Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » Deck design
Deck design
Question:
Hey Mikey, Take a look at our site. There is no question that the work is worth it to the customers but you will never be "discovered" by Yahoo, etc. We have done work around the world but there is no question the business is primarily local. Good Luck. If I can help let me know. — Wally Wilson Outdoor Designs Unlimited, Inc. Brighton, MI http://www.outdoordesigns.net
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’m considering starting up a side business designing decks using CAD > software. I would supply large format prints of all necessary views, bill of > materials, copies of local codes, printed instructions (deck basics and > details specific to their design), phone help when needed, and possibly a > video animation of construction details and the finished deck. > 1 – What would be a reasonable fee for such a service ? (I’m located in > the Mpls / St. Paul area) > 2 – Are there any other items I could / should offer? > Thanks for any and all input! > -heymikey
Response:
That could be a very tough service to market. The building material supplier’s usually provide some form of this service for free. You also have tons of guides, template, plan books, on deck design. How would you prepare the designs? Rely on the homeowner to supply the measurements and ideas or do job site consultation? (the latter could be very time consuming on your part) IMHO a service like this is only viable for non standard decks for very high end homes, but much of this can be part of a larger project that already involves architects or landscape designers. Good luck but your challenge is how to effectively market this service. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’m considering starting up a side business designing decks using CAD > software. I would supply large format prints of all necessary views, bill of > materials, copies of local codes, printed instructions (deck basics and > details specific to their design), phone help when needed, and possibly a > video animation of construction details and the finished deck. > 1 – What would be a reasonable fee for such a service ? (I’m located in > the Mpls / St. Paul area) > 2 – Are there any other items I could / should offer? > Thanks for any and all input! > -heymikey
Response:
> I’m considering starting up a side business designing decks using CAD
The only input I would offer is ….it’s gonna have to be pretty good to make it work….what I mean is ….anyone can go to http://www.diyonline.com/ or go buy a deck design software program pretty cheap if they dont need a real CAD engine, and in the case of diyonline ….they offer all the extra stuff also ….but for free. I don’t mean to discourage you ….but rather encourage you to be unique. You may also want to make a deal with a deck builder to build the designs you make and work as an affiliate. Also … buy a digital camera, then you can digitally insert your deck design against a customers house to make the sale…. trust me I do it all the time with other things. Get yourself in the door of a good home improvement website that will direct people to your work… give that site at least 2 sample deck designs (without the extra help) to offer for download or for online viewing. Or start your own website. Wj Stevens / Webmaster - RepairPlace.Com http://www.repairplace.com
Response:
Hi- I’m considering starting up a side business designing decks using CAD software. I would supply large format prints of all necessary views, bill of materials, copies of local codes, printed instructions (deck basics and details specific to their design), phone help when needed, and possibly a video animation of construction details and the finished deck. 1 – What would be a reasonable fee for such a service ? (I’m located in the Mpls / St. Paul area) 2 – Are there any other items I could / should offer? Thanks for any and all input! -heymikey
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi- > I’m considering starting up a side business designing decks using CAD > software. I would supply large format prints of all necessary views, bill of > materials, copies of local codes, printed instructions (deck basics and > details specific to their design), phone help when needed, and possibly a > video animation of construction details and the finished deck. > 1 – What would be a reasonable fee for such a service ? (I’m located in > the Mpls / St. Paul area) > 2 – Are there any other items I could / should offer? > Thanks for any and all input! > -heymikey
Fee – No Idea Other Ideas : All these are under the "could" category. I am not in the construction field, so I no idea on the "should". Reputable companies that can do the work Electrical contractors for any wiring work that is needed (say for the lights and the hot tub they want) Same for Gas line contractors (For the Gas Grill) A list of tools and alternatives (can use a hand saw instead of a circular saw, for example) A List of alternate materials which will not sacrifice quality (ex. Bill could include prices for different types of lumber) List of possible "gotchas" and solutions (to reduce the phone calls) Help with any needed permits Instructions for long term "care and feeding" of the deck Good Luck on your business Mark Sebree