Source: REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR Magazine

By Mark Clement

I can't tell you how many jobs I've done where the scope and complexity increased enormously after hearing the homeowner utter this seemingly harmless phrase: “You know, we were thinking ...” A new deck can be a gateway project for customers: Once they see how awesome it is, their creative juices start flowing and you start talking about add-ons. Typical items, such as planters, pergolas, and landscape features, are usually the bailiwick of deck-building carpenters, who can create them with ease.

On the other hand, turning a wall into a window or a door is a different story. Such projects are remodeling carpentry and require a working knowledge of everything in a wall section from siding to drywall to trim, as well as some familiarity with what's required for working inside a home. The complexity of the task raises the stakes for deck-builders who offer this service.

A pre-bid or design checklist can help you organize your presentation, and is useful for managing your process and your customer's expectations when going “wall-out.” Be aware of two things:

Utilities. You can nearly guarantee that electrical will have to be re-routed. Check for plumbing supply lines, waste stacks and vents; HVAC vents and returns may need relocation.

Subs. You'll need to get a subcontractor's bid, and you'll have to weave the sub into your schedule.

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