck to be completely seamless. There is also a one board border around the permiter of the deck.

In this picture you can also see the hidden fastener system as well as the detail work being done in the octagon seating area.

A Recent Trex Project Before & After

2009-04-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

This project entailed a complete demo of an old balcony and 3 season room. This is a before picture.

Here is the after which included wrapping the wood posts with composite material and an underdeck drainage system under the upper deck. The deck is Trex Artisan Railings with Trex Accent Saddle decking.

We also installed some low voltage lighting on the upper deck so stay tuned for those pictures.

Save Green by Going Green

2009-04-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

As we continue to build more Trex decks and less wood decks every year, we always get asked if Trex really saves you money over time. We recognize that Trex is more money compared to wood upfront, but the maintance costs are so much lower that it proves a smarter investment over wood after just 4 years. Here is a great chart from Trex's website. By choosing a Trex deck, you are not only making a wise decision financially, but you are also helping the environment because Trex is made up of 50% recycled and reclaimed plastic, and 50% reclaimed wood. You can learn more about Trex's environmental practices on their website at http://www.trex.com/whytrex/EnvironmentallyFriendly.aspx

Spring Deck Video

2009-03-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

Get Decked Out Without Feeling Stressed Out

2009-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

As warm weather approaches, the thoughts of the nearly 40 million Americans who own a deck turn to enjoyable days and evenings spent entertaining family and friends or just relaxing on their outdoor havens. However – no matter what kind of deck you own – it’s important to examine its condition and conduct any necessary upkeep before you break out the patio furniture and grill.

Just like the other outdoor surfaces of your home, a deck needs to be cleaned and protected in time for summer – especially after the beating it can take from rough weather during the winter months. There are certain maintenance issues that should be addressed on a bi-annual basis in order to keep your deck looking beautiful and welcoming.

Rock Solid Builders offers the following solutions for tackling the top five most common deck dilemmas in time for the kick-off to the summer season:

Deck Dilemma #1: Loose nails that are exposed above the deck’s surface create hazards, especially for children and pets. In fact, nearly 10 percent of Americans believe that their decks are unsafe because of exposed nails.

Solution: If you own a wood deck, drag the back of a rake across the boards to find any protruding nail heads. Hammer them down, or replace them with galvanized screws that are approximately ½-inch longer than the original nails. Decks made of other materials should not experience a loosening of nails. However, if you desire a smooth deck surface that is completely free of any type of fasteners, consider a wood-alternative material like Trex Brasilia® with its proprietary Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastening System for the ultimate clean – and worry-free – appearance.

Deck Dilemma #2: Scuffs and abrasions from furniture or foot traffic are easily acquired and can mar the beauty of a deck’s surface. Consequently, it’s no wonder that half of all Americans are not satisfied with the appearance of their decks

Solution: To keep wood decks looking good as new, it’s important to wash, stain and seal them in advance of the arrival of warm weather – as the process can take several weeks and may require the use of heavy equipment like a power washer. If you have a wood-alternative deck, though, scuffs and abrasions naturally should fade or disappear during a weathering process that takes place 12-16 weeks post-installation. This process may be further accelerated with a bleach-based deck wash.

Deck Dilemma #3: BBQ sauce is delicious, but not when it’s coating your deck. In fact, oil and grease stains can be downright unappetizing – especially if they’re set-in from last summer.

Solution: Whether you have a wood or a wood-alternative deck, try to scrub the stain with a household de-greasing agent as soon as it occurs. Use an automotive degreaser or a carburetor cleaner, and rinse immediately with hot water.

Deck Dilemma #4: Mold and mildew can grow on any exterior surface – especially on decks where water is allowed to stand or to puddle under potted plants.

Solution: Sweeping away pools of water and periodically cleaning the deck surface creates a first line of defense against mold and mildew. These actions prevent the creation of an environment that promotes the growth of fungus. Use conventional deck washes or cleaners that contain sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent. In addition, wood decks need to be sealed twice a year to protect against other types of moisture damage, such as rotting planks – a problem that 44 percent of Americans feel makes their decks unsafe for kids and pets.

Deck Dilemma #5: Summer fun should be ouch-free, but that’s not possible if your deck is plagued with splintering boards – which could leave barefoot outdoor revelers with painful splinters of their own.

Solution: Decks constructed of wood-alternative materials offer incredible durability and will never splinter. However, the amount of time and effort required to fix splintering boards on a wood deck depends on the extent of the damage. Lightly splintered boards may be salvaged through sanding, while severely splintered boards will continue to deteriorate and most likely will need to be replaced.

While wood-alternative decks require significantly less maintenance than decking made of other materials – such as wood or vinyl – it’s still crucial to provide proper and regular care, in order to ensure a ‘like new’ appearance for longer. With summer right around the corner, the most important rule of thumb is not to procrastinate and to tackle any problem areas right away

For more information call Rock Solid Builders at (815)363-7133 or visit www.rocksolidbuildersinc.com. Contact Trex® Co. at 1-800-BUY-TREX or visit Trex.com.

About Trex Company
Trex Company is the nation’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing, with more than 16 years of product experience. Built on “green” principles and values, Trex outdoor living products offer significant design flexibility with fewer ongoing maintenance requirements than wood, as well as a truly environmentally responsible choice. In addition, Trex distributes ultra-low maintenance PVC decking under the trademark Trex Escapes® and PVC trim under the trademark Trex Trim™. For more information, visit the company’s Web site, Trex.com. Trex®, Trex Brasilia® and Trex Hideaway® are trademarks of Trex Company, Inc., Winchester, Va.

***All statistics are results found in the Trex 2007 “All Hands on Deck Survey.” Results are based on responses of 1,000 adults in the U.S. who participated in a national phone survey December 2007. Results are accurate to +/- 5 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level and can be generalized to the entire adult population in the U.S. within those statistical parameters.