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Reliable/affordable Deck Builder???

(73 posts)

Started 1 year ago by Samkin
Latest reply from Oly

Samkin

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Slowly admitting to myself that we just really don't have the time to do this ourselves... looking for recs on trustworthy and reasonably priced folks to build a simple deck in the not too distant future... thanks!

Posted 1 year ago #
ellebell

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Ballard Handyman Brian Onstot was wonderful
http://www.ballardhandyman.com/

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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J Reid Remodel and Build is amazing. Exceptional work , great prices, extremely easy to work with. Give Jake a call.. 206-795-9550...www.jacobreid.com

Posted 1 year ago #
ballardo

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Don at All Seasons Deck & Fence is a great local guy. He's fast, reliable, and honest. We've had him do 3 projects now and I recommend him to neighbors all the time.

Posted 1 year ago #
mommyoftwo

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It's hard to admit you don't have time!
I'd recommend Chris@ www.precisionconceptsco.com They have a lot of deck pics on there and they also have more i believe on their yelp profile.
www.yelp.com/biz/precision-concepts-construction-seattle-3
His email is precision_concepts@hotmail.com and phone is (206) 393-2637
I have always found his work great, he is great at managing his crew and has an office manager who is great at following up and keeping tabs on projects and schedules his estimates. We have been working on and off with them for awhile and they offer full service residential construction services.Estimates are free!:)

Posted 1 year ago #
anotherballardite

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I will add another vote for Don at All Season's Deck and Fence. He is fantastic - and really fast.

Posted 1 year ago #
Samkin

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Thanks all! Need to follow up with the last two, but sorry, Sweetmama, Jacob is not getting the job. I *wanted* to like him, and he has some great reviews online, but hr must be having a bad week or something... first he just didn't show, or call or anything, for our scheduled meeting (esp irritating since I left work early to meet him), and then when I have him a second chance and tried to meet him super early on Saturday, he acted Luke a sexist jerk. Only talked to/made eye contact with my husband (seriously, I was stansing closest to him, and I was the one who requested the estimate and have the specifics, but he acted like I wasn't even relevant), and then literally said, "That's the thing about you being a lady. Ladies can't visualize..." WTF?! I don't need to "visualize" anything, my neighbors already have exactly what I want, he just needed to actually *listen*... So rude, and then his actual estimate is absurd. More than 3 times the other ones we got... urgh, sorry for all the typos! Using my stupid phone and it won't let me edit properly!

Posted 1 year ago #
Rudy

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Samkin,
If you're interested, I have a similar story... email me at myballardrudy at gmail if you like.

Posted 1 year ago #
great idea

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rudy--was your similar experience with the same builder?

Posted 1 year ago #
Rudy

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it was

Posted 1 year ago #
SeattleGrand

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My neighbors hired this guy to fix a rotting deck and then liked him and his work enough to hire him again to redo another deck some months later. That's a good sign, that they hired him for a second job.

http://bobofalltradesllc.com/default.aspx

Super friendly, does nice work, I don't know about the pricing.

Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #
GTS206

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Samkin - I'm so sorry to hear that, Jacob has done a number of jobs for our family and I have never had that vibe. (and I'm a lady) He does have kind of a dry sense of humor, but even that doesn't sound at all like him. Sorry and I hope you get a new deck and some weathr to use it!

Posted 1 year ago #
LeeFitz

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Similar experience with Jacob Reid...came, saw the job, said he'd send estimate. Didn't.
Chris at presion concepts - total flake, left job half done, had folks working for him who were incompetent. you will notice all his reviews are from same person.

Posted 1 year ago #
Aunt Salad

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I have used a guy to remodel my bathroom, do my roof, and build a garden shed from scratch(it is insulated, has a deck, etc) He is easy to work with. Paulino Quevedo at 206-510-4075 at Rain City Services.

Posted 1 year ago #
great idea

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it's interesting, these discrepancies in the quality of services offered. how can some people have such positive experiences, while others encounter nothing but lack of professionalism, let alone common courtesy?

were these builders actually 'having bad days', or were the expectations of the customers so different that the level of service was actually the same?

the decision to hire a builder usually does not come lightly and often represents larger sums of money than people are used to spending. the added stress of a construction project on your property makes it difficult to see the big picture (having the work completed in a timely manner).

I hope the OP finds what he/she is looking for.

Posted 1 year ago #
Alferd Packer

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gi, I think the smaller guys are very susceptible to the load they are carrying. If they've got 4 jobs going (not uncommon by the way) and one of them suddenly reaches a critical point (tile guy or electrician didn't show, or DPD inspection is late), that can crimp their ability to show up on time to other jobs or to bid on jobs. Still no excuse for not communicating quickly. It is the contractors job to be up front on what is going on, to not deliver overly-optimistic time estimates, and communicate effectively when something bad happens which will impact the job or its completion date.

The guy I had resolve the drainage issue around my house did a tremendous job at a very good price. However my friend hired him when he was juggling three jobs, and wrote a absolutely blistering reviews on Yelp, Angies List, etc.

Posted 1 year ago #
Samkin

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GI, I don't know about other folks, but this is prob our 5th or 6th project in this house, including full remodels of two bathrooms (one we literally leveled first), a full down to the studs kitchen remodel, and finishing a previously unfinished basement. Before this house, we did major projects on several others. I've grown use to the inherent sexism of dealing with contractors, but this was honestly on a new level. It's one thing to take that bs from guys my dad's age, something else when it's coming from guys younger than me... We were fully prepared for this to cost money, and I had a detailed plan, completely with measurements, laying out what we wanted. He just didn't want to hear anything other than his voice... and I don't care what thw circumstances, if you blow off a customer, you owe them a sincere apology...

Posted 1 year ago #
stopgo

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I've said it a thousand times. Go your own way, build your own roof. Save ten grand

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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@Samkin- How completely strange. I am a single mom, and 75 % of the 25 people I personally know who have used him and RAVE about his work, are women. I have to say, I have workied with the public and in customer service for nearly 30 years. This guy was TOP NOTCH! Also I know firsthand, people who complain publicly about a situation like this are often the ones at fault. In fact, usually people who do not click with another person simply go on thier way. That is the unfortunate thing about forums online like this, you can never really tell what is actual experience, or someone not taking responsibilty for htier own actions and simply whining about nothing. I have seen it happen to many exceptional businesses around town. Sad really. It must have just been you giving off the vibe I would say.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ernie

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It must have just been you giving off the vibe I would say.

It doesn't matter what "vibe" was given off. If the words "That's the thing about you being a lady. Ladies can't visualize..." actually came out of his mouth, for any reason, then he's an ass.

Posted 1 year ago #
Samkin

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Thanks, Ernie. And I didn't "complain publicly"; I asked for and responded to recommendations on a forum for that very purpose.

Posted 1 year ago #
Samkin

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Sweetmama, any chance you feel so strongly about this because the address of your garage sale (on this forum) matches his address on Yelp?

Posted 1 year ago #
Timeo

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Gee imagine that, Sweetmama! Maybe we should boycott J Reid Remodel and Sweetlily Organic Salon. Not good form trying to pull that off, also your last comment totally exposes you as somehow related to J Reid even before Samkin exposed you. Pathetic.

Posted 1 year ago #
great idea

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yikes! this thread sure took a turn for the worse.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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Oh my.

Posted 1 year ago #
Timeo

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I guess that explains why approximately 30% of Sweetmama's posts have been to plug J. Reid Remodel. Check out her post history.

Posted 1 year ago #
eric

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ha ha

Posted 1 year ago #
BuffaloHawk

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Interesting. I was wondering how this thread gained speed.

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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Acutally, funny thing. I am only actually referring to the quality of his work. I have recommended him to countless friends and clients, who have never been more pleased. He has done work for me personally and my business which was amazing quality. If you knew me personally at all, you would know I am the pickiest human on the planet especially when it comes to customer service and quality, and do not take kindly to arrogant men. However, if I felt the work ethic or quality in any way matched the previous post I would agree, regardless of how I know the person, and I would never reccommend a "friend" based on anything but their work quality. If they sucked I would never suggest them. As all of the above somehow feel they have a right to comment on my choices as if they know me, they should not, because they are all just gossiping on things they know nothing about. And for your information, I now co-own that company. Because of the quality of work, I felt it was a good enough one to invest in once I saw the quality of work they could produce. So, what do you have to say about that one now people? Idiots. And from what I heard of the actual events, she was a self righteous, dominating person who would not listen to anyone else, and knew everything already. So good luck with that.

Posted 1 year ago #
BuffaloHawk

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WTF.. Idiot Pandas

Why do you have to be so hurtful :(

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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" I now co-own that company"

It might have been an idea to say that in the first place.

Posted 1 year ago #
Free-bee

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wow - I was just reading the posts and then ZING. Sweetmama getting mad at everyone doesn't seem really reasonable/your angry defense just makes things look worse. Just sayin'

Posted 1 year ago #
novelty

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sweetmama, i don't have an issue with you recommending a business with which you're affiliated, but to first not divulge your connection and to then bash dissenting reviews is in poor form. it's strange that you cite your credentials with regard to customer service and then call those not satisfied with your business idiots on a public forum.

Samkin didn't complain publicly. she cited her experience in a discussion on the topic at hand.

What would you say about the kind of person who would run to yelp and complain about "surly" service at Chocolati Cafe?

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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Novelty. Excellent point. Perhaps I should have been more clear.I find public forums to be often a place that people relidh in complimenting. However
is also a huge problem for small biz. Complaints are more often than not the fault of.the complainee...and second both parties. I feel that it can destroy excellent companies in a full swoop for doing no wrong. I was privy to more details for sure. I think that people should contact the biz owner and allow them the courtesy to deal with a situation. Not publicly bash them. They should also take more care to see their part before they do. Its useless and destructive otherwise. I know firsthand how women often go into situations like these expecting men to dismiss them. I have been there. It makes them feel the need to get fierce. It makes the men feel freaked out. In short sometimes extremely strong and dominant women scare men and fluster men. Making them say stupid and offputting things. I do it every day. However... Misinterpretation and attack is not appropriate. I think eloquance and grace in both posts ... Hers and mine would have been better served. And p.s.. what biz owner doesn't self promote? I encourage all people.. tell the biz owner first... Encourage don't destroy. On all posting forums..

Posted 1 year ago #
Timeo

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What I would say is that from 1) finding out you live with J Reid and 2)now learning you are a co-owner of the business you have been plugging on MyBallard for over a year all the while claiming to just be a "happy customer" shows your true lack of ethics and would make me even more concerned about the quality of service from any business you are involved in. Also, it appears you are more than just "friends" since you appear to live with him, there are pictures of you camping with him on FB, you refer to him as your boyfriend on FB and you now are a co-owner with him. Plus, it isn't really nice to call potential customers idiots, just an FYI.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ernie

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So, what do you have to say about that one now people? Idiots.

LOL, I have to say that I certainly won't be calling Jake Reid any time soon.....

Good luck with your investment.

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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Do you know how creepy it is that any stranger can know any of the aforementioned statements about my life? The work I have had done from the biz was seperate. I am speaking as,a customer. And because I also know him...probably the pickest one. If the work meets my standard it would meet anyones . The address mentioned is mine. The biz is listed to me. how the heck would snyone see personal pics of mine or know my addresd etc. not acceptable. Beyond creepy.

Posted 1 year ago #
novelty

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Check your privacy settings and beware of what you publish. You have a link to your business here. That website has a bio about you. It doesn't take much to click a few links or type in a name to find out more. Call it creepy, but you have made this info available. You have also been a bit sheepish regarding your relationship to Jake, so I can understand people wanting to know more.

Regarding customer service and business reputations in the Internet age, it's time to adapt. Dissing those who have had negative experiences with your business will only damage your reputation more. A happy customer will tell 2-3 friends, an unhappy one something like 8-10. Now multiply that by the Internet and make of it what you will. Work to make that wrong right and turn the tide in your favor. Complain and discredit (unprofessionally) in response and expose yourself to a great audience as uncooperative and unwilling to work through difficult situations.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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Sooooo...where are we?

1. Samkin needs a deck built and asks for recommendations.
2. Sweetmama recommends Jacob Reid.
3. Samkin says that she won't be using Jacob Reid, and stated the reasons. (She also makes sure to point out that he had good online reviews, so maybe he was simply having a bad day).
4. Sweetmama is surprised, due to the fact that she (and others) found his work to be TOP NOTCH. (She also makes sure to point out that people who publicly complain about some thing like this are usually at fault, and it was probably Samkin giving off a 'vibe'.
5. Samkin responds saying she didn't complain publicly - she was merely asking for recommendations.
6. Things begin to unravel when Samkin discovers a connection between Jacob Reid and Sweetmama, that maybe goes further that him building a chicken coop for her.
7. Timeo remarks that 30% of Sweetmama's posts have been to plug Jacob Reid.
8. Sweetmama fires back, calling everyone 'Idiots', and suddenly remembers to mention that she is a co-owner of the company. And takes a little swipe at Samkin for good measure, referring to what 'she heard' of the actual events.
9. A couple of people try to point out that there might be a conflict of interest here.
10. Sweetmama backtracks, and only makes things worse.
11. Timeo does a little more digging and it turns out that Sweetmama may have a vested interest in Jacob Reid in more ways than one.

Did I miss anything?

Posted 1 year ago #
Zener

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novelty---+1

great sleuthing.

Posted 1 year ago #
plasticbags

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Well this has answered a lot of my questions anyway.

Posted 1 year ago #
Cate

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Wow! Just Wow. Wish I hadn't read this trainwreck.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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Cate...

I disagree. I don't think it was a trainwreck. If anything, it was very informative, just not in the way that was initially intended.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ernie

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If anything, it was very informative, just not in the way that was initially intended.

+1

Posted 1 year ago #
BuffaloHawk

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Lets go into a neigborhood blog and alienate everyone...

Business 101..I honestly don't believe today was a good day for customer relataions.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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BH...

Exactly. Jacob Reid is probably reassessing the advantages of Sweetmama's investment as we speak. If anything, he needs to use a little bit of her money to hire a competent spokesperson for his business.

Posted 1 year ago #
great idea

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if anything, this should make us all wary of the shameless plugs people give for reader recommendations.

not that they can't be legit. I have no doubt J Reid has done good work for somebody somewhere. although it sounds like he has some customer relations issues as there've been a few first-hand accounts noted above.

he may not be pleased himself with how sweetmama has been portraying things--especially the "idiot" part, and extra-especially with her lack of full disclosure.

ironically, I just got some great service for having floors refinished based on a reader rec (thanks Nordic Hardwood Floors!), but I was especially circumspect when I read someone gushing about how wonderful someone was.

edit: pg + 1!

Posted 1 year ago #
Timeo

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I didn't do anything creepy at all. I only looked at the links you left on myballard. In the chicken coop thread you started you posted a link to FB to show more pictures of your chicken coop, I went to look at the completed coop and there are a ton of other pictures in the same album with the chicken coop photos, several of them are you w/ J Reid and one where you say he is your BF. How did I know it was J Reid you might ask? Easy, I had looked at his website too and there is his picture. Not rocket science and not creepy, just following the links you provided.

Posted 1 year ago #
cdpenne

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Sweetmamma and Ballard Church. Same tactics. You'd think thes fools had never heard of google.

Too funny really.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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Mr PG has been in the remodel business for 20 years (before that working for other contractors), and I can tell you that word of mouth is gold. If I was Sweetmama, and I read something a little negative about my business partner, the first thing I would have done would be to tell him to address it with the person directly. Once that was taken care of, he could post something here letting people know that he had attempted to rectify things.

Having your business partner (or your investor) calling people 'idiots' is a sure way never to be hired by them in the future. The remodel industry in general is hurting right now, so Jacob losing potential business over this simply passes the job on to another contractor, which is great for people like us - but not so great for him. And really really bad for someone who is actually investing in that business. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

Posted 1 year ago #
Cate

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There has been enough damage done to two local businesses, and one person is probably feeling really bad right about now. A lesson about thinking before you hit the post button, and another lesson on checking our privacy settings. Can we just leave it now?

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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Cate...

Did you stop to think about the damage that was done to Samkin? She was insulted here just for stating what someone said to her.

And as for the businesses - someone did that all on their own.

Posted 1 year ago #
stopgo

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novelty: I am afraid that you might simply be too intelligent to post on here. There is a limit.

Posted 1 year ago #
Mondoman

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Cate FTW.
PG, I don't see Samkin netting any damage at this point. Seems like everyone's had their say and it's time to move on now.

Posted 1 year ago #
Cate

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PG - Yes Samkin was insulted but I also think she stood up for herself pretty well. I just know how hard it is to keep a small business going and it can be someones whole life tied up in it. This is the kind of damage in a struggling economy that can potentially cause a business to fail. I'm pretty sure that she feels bad enough right now and doesn't need us to tell her what she did.

Posted 1 year ago #
Question

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"It must have just been you giving off the vibe I would say." Yeah, blame the victim. Positively Neanderthal. This is a scary, scary part of town.

Posted 1 year ago #
stopgo

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All kidding aside, I've been wanting to build a coop for my inlaws. For chickens - come on you juveniles! I for one like the way these guys do business, and I like sweetmama's attitude. I'll be giving them a call.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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"I just know how hard it is to keep a small business going and it can be someones whole life tied up in it. This is the kind of damage in a struggling economy that can potentially cause a business to fail."

As do I Cate. But then again, you probably have noticed (or maybe not) that I don't shoot my mouth off about our business on this forum. And if anyone ever had any interaction with us in a negative way, I would be sure to deal with it in the proper manner. Sweetmama owns her own business. She must surely know that it is the first rule when it comes to keeping a successful and (sometimes) profitable business.

Posted 1 year ago #
sweetmama

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stopngo- thank you very much .. :) if you want first hand chicken coop viewing, I am happy to share. Also, thanks to novelty for the settings info: they were all set to private.. on all counts.. because I am a biz owner.. not sure where or how they got in to see my private info.. strange..
also since so many were so quick to judge.. I was a client first, still am... prior to knowing Mr. Reid personally... then once seeing the talent level and option therein.. became a co-owner.. this forum was a separte thing, as a client.. I can separate.. and I do often.. hence me not mentioning the involvement. It was not shameless self promotion. In fact most suggestions were as a client, well before the fact at hand.. sheesh.. such judgement.. hope it clears up all the above mentioned accusations.. lol.

Posted 1 year ago #
pennygirl

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I could...but I won't.

Posted 1 year ago #

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Reliable/affordable Deck Builder???

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