If you give First State Building & Design a call for your new outdoor project or interior renovation, it will be the only call you need to make.

"We are a one-stop shop and manage the entire process from start to finish," Joe Oakes says. "A foundational pillar and core value of our company is built on quality; providing quality in our workmanship and providing a quality customer experience."

As the owner and president of First State Building & Design (FSBD) Oakes understands the value of being that "one-stop" shop for clients.

"We pride ourselves on our reputation over many, many years of masterful design and execution of classic outdoor living spaces and we offer special features other companies can't, such as curved structures that are very aesthetically appealing," Oakes says.

The time to start is now
The experts at FSBD encourage clients to get started right away on their projects.

"Manufacturing and supply issues continue to challenge our industry every day and customers don't want to wait four, six or eight months to complete a project," Oakes says. "Everything from standard 'cookie-cutter' decks to a six-figure, intricately planned renovation can take time, so it's never too early to begin."

Oakes adds that each project includes a lot of steps, such as initial consultations, creating structural drawings and picking out the right materials. For instance, decking material options include AZEK, a long-lasting PVC advanced polymer; Timbertech Composite, a composite material with a vinyl coat; exotic hardwoods including the durable Brazilian hardwood ipe; and traditional treated lumber, such as redwood, cedar or a combination of wood species in pressure-treated wood.

Decking trends
Offering a variety of decking materials is not the only way FSBD stays on top of current outdoor trends. Oakes and his staff know what can take outdoor spaces to the next level.

The popularity of outdoor cooking has seen growth in recent years, with more and more customers wanting to incorporate grills, counters and entire outdoor kitchens into their projects. Outdoor leisure living is in style, too, with requests for televisions, sound systems and other special technological devices.

Roof overhangs on decks and patios have the benefit of offering much-wanted privacy as well as protection to extend the space's seasonal usage.

"Our Phantom Screens product includes a motorized option that can offer even more protection with a push of a button," Oakes says. "Another great option for our clients is our Sunspace product that can be customized to create their dream indoor/outdoor living space."

Oakes went on to say that even simple amenities are gaining popularity among clients, such as enhancing ambiance with unique lighting, fire features and outdoor heating elements. Construction aesthetics, such as mixing rustic and modern materials or using metals and reclaimed lumber, can also elevate a project.

A slate of services
"We are a growth-oriented company that continually surveys the market for unique opportunities to expand our offerings and our customer base," Oakes says.

The FSBD exterior division includes standard deck installations, large up-scale outdoor living spaces, hardscaping, porches, entrance porticos and swimming pools.

In 2019, the company began to offer interior renovations, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements and other interior living spaces.

Oakes encourages prospective clients to visit the company's two showrooms. A 1,300-square-foot exterior showcase display completed in 2022 gives customers a chance to see almost every exterior renovation feature up-close and at full scale. The FSBD 4,500-square-foot showroom houses both exterior and interior products.

"We want to offer the ability to see and feel our products and materials. We want customers to get a real sense of how they function and how they actually work," Oakes says. "In this way, we help people make the best design choices for their home renovation project."

Finding the right fit
Some customers know exactly what they want, but most have only general ideas.

"This is where we shine," Oakes says. "Because we are a full-service construction design and build company, we help educate and guide clients who aren't quite sure how to articulate their specific needs or wants into the project.

"By taking the time to educate our prospective clients as much as possible from the start, we're looking to create that all important bond and relationship of trust from the very beginning," he adds.

First off, clients can expect a return phone-call within 24 hours. Then, at the beginning of the process, clients will meet with a member of the FSBD sales/estimator team to learn about their options and receive guidance on what will work best in their space. Designers then create preliminary renderings. Estimates are free and appointments are scheduled at the client's convenience.

"Our goal is to take the unnecessary burden and hassle of project management away from our clients and put it where it belongs–in our capable hands. Our clients constantly tell us how happy they are with our process because we save them time and a lot of headaches," Oakes says.

"We take pride in our work," he adds. "Our workmanship matters and our customers matter."

First State Building & Design
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
(302) 803-5082
FSBD.co

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 5 (March 2023). 
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