Like teachers in the summer, many contractors view the winter months as a time for a well- earned break. Not that they are looking for an extended vacation, of course, but the colder weather and possibility of snow and ice obviously make it more challenging to complete certain projects, especially those focused on outdoor living.

But as many companies scale back their workload or focus on other areas of home improvement, Mike Jerminski and his team at Get Decked keep chugging along. Jerminski strongly believes that continuing to build decks throughout the year not only allows his employees to stay busy, but also helps them to refine their skills.

“While most contractors are gearing up for inside winter work, the Get Decked crew is looking forward to adding a few layers of clothing, but more importantly a few more layers of experience,” Jerminski says. “Repetition creates excellence.”

We spoke with Jerminski, the founder and owner of Get Decked, to find out why building a deck in the offseason makes sense for a homeowner and the benefit to working with an experienced company like his.  

Do you think the fact that your company builds decks year-round helps you stand out from your competitors?
Have you ever heard the saying, “jack of all trades, master of none?” For 35 years I have constructed decks year-round. People ask me why I don’t find work inside or work on other areas of construction. Our company wants to be the area’s best deck builder and in order to accomplish that goal we need to constantly master our trade. Repetition sharpens our skills.

Why is the fall a good time for a homeowner to begin the process of having a deck designed and installed?
The fall is the perfect time to begin deck planning. Our schedule of installs becomes more relaxed, which gives us more time to devote to our potential fall and winter customers.

Why else would someone consider building a deck in the offseason?
In order for us to work year-round we need to offer incentives to our customers to allow us to work in the winter. We offer our annual deck sale every September through October where we take 20 percent off our pricing, give free tear-off and removal of all decks and provide an LED deck lighting package absolutely free. We keep busy and our customers save thousands on a beautiful, maintenance- free deck with a lifetime warranty.

It says a lot about your crew that they put in the work through the cold winter months. What can you say about your team’s experience, craftsmanship and dedication?
We have had the same installation crew for 12 years. We employ one crew, and we are all very good at installing decks. Our crew needs to support their families and in order to be the area’s best deck builder, I owe it to them to provide work year-round. Get Decked lowers its prices in the offseason to keep our crew working. Last fall, I noticed two of our main competitors who claim to be year-round deck builders ran ads promoting indoor carpentry work for the winter. How can you be a jack of all trades but in the spring claim to be a master deck builder?

Most people are looking for low-maintenance decking these days and you have a longstanding relationship with Azek. Why do you recommend that manufacturer?
Being a deck builder for over 30 years, we have tried many products over that time period. If we want to be the best at what we do, we need to use the best decking materials. We proudly only use Azek PVC decking, and it is the best, hands down. We offer a lifetime warranty on our decks and Azek offers the same. Their customer service is amazing and of all the products we have used, Azek has stood the test of time.

Why do you think Get Decked has earned such a sterling reputation through the years?
I truly believe customers can see honesty and integrity in a contractor. We have no salesmen in our company. The guy building the deck is the same guy meeting them beforehand, going over every option available. I think customers hate dealing with pushy salespeople, and we are the furthest thing from that.

Get Decked
Serving Pa. and Del. | (302) 897-0302 | GetDeckedInc.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 3 (September 2019). 
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