Backyard Home Offices Right for Your Business?

A Construction Magazine Network Brand January 2021 www.constructionmagnet.com

BEST PRACTICES FOR PAINT TOUCH-UPS DOOR INSTALLATION MANUFACTURER TIPS & TRICKS

IS BUILDING BACKYARD HOME OFFICES RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW GET A JUMP ON THE LIVE EVENT RESCHEDULED

GGCSB_CVRCSB_CVR JANJAN 2021.indd2021.indd 1 11/11/21/11/21 10:5710:57 AMAM FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 2 11/8/21/8/21 88:46:46 AMAM PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Plea For 2 Minutes How You Can Help Open The Country Back Up

Dear readers, advertisers, exhibitors and attendees, • Complete any required contact information on the web page Regulations issued by the State of Indiana force us to post- • Paste the letter. pone the Garage, Shed and Carport Builder Show, scheduled Th e letters are on page 38-39 so you can see the options we for South Bend in February, until November 4th and 5th. We have prepared. Please, feel free to use any of this information will be at the same venue in November, with the same hotel. in any way you like. Share the link. Rewrite the letter to fi t your Th e Century Center and the Hilton Doubletree have both been opinion. extremely supportive and helped as much as they can. We are in a position that requires some action. To help other Several decrees were a challenge. Besides the now-common business owners, we have tried to make this fast and simple ridiculous limits on occupancy, the forms required the names enough that you cannot say no. GSCB and contact information of either myself or my staff to the kings, queens, emperors or commissars of Indiana and St. Joseph County so they would have some individual to hold ac- countable for violations. I personally have had enough of these arbitrary and baseless restrictions. I do not believe I am the only business person that feels this way. My decision was: Is it worth the time it would take to identify my offi cials and write a letter (or call) to express how ROLL FORMING EQUIPMENT angry and frustrated I am with the current situation? 10550 TR. 262 Millersburg, OH. 44654 Phone (330) 674-4003 • Fax (330) 674-4035 We have a platform to reach close to one hundred thousand Email: [email protected] readers across all of our print and digital publications. In addition to what I can do, it is more interesting what we can do. I have been a sales person for more than 30 years, and this is Manufacturer of metal forming equipment, the most important sales presentation I have ever made. for commercial and residential construction use, I am not asking for money. I am asking for approximately using D2 tool steel as a standard for our tooling. two minutes of your time. As a business owner, I fully understand time is your most • Ag Panel • Perforators • Trim Machines limiting factor. Telling politicians we need to open all busi- • Shears • Wrappers • Corners nesses is worth two minutes of your time. • Slitters • Coil Upenders • Ridge Caps • Hemmers • Roll & Tables • J-Channels • Decoilers • Customer Profi les Just follow these simple steps: Go to: www.constructionmagnet.com Hover over the the ASSOCIATION tab near the top of the page Click: • CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL BY STATE • Your state (your offi cials will be listed) • The offi cial you wish to contact Four letters are listed on the offi cial’s page • Select and copy the letter you wish to send Click: • VISIT WEBSITE to go to the offi cial’s personal page • There is also a button on many if you prefer to call rather Visit us @www.acuformequipment.com than email

www.constructionmagnet.com 3

PPublisherublisher Note.inddNote.indd 3 11/11/21/11/21 9:329:32 AMAM 20 CONTENTS

Features:

14 Chapter 11 Navigating through a supplier’s or 48 customer’s fi nancial and legal woes 20 Backyard Home Offi ces 34 Finishing Points Is expanding into this sector right for Best practices for touching up your shed-building business? shed fi nishes 24 Tax Show Write-Off s 36 Product Feature What you can and can’t write off Door installation tips & tricks 30 Shed Design Sofware 38 Make a Diff erence The right software can act as An easy way to contact your an eff ective sales person government representatives

4 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

TTOC.inddOC.indd 4 11/11/21/11/21 9:359:35 AMAM Managing Editor Karen Knapstein [email protected] 715-513-6767 Editor Jessica Franchuk [email protected] 920-224-5146 Editor Jenn Milner [email protected] 920-659-6212 Circulation/Subscriptions Barb Prill [email protected] 920-471-4846 Digital Product and Data Engineer For help with online Classiﬁ ed Ads & the Business Directory contact: Steve Duberstein: [email protected] Publisher Gary Reichert [email protected] 715-252-6360

Photo by T. Westermann, courtesy of Executive Assistant On The Cover: Kathy Budsberg Shed Windows and More. Above: The Writer’s Haven shed model [email protected] manufactured by Jamaica Cottage Shop. COURTESY OF WWW.JAMAICACOTTAGESHOP.COM. Graphic Designers Tom Nelsen, Kevin Ulrich

Departments: Garage, Shed & Carport Builder is published six times annually in January, April, July, September, November, December by 6 Editor’s Note Shield Wall Media LLC, 150 Depot St., 8 Supplier News Iola, WI 54945. Copyright 2021 Shield Wall Media LLC. Names and logos 29 Business Connections referred to or displayed in editorial or advertising content may be trademarked 48 Project of the Month or copyright. Garage, Shed & Carport Builder assumes no responsibility for 51 Advertiser Index unsolicited materials sent to it. Publisher and advertisers are not liable for typo- graphical errors that may appear in prices or descriptions in advertisements. Mailed SPECIAL SECTION free to rural contractors and their suppli- Virtual Garage, DOWNLOAD OUR ers throughout North America. Shed & Carport FREE BACK ISSUES 40 Builder Show https://bit.ly/3r8ZDov

• Building Big: Fabric Buildings & Long-Span Trusses Next • Synthetic Decking and Building Materials Issue: • Cupolas & Ornamental Accessories

www.constructionmagnet.com 5

TTOC.inddOC.indd 5 11/11/21/11/21 9:359:35 AMAM EDITOR’S NOTE

Show Oﬀ Your Sheds In April

he biggest thing that has off s. (See the article starting on page 24.) be featured with a gallery of shed projects. happened here at Garage, Since this issue should have been the From Adhesives to Ventilation, we will Shed & Carport Builder show preview issue, focusing on all the ex- show you products in more than a dozen magazine since our last hibitors you would see at the South Bend diff erent categories. edition is we’ve had to trade show, we felt it fi tting to launch a All shed builders are welcome to submit Tpostpone our fi rst show. Th e Garage, Shed “virtual” show. Beginning on page 40, you projects for publication. What we need: and Carport Builder Show was originally can learn about what the exhibitors have Th ree to fi ve clear photos, specifi c materi- scheduled to take place February 4-5, but to off er. As part of each company’s profi le, als used, shed size, location, and a brief due to restrictions from the State of Indi- you’ll see a Quick Response (QR) code. description. [If you like, you can download ana and St. Joseph County, we’ve resched- Scan the QR code with your smartphone this form, which will prompt you for all uled the show to November 5-6. It will be to visit that company’s “virtual booth” the info we need: https://bit.ly/35yGJy9.] held at the Century Center in South Bend, online. Each booth is unique, and may Feel free to contact me with questions. Indiana. include images, additional product details, If you would like to share your experi- At some point, we’ll all be able to hit videos, and more. ences and opinions with me — either on the road again and attend trade shows. In the April edition, we’ll hold a dif- or off the record — feel free to call, write, (I really miss visiting with builders and ferent kind of exhibition ... I invite each or email. (My contact info is on page 5.) manufacturers face to face!) When that of you to submit one of your sheds to be Until next time, be well. time comes, you’ll no doubt want to know published in our Projects and Products how to best handle trade show tax write- issue. Th e Product Profi les will return and

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EEditorditor NoteNote NEW.inddNEW.indd 6 11/12/21/12/21 11:0411:04 AMAM 2021

1. Our Relationships with our customers come first. 2. You shouldn’t have to choose between quality, service and prompt delivery – you deserve all three. 3. Our Declaration? We deliver rolling steel and commercial steel doors without the chores.

She wants to include a bottom tag line similar to “Now available, a complete line of rolling steel and commercial steel doors to meet your every need.

Thinking of either be a physical piece of paper or a congregation with a door in the center with the tagline: “Our Declaration”. Christine said to let you run with this one!

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Access Garage Doors Expands of experience in residential and commer- Franchise owner Rick Boettcher is Access Garage Doors has announced cial garage door repair and installation, excited to work with a brand that’s an its expansion in the Midwest and has grown its presence in Ohio with the essential business, especially during the Southeast with two new franchises. Th e addition of the franchise Access Garage pandemic. “Anyone who starts a busi- company, which has more than 15 years Doors Cleveland West, in Ohio. ness in 2020 knows it’s a gamble,” said Boettcher. “But that goes with being an entrepreneur. As an essential business, I know that our services will always be required and never be outsourced to another country.” Th e company has also announced Marty Dillard as its newest franchise owner of Access Garage Doors of South Nashville, Tennessee. Concrete foundations are the new standard in the industry, and ICC-ES certiﬁ ed Perma-Column® is the most convenient, durable, and economical option. Dillard left a career in electronics and Wood in the ground will rot. Concrete will not. Perma-Column® precast piers robotics research and development to elevate wood out of the ground, creating a permanent foundation so your pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. “I post-frame buidling will last for generations—guaranteed. chose Access Garage Doors because it’s a young and aff ordable franchise with a lot of growth potential,” said Dillard. Access Garage Doors off ers homeowners services on garage door opener systems and garage doors, as well as a wide selection of high-quality new garage doors and openers. Access Garage Doors is a Master Authorized Clopay dealer and an Authorized Service Provider for Lift - Master, Home Depot, Genie, and Clopay.

Nova USA Wood Products’ Marks 15th Anniversary Nova USA Wood Products recently completed its 15th anniversary reporting a 100 percent increase in year-to-year sales revenues for its proprietary wood stain and fastening products. Launched in 2005 as a manufacturer and distributor of premium tropical hardwoods, the company has continually expanded its presence nationwide through the ongoing introduction of products like its propri- 9 etary line of ExoShield Wood Stains, Exo- Clad Rainscreen QuickClips and ExoDek QuickClip Hidden Deck Fasteners. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to the deep understanding of the exotic wood needs of our customers and high-end markets they serve,” says Steve Getsiv, president and CEO of Nova Products Inc.

8 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

88-12-News.indd-12-News.indd 8 11/11/21/11/21 9:479:47 AMAM YOU’RE BUSY. WE’LL KEEP THIS SIMPLE.

We’re an advertising agency that works with garage builders to ﬁnd customers, grow estimates, & sell garages. If you’re interested in talking to one of our founders about how your company can beneﬁt from our work, call Jim at (978) 424-4500 ext 600 or email him at [email protected]

JAMESANDMATTHEW.COM

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Universal Supply LBM Announces Additions Tri-County Building Supplies operates multiple locations in Distributor of specialty building materials US LBM (www. southern New Jersey, including a 14-acre fl agship location in uslbm.com) has announced expansions in Southeastern Penn- Pleasantville that includes a showroom and 60,000 sq. ft . of sylvania, southern New Jersey, and the New York metro area. warehouse space. Tri-County is a leading provider of lumber One of the largest building products distributors in the United and specialty building materials, including roofi ng, siding, States, US LBM off ers a comprehensive portfolio of specialty wallboard, insulation, millwork, hardware, cabinetry, interior products, including windows, doors, millwork, wallboard, roof- and exterior doors, windows and stair rail installation, to profes- ing, siding, engineered components and cabinetry. sional customers and homeowners in southern New Jersey. US LBM has opened a new roofi ng and siding location in Tri-County Building Supplies will operate as part of US LBM’s Yeadon, Pennsylvania. Th e location is US LBM’s tenth new roof- Universal Supply Company, which has more than 20 locations ing and siding focused greenfi eld to open since 2018. US LBM across the Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey, Connecticut, opened a similar roofi ng and siding focused location in nearby Maryland and Delaware. Kimberton, Pennsylvania, in 2019. “Universal Supply Company and Tri-County Building Sup- “Roofi ng and siding continues to be a strong specialty cat- plies have complementary operating models and share the same egory for US LBM, and this new location further expands our principles of providing superior customer service and a wide reach and product off ering in Southeastern Pennsylvania and catalog of products to building professionals,” said Umosella. the Delaware Valley,” said US LBM Chief Development Offi cer US LBM reported it strengthened its presence in the New and Universal Supply President Jeff Umosella. Th e new location York metropolitan tristate area with the acquisition of Ridgefi eld will operate as part of US LBM’s Universal Supply division. Supply Company in Ridgefi eld, Connecticut. Founded in 1883, US LBM expanded its presence in New Jersey with its ac- Ridgefi eld Supply operates an 89,000-sq. ft . facility in Ridgefi eld, quisition of Tri-County Building Supplies. Founded in 1964, which is comprised of a lumberyard, warehouses, a hardware YOUR ROLL-UP DOOR SUPPLIER Royal Crowne SHOULD WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO Cupolas 717-288-2630

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10 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

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and paint store, window and millwork ing membranes are self-adhering and showrooms and an employee training self-sealing for ease of installation and center. Serving customers in Fairfi eld complete waterproofi ng protection. County in Connecticut and Westchester MFM products are manufactured in the County in New York, Ridgefi eld Sup- United States and sold through an exten- ply’s product mix includes lumber, paint, sive distributor network around the globe. Th e new facility will be located in Sac windows, doors, millwork, decking and County, Iowa. CornBoard is an alternative to pressed wood construction materials. interior and exterior trim. Glen Albee S-5! Receives 2020 PHOTO COURTESY OF CD SMITH CONSTRUCTION/MCMAHON ASSOCIATES, INC. will continue to lead Ridgefi eld Supply’s Industry Advocate Award day-to-day operations as president. S-5!, a leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions, has been awarded Corn fi elds show great potential as a MFM Building Products the 2020 Gold Level Industry Advocate renewable forest. Corn stover is plenti- To Celebrate 60th Anniversary Award for outstanding service, participa- ful and available aft er every harvest each MFM Building Products (www.mfmbp. tion and support of the Metal Building year. If 20% of the available corn stover com), a manufacturer of a full envelope Manufacturers Association (MBMA). in Iowa was pressed into 4’x8’-half inch of waterproofi ng and weather barrier Accepting on behalf of the S-5! team thick panels, it would cover 251,212 foot- products for the building industry, will be was CEO and Founder Rob Haddock at ball fi elds or 332,182 acres. celebrating the company’s 60th Anniver- the virtual MBMA annual meeting and CornBoard™ is a pressed wood alterna- sary in 2021. awards presentation on Dec. 8. tive produced by taking overabundant MFM Building Products was founded Haddock, a well-known metal roof and underutilized bio-mass material in 1961. Initially, the company manu- consultant, technical author, speaker and from corn stover and turning it into a factured products used for wrapping inventor of the non-invasive clamps for building material that is an economical underground pipe to protect from water fastening accessories to standing seam and environmentally responsible alterna- penetration and pipe contents becoming metal roofs, was awarded for his time, tive to pressed wood products, such as contaminated. Over the years, MFM ex- expertise and advocacy of MBMA and pallets, furniture, plywood alternatives, panded this technology to develop sealing the entire metal building industry. skis, snowboards and building materials. and waterproofi ng products for use within Among the 10 companies who were CornBoard™ was developed, refi ned and the building envelope. In July 2017, MFM presented with gold, silver and bronze patented by researchers at the University became an ESOP company and still holds level awards, S-5! earned top-notch gold of Illinois. true to its original core values. recognition and was recognized for its “Th e leading-edge nature of this proj- Today, MFM manufactures a wide exceptional commitment to promoting ect appeals to us,” C.D. Smith’s Presi- array of weather barrier products that and enhancing MBMA initiatives, includ- dent and CEO, Justin Smith says. “Our include low-slope roofi ng membranes, ing participation in MBMA committees, involvement speaks to our desire to be on roofi ng underlayments, window and door advocacy eff orts to enhance the metal the forefront of innovation and an indus- fl ashing tapes, multi-purpose waterproof- building systems industry, attendance try leader in environmentally sustainable ing membranes, specialized waterproof- at MBMA educational and promotional construction. We’re excited to be part of ing tapes, and HVAC duct and pipe wrap. events and safety program participation. this transformational eff ort.” Th e company’s exterior, waterproof- “We’re looking at the big picture,” CD Smith Building New shares Corn Board Manufacturing, Inc.’s CornBoard Facility CEO, Lane Segerstrom. “Th e time has Construction management fi rm C.D. come for business to adapt and deliver Smith Construction, Inc. (C.D. Smith) is life’s essentials in a nature-positive way. building a carbon negative manufactur- Th is project is a collaborative eff ort ing facility for Corn Board Manufac- between like-minded organizations turing, Inc. Th e facility, which will be who are striving to do the right thing located in Sac County, Iowa, will convert for our environment and our communi- corn stover biomass — leaves, stalks ties. Bringing quality jobs and economic and husks — into an environmentally- development to Rural America through MFM Building Products headquarters is friendly engineered pressed board called this carbon negative plant is extremely located in Coshocton, Ohio. PHOTO COURTESY OF MFM. CornBoard™. exciting.” GSCB

12 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

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FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 1133 11/8/21/8/21 88:46:46 AMAM BUSINESS BUILDING

On The Other Side Of Chapter 11

Navigating Through a Supplier’s or Customer’s Business Woes

BY GARY REICHERT, PUBLISHER

he year 2020 was an to feel the pressure of the increased debt ences may or may not apply to your situ- interesting year. Even if load in mid-2021. ation. Any decisions you make are yours, everything goes smoothly A lot can happen between now and and you assume all the risks and benefi ts for the next few months six months from now, but experts are associated with them. (Maybe I should and the world transitions predicting an increase of up to 25% in have been a lawyer…) Tback to “normal,” there will be long- Chapter 11 fi lings. Having witnessed two term changes to the business climate such fi lings recently, both on opposite Bankruptcy: One Size and society in general. Anyone who sides of the fi ling, there is some real- Does Not Fit All has ever spoken to me knows I am not world insight I would like to share. Before discussing my personal experi- bright enough to predict what those Obligatory disclaimer: I am not ences, we should explain the diff erences changes will be, but smarter people have and never wanted to be a lawyer. Th e in types of fi lings commonly referred to predicted a future that makes sense. following are refl ections from my recent as “Bankruptcy.” According to the Wall Street Journal, personal experiences — nothing more. Chapter 7 is a liquidation of assets companies borrowed heavily to survive Th is does not constitute legal advice. All by the court. Th is most oft en applies the stress from COVID-19 and will start situations are unique, and my experi- to individuals, but can be applied to

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FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 1155 11/8/21/8/21 99:09:09 AMAM BUSINESS BUILDING

businesses when the business has no future prospects or chances of viability. Chapter 11 is a reorganization. Reorganization can take many diff erent forms. Debt facilities may be renegoti- ated, nonperforming divisions or assets may be disposed of, or sometimes divisions are pieced out and sold at auction. Th e Small Business Reorganization Act relaxed standards for Chapter 11 so that small businesses would be better able to maintain their equity and some operational control of their business. Th e Subchapter V of Chapter 11 originally only applied to businesses with under $2,725,625 in debt. Th e Cares Act temporarily expanded that to $7,500,000 to help deal with COVID-19 stress. Th e Cares Act provision is currently set to Agreement will have schedules includ- allow the business to pay for goods and expire on March 27, 2021, so some larger ing physical assets, inventory, real estate, services for ongoing operations. If an companies may fi nd Chapter 11 more and intellectual property. It also includes invoice arrives before the date, it will be attractive. If you are dealing with a busi- the agreements the old company had in included in the settlement and payment ness bankruptcy, the majority of cases place with existing vendors and custom- will probably be delayed until the fi ling will be Chapter 11. ers. Typically, the new owners will keep is resolved. If the invoice goes in aft er the agreements that generate revenue, the fi ling date and is considered neces- Variables to Consider leave, or attempt to renegotiate the debt sary for continuing operation, it should Th e outlook and circumstances of a obligations. be paid promptly, as payment is overseen business associate’s bankruptcy are vastly If you sell products or services to the by the court. Monitoring invoice dates diff erent based on your relationship with company, there are two basic consid- may be the diff erence between getting the company. If you buy products or erations: recouping what you are owed paid promptly and not getting paid at all. services from the company, there is an from the old company, and maintaining When deciding if you will maintain excellent possibility you won’t notice any the relationship with the new company. a relationship with the new owners, the changes in operation. If you sell product Being owed money you cannot collect fi rst decision is based on whether you to the company and they pay you, the can be emotional. Th ere are feelings believe the business will be viable in the diff erences can be striking. of being cheated and it is not fair for future. If any operational challenges are In many instances of Chapter 11, someone to not honor their obligations. fi xed with the new ownership, it may be the end result is the acquisition of the If the business going through Chapter 11 worthwhile to continue. Remember, you company or part of the company by new owes you money, watch the court fi lings both have the option to renegotiate pric- owners. Th at is what happened when closely. It is critical that you comply with ing and payment terms for the ongoing Shield Wall Media acquired the Con- the dates provided by the court. Typical- relationship. As a vendor, this is a great struction Division from F+W Media. ly, the company will continue operations opportunity to develop that relationship. When the change in ownership oc- during the Chapter 11 process. Ceasing A business has many moving parts. All curs, one of the documents that must operations decreases the cash fl ow and of the vendors need to be confi rmed or be approved by the court is the Assign- value of the company, which benefi ts no replaced. ment and Assumption Agreement. Th is one. Staff , resources, and real estate all need agreement details everything that will If you know the fi ling dates are com- to be evaluated in a Chapter 11. Th is of- be transferred (or not transferred) to the ing, you may want to evaluate the orders ten has a timeline of 30 to 60 days. Th ose new owners. the company is placing with you. Once tasks are in addition to maintaining Th e Assignment and Assumption the fi ling takes eff ect, the court will oft en operations and working through the legal

16 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

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PPG TF GC&SB Ad_8 x 10.75_v1 12-04-19.indd 1 12/4/19 1:02 PM BUSINESS BUILDING

maze surrounding Chapter 11 and buying a business. If it is a small company, they will want—or need— to maintain many of the existing relationships for expedi- ency. If you want to keep their business, the best thing you can do is make the transition simple. Th e new owners will probably be grateful to check items off of their lengthy to-do list. If you buy from the company negotiating Chapter 11, you can mostly disregard the court notices. Th e dates and updates are mostly insignifi cant. One item to consider is: Everyone doing business with the company fi ling Chap- ter 11 receives the court notices. Th ey are also a matter of public record, so the company’s competitors receive them as well. Oft en, competitors will call and try to put their own spin on the process. One of Shield Wall Media’s largest and most critical vendors just went through a on non-performance. I dealt with this on will disrupt their supply chain and cre- Chapter 11 process. I received calls from a daily basis with advertisers asking what ate delays. A delay in their production more competitors than I knew existed. would happen if we went out of busi- becomes a delay in your production. I fi led them away in case I need them in ness. Th e answer was simple: Advertis- Usually that is not the case, and that is the future, but otherwise gave them little ing is not considered as revenue until one of the reasons the court allows and time and attention. the issue prints and mails. If the issue oversees payments of invoices aft er the One reason the competitors were you advertised in never mailed, there fi ling. In my personal experiences, this dismissed was the company working is nothing earned and nothing owed. It has not been a concern. But for criti- through Chapter 11 helped us negoti- would be the same with products. If it’s cal components, I would have a backup ate the tasks required when we bought never delivered, you would never owe waiting. the Construction Division that became anything. Th e one thing to remember is Chapter Shield Wall Media. Th ey took that op- I would be extremely hesitant to 11 does not mean the company is being portunity to be a resource, and it benefi t- prepay or put a deposit on an order from liquidated and going away. Th e end re- ted them in the future. a company going through Chapter 11. sult could be something that the outside Operation is overseen by the courts, yet world would never notice, or it can end Negotiating Terms and even in the best-case scenarios, if they in a complete change of management Commitments cannot deliver product, your money is or ownership. Th e new owners could If you buy from the company, one area tied up for a while. You will probably get decide to liquidate, or they could grow of legitimate concern is their ability to your deposit back someday, but person- like we have at Shield Wall Media. When meet their commitments. Th ere are two ally, I would not take the chance. we went through the acquisition of a primary aspects to this risk: their ability Timing is a diff erent consideration, company from Chapter 11, we did not to deliver in a timely manner, and your and requires some research. Th e ability miss a single issue. We came out of the payments for products or services. to pay bills can aff ect any company’s process launching a new show and new If you have net 30 or other payment relationship with their vendors and sup- magazines. terms, the money is a non-issue. Since pliers. Suppliers will oft en change terms In any result, caution is appropriate payment isn’t due until aft er delivery, for customers who pay slowly or present and redundancy is good, but a critical if they do not deliver, you do not pay. collection challenges. If a company partner going through Chapter 11 is not Th ere is no downside risk to you based cannot get raw materials, it obviously a reason to panic. GSCB

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114-18-Other-side-of-chap11.indd4-18-Other-side-of-chap11.indd 1818 11/11/21/11/21 2:172:17 PMPM YOU’RE BUSY. WE’LL KEEP THIS SIMPLE.

We’re an advertising agency that works with shed manufacturers to ﬁnd customers, grow estimates, & sell sheds. If you’re interested in talking to one of our founders about how your shed company can beneﬁt from our work, call Jim at (978) 424-4500 ext 600 or email him at [email protected]

JAMESANDMATTHEW.COM

FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 1199 11/8/21/8/21 88:46:46 AMAM Backyard Home Offices Is adding completed oﬃ ce units to your product line-up the right move for your shed business?

BY CAROL J. ALEXANDER

n 2014, Anthony Taylor- priced home renovations and additions. home full-time,” says Anthony. “Th at Weber needed offi ce space for All options were too costly. proved to me that my business model was his home inspection business. Th eir predicament led to the birth of a viable one.” He wanted to work from a new business for the Taylor-Webers— With his construction background and home but with a growing Outdoor Offi ce in Sherwood, Oregon. Jamie’s eye for design, the Taylor-Webers family, space was a premium. “I read a study that said by the year created a product that rapidly grew in So, he and his wife, Jamie, 2025 30-million people would work from popularity. Th inking it would take years I to get this side gig off the ground, they started building offi ces in their own garage. Th at lasted six months before they outgrew the space. Th ey’ve moved to larger facilities three times since then, roughly doubling their footprint each time. “We started wanting to do six buildings per year,” Anthony says. “But the fi rst three weeks of 2020, we signed contracts for three buildings and by the fi rst of March were on pace to build two per month.” Th en, Covid-19 hit. “Th e facility we moved into this summer was fi ve times that of our previous one,” Anthony says, “and now, we’ve outgrown it.”

Another Pre-Covid Backyard Oﬃ ce Builder In 2010, home builder Jason Ellis and his father, Jeff Ellis, started building backyard studios as a way to pivot their construction business aft er the Consumers want plenty of natural light in a home offi ce. Outdoor Offi ce builds custom spaces 2008 recession. Th eir studios and offi ces for consumers. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTDOOR OFFICE

20 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

220-23-backyard-home-offices-photo0-23-backyard-home-offices-photo added.inddadded.indd 2020 11/11/21/11/21 9:519:51 AMAM When you’re selling a $30,000 product, the client has a certain level of expectation. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTDOOR OFFICE

morphed into full-blown accessory dwell- currently. Th at’s a 57 percent increase Separation—When you have a dedi- ing units (known as ADU’s) for those in work from home employees around cated space for work, where you can shut who wanted in-law suites without remod- the globe. And in a June 2020 article in the door and “go home,” it helps your eling their home. Th eir new business, Stanford News, Nicholas Bloom, profes- brain to relax and focus on the family. Kanga Room Systems in Waco, Texas, of- sor of economics in Stanford’s School of Organization—With a backyard offers pre-fabricated kits homeowners can Humanities and Sciences, states that in fi ce, a customer’s work doesn’t become put together themselves. Or, Kanga Room the U.S., “almost twice as many employ- mixed in with their child’s schoolwork or will assemble them for you. ees are working from home as at work.” the family mail when it’s dropped on the Already a thriving business, Kanga table. Room has sold “a bunch of kits” since Co- Beneﬁ ts Of A vid-19. And, according to Jason, they’ve Backyard Home Oﬃ ce Jumping on the Bandwagon done nothing to instigate the increased Forced home to work, many workers Seeing the need for dedicated work sales. Obviously, the need has increased found themselves trying to perform from space in their communities has led some demand. the kitchen table. Smack in the middle shed builders to try and capitalize on the of chaos. When reality proved this work demand and add backyard offi ces to their What Covid-19 Has Done from home arrangement wasn’t going product line-up. One such company is To The Work From Home Space away, workers improvised in a variety of Ulrich Barn Builders in Harrisonburg, Several months into the pandemic, ways. Of those ways, only the backyard Virginia. Global Workplace Analytics (GWA) home offi ce off ers many of the same “Actually,” says Paul Yates, design published survey fi ndings of almost 3000 benefi ts of “going to work.” consultant with Ulrich, “it was an idea we participants worldwide regarding their Privacy—A backyard home offi ce gives bounced around pre-Covid but the virus work from home habits. In their “Global your customers the quiet and space they brought it back to the front burner and Work From Home Experience Survey need for virtual meetings without a kid’s we’ve been leaning into it pretty heavily.” Report,” 31 percent of respondents said head popping up or the dog barking. When the demand for offi ces increased they worked from home on a regular And, if a customer works with sensitive last spring, the leadership team at Ulrich basis prior to Covid-19 and 88 percent information, data safe glass could be an started discussing the possibilities. Th ey are working from home on a regular basis upsell. surveyed furloughed workers in their

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220-23-backyard-home-offices-photo0-23-backyard-home-offices-photo added.inddadded.indd 2121 11/11/21/11/21 9:519:51 AMAM Design Your Model “You need to ask, ‘What changes need to be made to my existing product?’” says Jason. Aft er all, he says a backyard home offi ce is not a dressed-up shed. Besides the obvious electrical and HVAC package, the structure will need some updates. Floor joists and wall studs must be two-by-six construction to accommodate insulation. Roof raft ers need joists for creating fl at ceilings. You need to install blocking for nailing up drywall. And, ceiling heights need to be higher. “You’ll need to follow residential building standards to hold the value and get approved by local ordinances,” says Anthony. “Completed units are an alternative to additions and remodels,” he says. “Th ey’re not a shed.” Jason agrees. “Th ere’s a fi ne line in design,” he says, “that makes a building look like it was made for its use, and that Th e year 2020 saw serious growth in the home offi ce market. Outdoor Offi ce of Sherwood, is was a converted shed.” Oregon, experienced the growth fi rst hand. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTDOOR OFFICE Because, in addition to the studs, fl oor, roof, and siding, a backyard home target markets to gauge interest. When Advice From The Pioneers offi ce includes the cost of an electrician, they saw the results, they began the If you’re thinking of pivoting your shed the electrical inspector, an HVAC unit, design phase. manufacturing company to meet the upgraded doors and windows, and any “It did take a bit of time to get the de- backyard home offi ce needs since Covid, other options you want to include. “Your sign fi gured out,” says Paul. As, according Jason and Anthony have a few words of design needs to be noticeably diff erent to him, the company adapted an existing advice. from your shed,” says Jason, “so custom- product to accommodate the need. ers will pay for these upgrades.” “Th ere were some challenges from Do Your Research Anthony agrees. “When you’re selling the zoning and building permit side of “Get the data for your target market a $30,000 product, the client has a certain things,” Paul says. “For example, I was on work-from-home workers before you level of expectation.” told yesterday we’re going to limit our make any decision,” says Anthony. He Another thing Anthony says to completed unit to one size, ten-by-twelve, stresses that some rural markets, where consider when designing your backyard to make things easier.” the industry landscape is manufactur- home offi ce is the weight of the unit. If Ulrich launched their backyard home ing, may not have the demand for home you’re selling completed units to deliver, offi ce in August. Th ey weren’t willing to offi ces because those workers can’t work they can’t exceed the weight limits for disclose sales numbers but Paul did give from home. But if your target market is your delivery rigs. some insight. an urban or suburban setting, the data “At fi rst, customers didn’t want to com- will let you know if the demand is there. Crunch The Numbers mit because they thought it would blow Also, ask your client base what they Just because a pivot is a good idea, over,” he says. “Now, people are actually want. Some customers may want to buy doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for your relocating out of the cities because they the shed and do the work themselves, business. Anthony stresses shed builders see this as more long-term. Th ey are driv- says Jason. “It’s about 50/50 for us, the ask themselves, “What’s this investment ing up the demand.” number of customers who want a turnkey going to require?” building versus doing it themselves.” Once you design your unit, a launch is

22 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

220-23-backyard-home-offices-photo0-23-backyard-home-offices-photo added.inddadded.indd 2222 11/11/21/11/21 9:519:51 AMAM no small feat. Website copy needs to be added, point-of-sale documents printed, and advertising campaigns created. Un- less your company employs a marketing team with content writers, this is something you’ll need to hire out. Also, building completed units require either hiring skilled employees or sub- contractors for things like electrical work. Some states require you have a general Th e Writer’s Haven model from Jamaica Cottage Shop features a fl ying v covered porch. PHOTO COURTESY JAMAICACOTTAGESHOP.COM. contractor’s license to hire subcontrac- tors—a requirement many shed builders don’t have. And, Anthony muses that in today’s building climate, with a lack Backyard Offices: of skilled workers, few electricians will subcontract a $2000 job wiring a shed when they can get a $50,000 job wiring A Hot Ticket In 2020 an entire home. By Karen Knapstein price change as they add and remove The Future Of options. At the end of the process they Working From Home amaica Cottage Shop is a can check out and purchase the shed As Paul says, customers were reluctant shed manufacturer located or save their design to a wish list,” he to commit at fi rst because they thought in South Londonderry, explained. “We saw an increase in the pandemic would blow over. But it Vermont. Th e company has orders as well as confi gurations and looks like it’s here for at least another two models — the Writer’s upsells. A lot of the choices being made year. What does that bode for the future JHaven and the Home Offi ce — that were being done at home without the of working from home? are specifi cally designed as backyard interaction of anyone at the call center. According to the GWA survey, the work spaces. Domenic Mangano, who … Customers are putting buildings to- work-from-home trend will continue founded the company in 1995 and gether on their own without our help.” post-Covid and become part of our new serves as its president, said they saw a To increase its sales and reach, JCS normal. To what extent, though, remains signifi cant uptick in orders in 2020. also off ers an affi liate program. Once to be seen. “In 2020 we saw an increase in signed up for the program, Jamaica All things considered, Anthony inti- demand for additional space,” Man- Cottage Shop provides reviewers, shed mates that some shed builders are better gano said. “We saw that people were builders — anyone with online reach off focusing on improving their product spending more time at home with more — a unique affi liate link that can be rather than spreading themselves thin people in the household. Th e home used on a website, blog or social media to produce something new. “Don’t get offi ce is something people are very accounts. Every time a client purchases caught up in the money,” he says, “and interested in.” JCS off ers three options from a referral link, JCS pays the refer- lose sight of your why.” for delivery of its backyard buildings. rer a 5% commission (paid monthly). He recommends taking the time to Th ey can be delivered as a DIY set of “Over the last 12 months there was work with your clients, put their inter- plans, or as a complete kit shipped quite a bit of uncertainty. We ramped ests fi rst, and provide a solution to their free through North America, or fully up coming out of winter like we always problem. GSCB assembled (dimensions and weight do, and then we were told by the permitting) within a 200-mile radius of government to send everyone home … Carol J. Alexander writes feature articles, website the factory. But we brought almost everyone back copy, case studies, and more for the home remodeling Mangano also attributes an increase within 60 days,” he said. “And 2020 and building industry. Notable clients include Th is in interest and sales to the addition of ended up being our best year ever; it Old House, Chicago Faucets, and BobVila. She lives a shed confi gurator on the JCS website surpassed the numbers from our previ- in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. (www.jamaicacottageshop.com) in ous year. We expect to continue in 2021 2020. “Customers can confi gure a as we continue to gain market share and building to their liking and watch the build a national brand.” GSCB

www.constructionmagnet.com 23

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Trade Show Tax Deductions How to Cut the Costs of Travel and Lodging

BY PHILLIP M. PERRY

f you attend trade shows on a (fl emmingbusinessservices.com). “Takeke regular basis, you’ve probably no- notes that support the business nature ticed that travel costs keep going of your trip. Whom did you see? Whatt up. Sending several people to an subjects did you discuss? How did event can result in a serious hit to activities during your trip support yourur Iyour bottom line. operations?” Luckily, Uncle Sam allows you to Retain any materials such as show soft en the fi nancial blow by deducting badges or seminar workbooks that helpp your travel expenses on your income tax prove you were actually at the event, return for any legitimate show. And what says Flemming. Other helpful materi- qualifi es as legitimate? Th e answer is basi- als would be conference agendas with cally that the event must relate directly to business-oriented sessions, a list of your business. exhibitors who serve your organization,n, “As long as you are expecting to gener- a catalog of relevant seminars (mark thehe ate business from the trade show, then ones you attended) and business cards expenses for attending are legitimate and vendor brochures. deductions,” says Richard R. Rhodes, an enrolled agent with Hinckley Tax Service, What To Deduct Medina, Ohio (hinckleytaxservice.com). Here is an important caveat: Th e “Even if you do not generate revenue ideas in this article are intended to directly from the event, you might be provide you with initial guidance. You Download IRS Publication 463 at https://bit.ly/2Keo7MA. anticipating doing business in the future should always confer with qualifi ed legal with someone you have networked with.” and accounting professionals to make sure you deduct expenses properly. Supporting Material So what are some deductible expenses? to your business travel.” Th ese might You can take specifi c steps to establish Actual transportation costs are the include rental fees for computers or other that your trip is a legitimate one for tax most obvious. Th ey can include travel equipment. purposes. “Th e IRS wants to know the by airplane, train, bus or automobile. Th e Internal Revenue Service provides intent behind your travel,” says Suzette Taxi or hired car travel during the trade extensive guidance on the deduction of Flemming, president of Flemming Busi- show visit is also deductible. So are bag- expenses in its publication Travel, Gift ness Services, a fi nancial management gage costs, tips and what the IRS calls and Car Expenses. Visit www.irs.gov and company based in Great Falls, Montana “ordinary and necessary expenses related search for “463.” For a complete list of

24 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

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deductible items in that publication see Table 1-1 on page 5. Additional information is available in another IRS document entitled Business Travel Expenses. Search the same site for “511.” Th ere are two special cases worth mentioning. First, meals are only 50 percent deductible. And their costs are not deductible at all if the trade show is close to home. On the other hand, if your travel requires an overnight stay then the 50 percent deductibility would be allowable. Th e IRS puts it this way in its publication Travel, Gift and Car Expens- es: “You can deduct the cost of meals if it is necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your your deductions, they can be taken away. Virginia (fraimcpa.com). “You can just duties while traveling away from home In addition to the increased taxes that take pictures of your receipts and store on business.” will result, there may also be penalties them in a database.” Alternatively, you Second, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs and interest payments. can have vendors email receipts to your Act (TCJA) eliminated the deductibility So how can you track your expenses smart phone. Th en fi le the emails in a of entertainment—an expense commonly in a way that will satisfy the authorities? folder which is easier to access—and to encountered by businesspeople attending Th e tried and true medium is paper—and back up—than faded paper fi les. (For trade shows. many people still keep folders bulging computer programs that can help see the “Loss of the entertainment deduction with receipts. But with the arrival of the sidebar, “Apps Th at Track Expenses” on has hit many businesses pretty hard,” says digital age, things can be a bit easier—at the next page.) Flemming. “Some are rethinking how least for anyone comfortable with tech- One more thing: Once you have your they court clients.” How about your own nology. records in hand, hang onto them. “Th e business: Should you still entertain cus- “Smart phone apps are especially IRS can go back three years when audit- tomers even though you cannot deduct valuable for keeping receipts of your ing your returns,” says Flemming. “If they the bill? “You need to look at your return meals,” says David Cawley, Partner and fi nd anything they can go even further on investment,” says Flemming. “Does Certifi ed Valuation Analyst at Fraim, back than that. So we recommend keep- the expense result in more business be- Cawley & Company, CPAs, Roanoke, ing documentation for seven years, which cause it encourages customers to return?”

Careful Records Despite the elimination of the entertainment deduction, there are still many legitimate deductions available to business travelers. And while they certainly soft en travel’s bottom line impact, keep in mind that the system only works if you record and retain the requisite backup documentation. “Travel expenses, especially those for meals, are very oft en low hanging fruit for auditors,” says Rhodes. “Th at’s because many people fail to keep adequate records.” If your paperwork does not support

www.constructionmagnet.com 25

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your business-related travel expenses.” It’s important to keep careful records Apps That Track Expenses about your journey, allocating correctly Hate stuffi ng bags with paper receipts and jotting between business and personal time. iindecipherablen notes in journals? Try using these electronic “My overall tip is to be truthful,” says exexpensex trackers that are as close as your smart phone. Catherine Raker, an accountant with Receipt-bank.com. Reads key details from receipts when Cendrowski Corporate Advisors, Chi- youyoo snap them with your smart phone. Store data online or cago (cca-advisors.com). “If it’s really a exexportp it to your computer. Pricing starts at $15 monthly. personal trip and you do some business- EExpensify.com. Automates expense accounting from receipt related activities don’t write the whole scanningscann through fi nal reports. Pricing starts at $5 per month. trip off as a business expense.” mileIQ.com.m Runs in the background to track mileage. Expenses that are shared for business CreatesCreaa a comprehensive travel record. Basic version off ers 40 free drivesdrive each month. and vacation can fall into a grey area, Source: Flemming Business Services, Great Falls, Montana according to Cawley. “Your airline fare might be disallowed if you spend two days of your trip on business and fi ve days on vacation. On the other hand, is as far back as the IRS can go.” Th e per diem option is oft en over- your hotel bill for the specifi c two busi- When it comes to stastatet law, Flemming looked by business travelers. “Many ness days, and other direct expenses for cautions,ti theth rules l can beb more oner- people will deliberately keep their meal the business portion of your trip, would ous. Montana, for example, can go back expenses low, because they are on a bud- still be deductible.” 10 years. “Find out what the rules are get,” says Cawley. “But then they forget Personal time oft en means the pres- in your own state, because each one is that they have a right under the IRS code ence of a spouse—and expenses related diff erent.” to take the higher per diem rate. As a re- to that individual’s travel can complicate Bonus tip: “Consider charging all of sult they end up not getting their higher record keeping. Ordinarily such expenses your business expenses on a dedicated deduction.” must be separated from those of the busi- credit card,” says Cawley. “Th en you’ll One more thing: Are you planning ness traveler and may not be deducted. have a permanent record of where you to use your personal car to travel to the Th ere is one exception: “If you are travel- went and how much you spent.” And that show? If so, you face another decision: ing with your spouse who is participat- credit card’s statements will provide an Whether to use the standard mileage rate ing for a genuine business reason in the easily accessible journal of your business or keep track of your actual expenses. event, then that individual’s expenses are activities. Th e decision will lie in how good a record covered,” says Flemming. keeper you are and how much hassle you Per Diem Rates want to put up with. Sometimes the stan- Keeping Track Does collecting meal receipts—digital dard deduction is the easier option. Trade shows can be valuable resources or otherwise—seem like a hassle? Ask for your business. By bringing together your accountant if you are eligible to uti- Personal Time vendors and buyers in one place, they lize “per diem” rates—daily cash amounts What if you spend some vacation or facilitate more buying activity and higher that are set by the government. personal time during your trip? How profi ts. Taking the time to document “Each year the IRS comes out with a does that aff ect the deductibility of your your activity when you travel to a show per diem rate for each geographic area,” expenses? An excerpt from IRS docu- can help alleviate the costly impact travel says Cawley. “Th e rule is that you can ment 463 provides some clarifi cation: and hotel expenses can have on your bot- either deduct your actual expenses in “You can deduct all of your travel expens- tom line. terms of meals and incidentals or just use es if your trip was entirely business-relat- “It can be hard to keep careful records the per diem rate, based on how many ed. If your trip was primarily for business when you are busy, but those records do days you are there. You should track both and, while at your business destination, help come income tax time,” says Cawley. in tandem, then use whichever number is you extended your stay for a vacation, “Tracking your travel expenses when you higher. Th is can be really handy in high made a personal side trip, or had other attend a trade show can really pay off .” per diem cities.” personal activities, you can deduct only GSCB

26 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

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Profits By Design Save Time, Increase Proﬁ ts With Shed Design Software

BY KAREN KNAPSTEIN

ou’re no doubt aware 2020 saw an increase in demand for backyard sheds. As homeowners worked (and continue working) remotely throughout the pandemic, they realized SmartBuild Systems is rolling out its shed and garage confi guration they could improve their lives with the soft ware in February 2021. Garage and shed builders will now be able addition of an accessory building or two. to take advantage of the same degree of technical support and cus- Th eir desire to add a carport, storage shed, or even a backyard tomer service that post-frame builders have enjoyed since SmartBuild Y launched a few years ago. PHOTO COURTESY SMARTBUILD SYSTEMS offi ce have fueled the increase in demand. Odds are that when the consumer decided they wanted a backyard shed they didn’t jump in the car and start cruising of the other soft ware programs and were frustrated. Aft er inter- around looking at shed lots. Th e growing trend is for consumers viewing a bunch of companies and fi nding some were willing to to begin their research online. A web-hosted online confi gurator commit fi nancially ahead of time, we rolled up our shirt sleeves allows that potential customer to determine what they want — and started the work. We knew how to develop it and how to get and what they can get — for their budget. Without the pressure it done. Aft er two years of development, we started licensing the of having a sales person present, they can determine the size, soft ware about 2 1/2 years ago.” type, material, and special details of the shed that will suit their Th e soft ware is a hit. “Now, we have two full-time people for needs. SmartBuild Systems and IdeaRoom are two Visual CPQ customer support, we have eight people working full time on (Confi gure, Price, Quote) soft ware options for confi guring development, and three people full time in testing.” Th rough buildings. customer feedback, the development team identifi es and priori-

SmartBuild Systems: From Post-Frame To Backyard Sheds and Garages Keith Dietzen, CEO of Keymark Enterprises, developer of SmartBuild Systems, said that until a few years ago, there wasn’t a professionally built soft ware design option that worked really well for post-frame builders. He explained, “Th ere were a couple tiny companies that did some soft ware that did some things, but the soft ware was incomplete and didn’t work very well.” To meet the needs of post-frame builders, Dietzen hit the road. He interviewed and visited post-frame builders and suppliers across the country to learn what they would need and want in building design soft ware. His fi rst trip, about 4 1/2 years ago, was a visit to Graber Post Buildings and A.B. Martin. “When we visited Graber Post we were accepted with open Customers can research and have most of the decisions made before arms,” he said. “Th ey brought in multiple teams to talk with me they even meet with a sales representative or builder, which saves you and see what I was planning. At that time, they were using one time. PHOTO COURTESY SMARTBUILD SYSTEMS

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tizes issues with the soft ware. Th ey are continually upgrading the soft ware and have a new release every two weeks. Regularly scheduled webinars keep users apprised of the upgrades and changes.

How SmartBuild Licensing Works Dietzen explained that while building companies can license the soft ware directly from SmartBuild, there are some big ad- vantages of getting it from a distributor. Th e fi rst advantage is that distributors enter and maintain the materials database. “For SmartBuild to run, it has to have a whole database of material. When a contractor buys from us, we’ll support them, but they have to enter their own data structure (the materials they use). Distributors have already done that.” When consumers design the shed themselves, without the pressure of Th e second advantage is most distributors will subsidize the having a sales person present, they oft en upsell themselves. On aver- cost of SmartBuild. If a contractor hasn’t been buying from a age, consumer-designed sheds price out 15% higher than if a sales rep were walking a customer through the process. given distributor, but can get SmartBuild from them, they may PHOTO COURTESY IDEAROOM consider switching. A distributor might say, “If you buy your materials from me, I’ll provide SmartBuild to you.” Dietzen said garage and backyard shed design. it’s up to the distributor. Dietzen said that some of their post-frame customers who Th e third big advantage, Dietzen explained, is “because the also build sheds and garages have asked them to include things contractor is now using an identical database, the backend pro- like shingles, vapor barrier, siding, and sub sheathing. “I told cesses can be automated. Th ere’s no manual data entry or com- my team we have to do this, but we had our hands full with post munication problems.” All the material details — color schemes, frame. Once we got to the staff level we needed, we were able to components, everything — are all hard-coded in. Material lists turn our attention to garages and sheds,” he explained. Th e goal are all automatically generated, and pricing updates become was to have it done in time to roll out at the [Garage, Shed and automatic. Carport Builders] show in South Bend in February. SmartBuild Th e web-based soft ware reduces the average bid time for a worked with a couple of shed companies to get the insights post-frame building to just 20 minutes and drastically decreases needed. “Classic Buildings in Missouri gave us a lot of help. Th ey errors. It automatically designs a 3D model and framing, up- provided us with information that was useful in developing dates changes — and prices — in real time, builds a cut list for soft ware that shed builders need. sheathing and trim, generates construction drawings, and more. “We’ll have this product ready to roll out at the beginning Another benefi t is the knitting together the supply commu- of February. Aft er that, some time in 2021, we’ll also enhance nity and the contractor. “It’s great for the supply community be- SmartBuild and bring out a version that can be used for com- cause it helps them grow their sales in a friction-free way. Th ey pletely metal buildings. By the time we’re done, we’ll have the put the design power in the contractor’s hands, which makes entire simple architecture market niche covered: post frame, the contractor’s life easier. With SmartBuild, the contractor can metal buildings, sheds, and garages.” sit down live with the customer and do a design. Th ey can show the client in real time what they want. Th e client makes changes IdeaRoom Grows Customer Base, and they see the price changes live. At the end of the session, the Proﬁ t Margins For Shed Builders contractor can push a button and generate a sales proposal. It’s a Soft ware developer IdeaRoom off ers two products designed much more eff ective way for a builder to sell. specifi cally for the backyard shed and carport industries: Idea- “Th e nice thing for the contractor,” Dietzen continued, “is Room for Sheds and IdeaRoom for Carports, respectively. Russ when they get SmartBuild from the supplier, the supplier builds Whitney, co-founder and CEO of IdeaRoom, said he started do- the inventory database and keeps it updated. Th e contractor’s ing product confi gurators about six years ago. He created a con- pricing and inventory availability updates automatically.” fi gurator for Studio Shed, an internet-only shed manufacturer By this point you are probably asking, “What does this post- that distributes nationally. Aft er creating that branded confi gu- frame soft ware have to do with my shed business?” Well, in rator, which Studio Shed hosts on its website, www.studio-shed. early February, SmartBuild will be rolling out its 3D soft ware for com, “shed companies started coming out of the woodwork and

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wanted us to do the same for them,” he said. Aft er creating product confi gurators for several shed companies, he released a general one. Whitney said he has over 200 companies using the IdeaRoom confi gurators now, and is adding a lot more clients each month. “We found we could add value for shed companies. When you’re selling products that you don’t have an exact example of, it’s challenging.” In part, it’s challenging because of the amount of time required to generate a proposal. “[Before it had the confi gurator,] Studio Shed would do two hours on every prospect drawing pictures. And they might have to revise it a few times,” Whitney said. “We talked to other shed companies, too. We found that companies included a hand-drawn picture of a shed on every order form. It was an ineffi cient and ineff ective sales process. Th ere’s a great opportunity for misunderstanding To serve the growing number of consumers who are purchasing online from mobile, make sure that the confi gurator you choose is mobile- between the builder and consumer.” friendly. PHOTO COURTESY IDEAROOM Th ere’s also an “instant gratifi cation” element that comes into play. “Consumers don’t want to have to wait for an expert to respond to them about their shed,” Whitney explained. With the explore all the options.” And it’s those added options that are online confi gurator, the consumer can build their shed in the usually the things that have a better margin. virtual world, try on options, see what it will look like, and see “Another factor aff ecting the sale price,” he explained, “is the what it will cost ahead of time. rep is reluctant to suggest additional options because it will com- Whitney also said IdeaRoom’s 3D confi gurator solution has plexify the conversation. Th ey’d rather close the deal [at a lower resulted in higher conversion rates for its customers and higher price] than optimize the deal. Th e sales rep may be thinking, ‘If sale prices. “One of the fi rst things we hear from clients when I suggest to this customer they could insulate the building, then they use the confi gurator in their sales process is the average sale I’ve got to pause and fi gure that out. I might lose this customer.’” prices of the buildings goes up somewhere in the neighborhood What Whitney has seen is when the sales rep is running the of 15%. Consumers will upsell themselves when they know what confi gurator with the client, they off er the client more options, the options are. Th ey will optimize to their budget. If you’ve which optimizes the sale. got a sales rep breathing down your neck, you’re in a defensive Yet another important point to remember is the confi gura- mode,” he continued. “Th ere’s a diff erent eff ect when you don’t tor will qualify your leads for you. Whitney pointed out, “Th e have a salesperson there and you’re under no pressure and can confi gurator answers the customers’ questions and keeps them engaged with your company. (Even if they’re not buying right now, they’ll save a design and visit it later.)” Since the customer now has their design, as well as the price, once they’re ready to call, message or visit your company, your sales reps are getting people who are pretty much ready to close; you and your reps aren’t wasting time with “tire kickers.”

Conclusion Whitney said it’s important to remember the majority of consumers do a lot of research online before even speaking with a builder. Th ey search online for a product that will meet their needs and wants; if they can’t fi nd it, they get frustrated. “Th e consumer will go to a vendor who will provide them with the information they want,” he said. If you host a shed confi gurator on your website, you can show Consumers design their own metal-framed sheds and carports with that customer exactly what you can do for them and at what the help of IdeaRoom for Carports. Hosting an online confi gurator is price. As a shed builder, it’s important for you to adapt the way an invaluable tool for qualifying sales leads. PHOTO COURTESY IDEAROOM you do business to meet your customers’ needs. GSCB

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Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Magazine is the new industry resource for ideas, information and best practices for the manufacturers and contractors who build Garages, Sheds and Carports.

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SUBSCRIBE: www.constructionmagnet.com/subscribe or see the subscription card in this issue ADVERTISING: Gary Reichert, [email protected] • 715-252-6360 EDITORIAL: Karen Knapstein, [email protected] • 715-513-6767

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Touch-Ups Best Practices For Touching Up Your Shed

BY JAMIE WHITE, PPG SEGMENT SPECIALIST

he shed looks great! ... And then the mule rubs against it, or a limb hits it, or somebody lets the ladder fall down the side of it. Now what? When painting of any kind, “touching up” is part of the process. In shed manufacturing, it is a very Timportant part of the process. As we visit shed manufacturers around the country, “touch ups” are a common topic of discus- sion. Here, we cover some of the best practices for improving the touch up of your sheds. We will cover touching up solid color sheds and the even bigger challenge of touching up sheds with semi-transparent urethane fi nishes.

Solid Color Paint Touching up the paint on a shed is not an exact science. When you’re away from the shop and at the customer’s location or at Th ere are many variables that can aff ect the appearance of a dealer’s lot, it may be more effi cient to paint corner to corner on a paint when it dries, such as temperature, method of applica- wall. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PPG TRUEFINISH. tion, batch diff erences and other factors that may or may not be within your control. Th at being said, there are some best the paint. Th en drill mix again before touching up to help practices that will improve the eff ectiveness of your touch ups. ensure that you have the true color when you fi rst paint the Below is a list of the most common practices related to touch- building and the same color when you touch it up. If possible, ing up a solid color shed. try to use the same pail of paint for the initial painting and for touching up. 1. Proper Mixing Before painting the shed the fi rst time, thoroughly drill mix 2. Keep the Spot Small If you have a small scratch or ding on the surface, then try to apply paint only to that spot. You can use Q-Tips, artist brushes, or another fi ne-tipped tool. A common mistake is to use a paint brush/roller andd brush/roll out or “feather feather outout” a large areareaa when only touchinghing up a smallsmall spot.spot.

3. Paint too a VVisualisual BreBreakak When you haveave larlargerger spots to touch up, yyouou can paint up to a visual break (example:xample: the edgeedge of the board, a ggrooveroove in the LP/LP/ Duratemp) or up to a trim board. Th is will helphelp hide where the touch up paint stopsstops anandd tthehe orioriginalginal paint starts.starts. Th oroughly drill- mix paint before 4. Higher FFilmilm Build AAﬀﬀ ects AppearancAppearancee initial painting and In most cases,s, the fi rst time the buildingbuilding was before touch-ups. coated the paintt was sprayedsprayed on. TouchingTouching up with a brush/rollerh/roller resuresultslts in an area

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with more layers of paint than the original. Th is thicker section can tend to have a higher sheen, so although the touch up spot disappears when you look straight at it or close up, you’ll see it if you stand at an angle. Adding a little water to your touch up paint to dilute and lighten the coat can help with this problem.

5. Paint Corner to Corner When you’re away from the shop and at the customer’s location or at a dealer’s lot, it may be more effi cient to paint corner to corner on a wall rather than to touch it up and hope it matches. Th is could save you a return visit.

6. Reduce the Need for Touch-ups Unfortunately, scratches or dings seem to be inevitable. To Before Chestnut touch-up. minimize occurrences, look through your manufacturing and delivering processes to see if anything can be done to help reduce the need for touching up. For example, use foam or pads on scaff olds, ladders, mules and forklift s so they don’t scratch the walls. When delivering, use pads or other protective barriers between straps and the surface of the building. We hope you will fi nd this information useful and it will improve the quality of your paint process.

Semi-Transparent Urethane Finishes Semi-transparent urethanes are a premium product in the shed industry. Th ey have given builders the opportunity to off er a stained appearance on a pre-primed substrate and they have a much longer life compared to standard acrylic paints, as well as the traditional penetrating stains that have been used on T-111 buildings. Th e nature of semitransparent coatings are the more you apply, the darker or more opaque they get, which makes Aft er Chestnut touch-up. Th e shed was originally coated with PPG Semi-Transparent Chestnut Urethane, and was then touched up with touching them up virtually impossible. As you try to make the Chestnut Aerosol. light spot darker, you inevitably make a dark ring around the spot. Th is has been a nagging issue within the shed industry for years. In our continued eff ort to revolutionize the shed coatings their trucks year round. industry, PPG has developed touch-up aerosols and markers • Markers — Are excellent for touching up deep scratches or that match our semi-transparent urethanes. gouges in the wood. Th ey are easy to use and signifi cantly im- • Aerosols — Are excellent for touching up light areas and pprove your ability to touch up small areas. edges of trim boards. Th e cans and markers were developed to go • Easy to use — Your dealers and drivers can now touch up on lilightg and allow you to build your color with the sheds. multiple coats. When you coat a shed with semi- If you are interested in learning more about or trying some transparenttransparents,s you will have areas that are darker and some of the aerosols/markers discussed, reach out to your local PPG tthathat are llighter,ighter, ttherefore the cans/markers allow you to dial sales representative or contact Jamie White at jamiewhite@ppg. in yyourour color to ttheh desired look. Other benefi ts of these touch com. GSCB uupp pproductsroducts areare:: • Fast drdryy formformulau — which allows you to apply multiple To better undertand how to get the best coatings system, contact Jamie White coats quicquickly.kly. ([email protected]), who will put you in contact with a PPG Truefi nish • Non-Non-freezefreeze formulafor — Allows your drivers to keep a set in Specialist in your market.

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Best Practices Manufacturers Provide Door Installation Tips & Tricks

COMPILED BY KAREN KNAPSTEIN

have a bulb/blade seal at the bottom: When closing a new Trac-Rite door, you’ll usually need to push down on the www.shedwindowsandmore.com bottom bar with your foot on the handle When asked about door installation www.tracrite.com to compress the door seal. Explaining tips and techniques, Th omas Slack of Steve Hajewski at Trac-Rite Door said this to the client can prevent a callback. Shed Windows and More recommended installing a Trac-Rite Roll Up door is a before you worry about door installation, relatively simple process. Here are a few you need to fi rst make sure you’re select- quick tips to make sure things go smooth- ing the right door for your project. (Th ey ly for you and your customer: pride themselves on educating people • Double check the measurements when about what they need and what they ordering and before installing. When www.mwicomponents.com should be looking for so they make the ordering from Trac-Rite, provide the MWI Components has this advice regard- best-educated choices.) dimensions of the rough opening. ing installation of its Dutch doors and Th e function is the primary factor to Confi rm side and headroom space to Arcadian Sliders: determining which door is right for you. make sure there is room for the door in Dutch Door: Does your customer need just a storage the application. 1. Frame opening needs to be plumb and entry door to haul in boxes and other • Pay attention to the door spring tension. square at 49 1/8” +1/16”/-0” wide x 87” materials? Or is it going to be a door that When you install the door, one of the high. they will be moving equipment in and steps outlined in the manual is to ten- 2. When specifying handing: out of? Th e function will determine the sion the door by spinning the assembly i. Left Hand Swing = hinges on the left correct type door. a few times (the manual contains a table as viewed from the outside. Installation advice: with guidelines on how many spins it ii. Right Hand Swing = hinges on the • Always leave the rough opening about will take to add the tension). Double right as viewed from the outside. 1/2” larger so you can shim and square check the tension: Once the door is 3. Attach bottom door panel to frame up prehung door units. opened about two thirds of the way, the before top panel. Bottom hinge of top • For rollup doors, always allow 16”-18” springs should lift it the rest of the way. panel is left loose for access to bottom clearance for the door drum Adjust the tension with the ratcheting panel. • Depending on the foundation, you may mechanism on both sides if needed. Arcadian Sliders: want to look at a sill pan to help reduce • Pay attention to the guide spacing. If roll- 1. When ordering, verify door size is any intrusion of water that may pen- up door guides are too close together, identifi ed as Width x Height and allows etrates through the main barrier. the door curtain can get bound up in for adequate door overlap to the rough • Apply silicone around the trim to guard the guides. If the guides are too far opening at the track board (header) and against water penetration. apart, there is a risk of the curtain com- each jamb. • No matter which door you go with, ing out of the guides. Th e door should 2. A fl at clean surface should be used for make sure it’s sealed properly. be able to slide side to side by about 1/4” door assembly. • Make sure your door is level. Make sure to 1/2” within the guides. Th e guides 3. Check square of door rails by measur- you have a level foundation or level have slotted holes to allow for fi ne tun- ing diagonally and matching up the fl oor to place your door. ing. measurement. Save the forest: Measure twice, cut once! • Make sure the client is happy with the 4. Start positioning box girts from the bot- door installation and understands the tom of the door and work up to ensure operation of the doors. Trac-Rite doors that all plywood seams are backed up by

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a box girt and anchored securely. 4. Select a new screw or fastener driver also make closing/locking diffi cult or 5. To prevent unsightly issues from bit when installing the door. Stripped require modifi cation of strikes. projecting through the sheet metal heads, scratched paint, or loss of con- 7. Read the instructions on how to in- cladding, if required, spend time on the trol should be avoided when install- stall the lock set. Many are adjustable seams — leveling, fl attening, sanding; ing components other than framing. for various backsets, door thick- then blow off dust for best adhesion 5. Have a partner to set prehung doors, nesses, and material types. Failure results. at least to initially place the door and to follow installation instructions 6. Windows provided in Half Light Kits secure. Handling a door alone is likely frequently causes issues with opera- are sized 3/4” under rough opening size. to introduce a scratch or dent from a tion. Exterior door locks are avail- 7. Dry fi t sheet metal inserts, and mark tool belt, knee, or framing. Take your able in diff erent grades and are more out locations prior to gluing inserts in tool belt off or swing around your robust and complex than passage or position. waist during door installation. Don’t interior sets. 8. To ensure good water shed, sheet metal invite a scratch or dent. 8. Check the operation of the door. Keep inserts should be installed starting at the 6. Sealant under the sill, shims behind in mind: Th e owner of the building bottom and overlapping while working the jamb and lock/deadbolt areas to will immediately judge the quality of towards the top. plumb and level the door is key. Note: the entire structure if the door binds, A door with the jambs not plumb or squeaks, rubs, sticks, binds, won’t in the same plane will create the illu- close and latch easily, or has any resis- sion the door slab is warped. It will tance when operating. GSCB

www.ajdoor.com Todd Carlson, President of A.J. Manu- facturing, shared this advice: Th e design of the structure should be considered for the optimum performance of the door. Th e door is, frankly, a hole in the wall so air, water, and light leaks are of concern. When possible and functional, choose out-swing doors and provide some additional protection from the elements with eaves, gutters awnings, porches, grade, drainage, etc. 1. During construction, square and plumb framing of the opening with quality materials and level concrete fl oor, slab, or footing will result in the best possible installation. Time or money saved in this process will usually result in challenges with fi t and DOWNLOAD OUR fi nish, operation, and performance of the door. FREE BACK ISSUES 2. Familiarize yourself with the factory instructions for installation. In some https://bit.ly/3r8ZDov cases, attributes installed in the wrong order, might be diffi cult to correct or require replacement of components. 3. Selection of the proper fasteners for the installation is important as the head, hardness, or color may vary.

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336-37-door6-37-door installationinstallation productproduct feature.inddfeature.indd 3737 11/11/21/11/21 4:274:27 PMPM SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY

Help Small Businesses

elp support the construction industry by If you prefer to contact your representatives online, visit contacting your government representative the URLs (or scan the QR codes) provided below: and let them know what you think. If you’re at a loss for words, the Construction Roll- forming Association has provided four tem- Hplated letters for you to send to your government offi cials. You can either use them to get started on your own unique (FIND OFFICIAL BY STATE) (FIND OFFICIAL BY OFFICE) message, or simply copy the letter and sign your name. https://bit.ly/38YzZL2 https://bit.ly/2JLpKkz

Letter 1: Letter 2: Positive Reinforcement, Neutral Position, Express Support Request Support

Brief description: Brief description: Use this letter if your offi cial is trying to open the economy. Use this letter to express your concern if you are unsure of your Positive reinforcement for support is as important as expressing offi cial’s stance on opening the economy. It is important to make displeasure. sure your offi cial knows what you think.

Letter: Letter: Th ank you [enter offi cial’s title and name], Dear [enter offi cial’s title and name], I would like to express my personal gratitude and support I am writing to express concern about the COVID-19 restric- for your dedication to opening our economy by reducing the tions and their impact on small business. mandates restricting commerce. Small businesses employ almost 50% of the United States Small business comprises an integral and critical portion of workforce and contribute 44% to the United States economic our economy. While not all small businesses were shut down, activity. It is impossible for the US economy to fl ourish, grow, or the closures and restrictions have resulted in signifi cant hard- even survive without the success of small business. ship and closures for many business owners and employees. COVID-19 restrictions place unnecessary hardship on Th is has a ripple eff ect throughout the economy aff ecting businesses and specifi cally seem to target small retail, food & everything from cash fl ow to consumer confi dence and buy- beverage, and hospitality businesses. Damaging these businesses ing patterns. will have a ripple eff ect through other small businesses and the Your eff ort to keep businesses open is noticed and appreci- world economy as a whole. ated by small business owners and the people who depend on I understand that we may need to make some concessions to those businesses for their life and livelihood. Your actions will benefi t public health, but limiting commerce and driving small have a net positive eff ect throughout our economy. and family businesses to bankruptcy is not an acceptable conces- You made the reasoned and correct decision to support sion. small business in our community. Help save small businesses by allowing them to operate and Sincerely, survive. Damaging small, privately held companies has no [sign your name] benefi t to public health and only creates additional economic, societal, and psychological problems. Please remove the restrictions on small business and allow our economy to recover. Sincerely, [sign your name]

38 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

338-39-letters8-39-letters toto govtgovt reps.inddreps.indd 3838 11/11/21/11/21 10:0010:00 AMAM SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY

Letter 3: Letter 4: Express Mild Express Strong Disagreement Displeasure, Brief description: Use this letter to tell your offi cial you disagree with their stance on Disagreement opening the economy to the extent that direct opposition is the only alternative. Th is is an attempt to use political activism when reason Brief description: alone is insuffi cient. Use this letter to tell your offi cial you disagree with their stance on opening the economy. Th is is an attempt to use Letter: reason to sway the offi cial’s opinion. Dear [enter offi cial’s title and name], I am writing to express my utter and complete dissatisfaction with Letter: your lack of support for the small businesses in our community. Dear [enter offi cial’s title and name], As an offi cial allegedly representing me, please change your posi- I am writing to express disappointment with your tion and immediately take all possible steps to remove the restrictions support for the COVID-19 restrictions limiting the abil- destroying small and family-owned businesses in our communities. ity of small businesses to operate. Small businesses employ almost 50% of the United States work- Small businesses employ almost 50% of the United force and contribute 44% to the United States economic activity. It States workforce and contribute 44% to the United States is impossible for the US economy to fl ourish, grow, or even survive economic activity. It is impossible for the US economy without the success of small business. to fl ourish, grow, or even survive without the success of It is not the role of government to select winners and losers in the small business. private sector. COVID-19 restrictions place unnecessary hardship on COVID-19 restrictions place unnecessary hardship small business and specifi cally seem to target retail, food & bever- on businesses and specifi cally seem to target small retail, age, and hospitality businesses, while favoring big-box retailers and food & beverage, and hospitality businesses. Damaging chains. these businesses will have a ripple eff ect through other I am not asking you to limit large business, only to stop trying to small businesses and the world economy as a whole. destroy small ones. Destroying small and family-owned businesses, limit- We may need to make concessions to open businesses at full capac- ing commerce, and driving them into bankruptcy is ity. Reasonable precautions and personal hygiene are understandable. not an acceptable solution. In most cases the states and Limiting occupancy and instituting additional restrictions that re- localities with the harshest restrictions experienced the quire capital investments from already struggling businesses are not. most extreme eff ects from the virus. Th e one resource truly lacking in a small business is time. Th is Small businesses fi nd solutions’it is why they can be crisis has reached a point where small businesses are being forced to successful where larger businesses fail. By taking actions become politically active. I would prefer spending my time grow- you mistakenly believe are a solution, you are making ing my business and working to ensure the success of my business, the health crisis worse. Damaging small companies family, and employees. Unfortunately, I am now forced to use time to generates no benefi t to public health. It only creates ad- motivate the offi cials claiming to represent me to do what is correct ditional problems economically, societally, and psycho- and obvious. logically. Unless your intent is to antagonize and motivate small business Please stop gutting the businesses that make up the owners to organize as opposition, the current restrictions are inap- foundation for our economy. Remove the restrictions on propriate. If you are attempting to alienate the force that employs 49% small business and allow our economy to recover. of the US workforce, you have succeeded. Your assistance in this will be appreciated. I am not by nature politically active. Feel free to view my taking Sincerely, time to write as the metaphorical canary in the coal mine. I can assure [sign your name] you I am not the only businessperson who feels this way. Please allow us to return to our lives and normalcy. I have no desire to organize political opposition, but the current restrictions are un- tenable and must be lift ed. Without change we have no other option. Sincerely, [sign your name]

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338-39-letters8-39-letters toto govtgovt reps.inddreps.indd 3939 11/11/21/11/21 10:0010:00 AMAM Virtual

ue to restrictions imposed by the State of Indi- What you see on the following pages is just a small part of the ana, our meeting in person at the Garage, Shed Virtual Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Show. Beginning Feb- & Carport Builder Show in South Bend will ruary 1, each company will have their own “virtual show booth” have to wait until November. online. Booths, which can be accessed by scanning the QR We assure you the manufacturers and dis- codes, will feature additional product images and information, Dtributors on the following pages are every bit as eager to get out videos, and much more. Each virtual booth will also be interac- and meet with you as you are to see them in person and learn tive, complete with click-and-connect functionality, making the about the new tools and materials that will make your business online “show” a worthwhile experience for everyone. more successful.

40 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4040 11/12/21/12/21 7:507:50 AMAM VIRTUAL GARAGE

Graber Post Buildings, Inc. Dripstop / Filc USA 7716 N 900 E 10118 Settlement House Rd. Montgomery, IN 47558 Dayton, OH 45458 800.264.5013 www.dripstop.com fax: 812.636.4936 [email protected] [email protected] 937.660.6646 www.graberpost.com 937.999.3927 Graber Post Buildings have For over 25 years, DR!PSTOP been supplying quality has been the absolute best building materials and supplies to the Midwest for over 45 way of dealing with condensa- ■

years. We help contractors save time and money by being tion on non-insulated metal roofs. It has been tried and SHED able to deliver a complete building package on one truck. tested in every climate condition across the globe and has We manufacture our own laminated columns, trusses, met- proven to be a simpler and more economical way. The al roofi ng and siding panels in multiple profi les, trims, and membrane will absorb the water caused by condensation, components. We also stock a wide variety of windows, en- thus preventing dripping from the roof. DR!PSTOP serves try doors, overhead doors, cupolas, perma-columns, and as an added layer of protection for the metal in corrosive much more. GPB also has its own delivery fl eet of trucks environments while also improving inside and outside and all terrain forklifts to ensure a worry-free delivery. acoustic properties. Both impact and echo noises are ■ For your next project, contact us for a free quote and let us reduced signifi cantly. CARPORT BUILDER SHOW help you grow your business.

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Free State Lumber Company 41542 Highway 195 Haleyville, AL 35565 205.486.5287 Since 1973, Free State Lumber has supplied customers with quality products in a timely manner, contributing to its success. Free State has many years of experience supplying a variety of materials to distribution facilities, retailers, post- frame, agricultural, and shed builders. It has one of the largest inventories in the Southeastern U.S. and offers CCA and MCA treating; custom millwork (a variety of tongue-and-groove patterns) on 2’ and 3’ lumber; precision end trimming; custom re-sawing; dado-joined 4” x 6” runners for buildings; from 1” x 4” boards to 12” x 12” posts.

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OUR ONLINE BOOTH POLE BARNS BUILT T+S CUSTOM OF COURTESY PHOTOS

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GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4141 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM PPG TrueFinish Richland Laminated Columns 8252 State Route 13 Industrial Coatings Greenwich, OH 44837 1 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15272 [email protected] www.ppgtrueﬁ nish.com 419.895.0036 ppgtrueﬁ [email protected] Richland recently 866.PPG.TRUE added an all- PPG’s AQUACRON® 200 semi-transparent urethane and new Glulam Aquacron 100 solid-color coatings deliver excellent exterior Column to its protection and exceptional color retention in a variety of list of products. pre-mixed and custom colors. PPG delivers more than Customers can world-class coatings. We’re your trusted partner! We provide now choose what world-class technical support, on-site application training, option they want: and color matching services. We develop and manufacturer Glulam, Naillam, our own coatings and also offer a wide variety of sundries. Perma Columns, With PPG’s personalized inventory management program, Greenpost, Sturdi Wall…whatever foundation system you we will keep your coatings and sundries stocked in our local want, we’ve got you covered! Contact Richland for “your CARPORT BUILDER SHOW CARPORT service centers based on the minimum levels you require for one-stop pole shop.” Serving dealers throughout the fast, on-time delivery. Midwest since 2005 with mixed loads stocking programs ■ We’re with you every step of the process. or job site deliveries.

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SmartBuild Systems PO Box 20627 Boulder, CO 80308 www.smartbuildsystems.com [email protected] 303-579-6277 SmartBuild is known for post frame software. However, making its debut at the Virtual Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Show is SmartBuild for Garages and Sheds! Just like the original, this software features the familiar Smart- Build process of designing structures graphically on screen VIRTUAL GARAGE GARAGE VIRTUAL while automatically generating a 3D model, material list, labor calculations, pricing, and a full set of drawings. Adding to the standard options, SmartBuild for Garages and Sheds displays and removes multiple layers of materials for roofs and walls, displays multiple types of roofi ng and siding materials, and generates fl oor construction materials for sheds.

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42 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4242 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM VIRTUAL GARAGE

Kevmar Royal Crowne 4 Township Drive Manufacturing Paradise, PA 17562 188 E. County Road 600 N. www.royalcrowne.com Arthur, IL 61911 [email protected] www.kevmarmfg.com 717.288.2630 [email protected] Royal Crowne Cupolas’ 217.543.2828 cupola selection features 217.543.3323 (fax) maintenance-free cellular

Kevmar Door is a ■ PVC-vinyl cupolas, Western manufacturer of specialty

red cedar cupolas, copper cupolas, premium grade white SHED garage doors. Our products pine cupolas, and metal cupolas. We have standard cupola are sold across the U.S. and custom cupola sizes for any application. We stock and Canada, with deliveries weathervanes and fi nials in dozens of designs and sizes via company trucks in to provide that fi nishing touch to any rooftop, turret, or cu- the Midwest. The Kevmar pola. Royal Crowne is a wholesale manufacturing company product line includes a that caters to trade professionals, lumberyards, and retail-

high value line of pan-type ■ ers nationwide. Our cupolas and outdoor décor have been stamped steel doors for the manufactured and shipped to many locations worldwide. shed industry. CARPORT BUILDER SHOW

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Safe-Way Garage Doors 3814 E. US 30 Warsaw, IN 46580 www.safewaydoor.com [email protected] 574.267.4861 Safe-Way Garage Doors is a leading manufacturer of quality residential, commercial, and industrial overhead garage doors in steel, wood, and aluminum. Headquartered in Indiana, Safe-Way also operates facilities in Tennessee and Missouri with distribution throughout North America and Canada. Residential and commercial doors are available in multiple confi gurations including polyurethane and polystyrene insulated, un-insulated, up to 11 colors in steel, and multiple powder coat colors in aluminum. Commercial door sizes are available in all of the panel designs. Doors shown: Top: Vetana Series aluminum garage door with insulated, tempered glass. Bottom: Regency Model 70 in Driftwood Grey.

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GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4343 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM County Line Concepts 3GM Steel Tough Trade Tools LLC 1650 W. Highway 80 211 N. Lansing Street Ridge-L9 Somerset, KY 42503 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 www.3gmsteel.com www.countylineconcepts.com [email protected] 989.859.2168 606.676.2146 The Ridge-L9 is a tool that allows 3GM Steel is a family- one person to accurately mark owned, American steel angles on metal panels. A custom Ridge-R310 trading and coil distribution body fi ts over the panel rib, the company. Since 1989, we’ve adjustable aluminum arm locks focused on providing the in place to maintain the correct highest quality product available, at competitive prices, angle on each panel. delivered with professional service. 3GM Steel warehouses The Ridge-R310 allows holes to and distributes bare, acrylic-coated, and pre-painted be punched thru 6 panels at at time, keeping the spacing Galvalume® to roll formers nationwide. We also leverage and alignment accurate from panel to panel. The spacing our relationships with tier-one mills across the globe to arm can be set from 23”-37”. A custom body and hardened, offer our partners custom-tailored steel solutions. The CARPORT BUILDER SHOW CARPORT spring loaded pins make this a must for your tool arsenal. 3GM Steel team is comprised of seasoned steel industry Safety, speed and accuracy — we help you fi nish your job veterans and professional support staff, and partners with ■ faster. customers to help drive their growth plans.

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ASTA AMERICA by Janus International 638 Cassville White Rd. NW Cartersville, GA 30121 770.450.5481

VIRTUAL GARAGE GARAGE VIRTUAL [email protected] ASTAAmerica.com ASTA AMERICA is your trusted provider for sheet roll- up doors. For more than 30 years, ASTA AMERICA has provided high-quality products with unparalleled service to the carport and shed markets. We offer a full-line of sheet roll-up doors in every size, color and option in the book. While our company has expanded and our product offering has evolved over the years, our unwavering dedication to the quality of our products and commitment to unsurpassed customer service remains steadfast.

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44 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4444 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM VIRTUAL GARAGE

Trac Rite Door ASCSC MMachineachine TTools,ools IInc.nc 314 Wilburn Rd. 900 North Fancher Road Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Spokane, WA 99212 800.448.8979 509.534.6600 Kellen Anderson, Sales Manager [email protected] [email protected]; www.ascmt.com 608.327.3125 Established www.tracrite.com in 1949, ASC Trac-Rite® Door manufactures specializes in roll- quality steel roll-up doors for forming machinery, ■

a multitude of uses including self-storage, residential, tooling, and asso- SHED agricultural, and commercial. The doors are made of solid ciated equipment 26-gauge, Grade 80 rigid-rib steel that is durable, attrac- utilized for metal tive, and requires minimal care. Trac-Rite is dedicated to processing. We providing customized, worry-free, low maintenance prod- offer a variety of ucts delivered with uncompromising service. Trac-Rite® panel lines, single doors earn high marks for ease of installation, smooth and multi-trim rollformer, cz purlin lines, garage door and operation, durability, and minor upkeep. Trac-Rite® doors roll-up door lines, track lines, channel lines, bottom bar ■ are backed by industry-leading guarantees, and in a variety rollformer and custom designed rollforming lines - Made in CARPORT BUILDER SHOW of prefi nished colors to suit your needs. Spokane, WA USA!

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Ramco Supply 4572 N. Old US Highway 31 Rochester, IN 46975 www.ramcosupply.com [email protected] 574.223.7802 574.223.7846 (fax) Ramco Supply manufactures metal siding and roofi ng for pole barns and house roofs. Ram Panel is a 28-gauge 36”-wide panel with 3/4”-high ribs. Ramco Supply also manufactures standing seam roofs in 16”-wide panels. Ramco Supply sells windows, doors, sliding door track, and lumber. Ramco Supply offers complete building packages.

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GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4545 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM Electro Works

Electro Works Qora Cladding by Arcitell 4136 E. 550 N. www.qoracladding.com Rochester, IN 46975 [email protected] 574.223.5245 301-223-2266 574.223.3877 (fax) Qora gives your buildings Electro Works is your supplier a premium look of stone for DeWalt, Milwaukee, and cladding without the weight Makita power tools. We and hassle of traditional carry impact drills, saws, masonry products and instal- woodworking and construction lation methods. Easily install tools, and much more. Qora direct to frame or over We do our best to existing siding materials such provide our customers as DuraTemp, Treated T-111, with the tools they Metal, and LP SmartSide, for need to get the job knee wall, accent wall, and done and the best wainscot applications. Be- service possible. cause Qora Cladding comes CARPORT BUILDER SHOW CARPORT in easy-to-handle 20” x 48” panels, it’s designed to install with basic carpentry tools ■ and fi t together seamlessly with disguised joints.

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Shed Windows and More 9326 Highway 90 Longs, SC 29568 www.shedwindowsandmore.com [email protected] 843.399.1820 843.399.1826 (fax)

Shed Windows and More has been supplying DIY builders and small construction companies with windows, doors, shutters, fl ower boxes, cupolas, and VIRTUAL GARAGE GARAGE VIRTUAL skylights since 2001, specifi c to small outdoor buildings such as sheds and playhouses.

Since 2017, the company has expanded its building supplies to include double-pane windows, garage windows, prehung fi berglass and steel doors, decorative inserts for doors, steel roll-up doors, access doors, pediments, brackets, and columns.

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46 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4646 11/12/21/12/21 7:517:51 AMAM VIRTUAL GARAGE

Paragon Computing Solutions Kauffman’s Gazebos 20 S. Reamstown Road 1094 Deerlodge Highway Stevens, PA 17578 Clarkrange, TN 38553 www.goparagon.com www.kgazebos.com [email protected] [email protected] 866.971.0940 Kauffman’s Gazebos Paradigm Accounting, has been producing developed by Paragon quality wood and vinyl Computing Solutions LLC, gazebos for over 20 is a full featured ERP system years. We are now an ■

that provides specifi c features exclusive distributor SHED tailored to companies that of K-Board. K-Board produce or sell products manufactured with wood and is a composite deck metal. Our software is designed from an operations board using Eovations standpoint, which, coupled with our industry focus, means technology that is we provide software that is exceptional at improving produced exclusively our clients’ effi ciency. Our order entry system can be for the shed, gazebo, integrated with building design systems to automate the and portable structure ■ workfl ow between design, quoting, manufacturing, and industry. This is an CARPORT BUILDER SHOW dispatching, resulting in greater effi ciencies and accuracy. excellent product at a very good price point.

SCAN CODE TO VIEW SCAN CODE TO VIEW OUR ONLINE BOOTH OUR ONLINE BOOTH DID YOU KNOW? It costs less to buy a Business Card ad than it does to have cards printed. We even give your “cards” to more than 40,000 potential customers.

Actual Card Size (3.5” x 2”)

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT GARY REICHERT: [email protected] 715-252-6360

www.constructionmagnet.com 47

GGSCBSCB VVTSTS JJan2021.inddan2021.indd 4747 11/12/21/12/21 8:168:16 AMAM PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Utility

Shed THE BARN DEPOT OF COURTESY PHOTOS Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

he Barn Store, a division of Th ree Boys Consulting, LLC, of Gallatin, Tennessee, built this classic red post-frame shed in Mt. TJuliet. Two enclosed lean-to sheds with large door openings create extra storage, making the building more versatile for the owner. Th e main building and the sheds are fully insulated with Double-Bubble foil and vinyl insulation. GSCB

PROJECT DETAILS

Building: Utility Shed Size: 40’ x 40’ x 14’ (post-frame built on slab), (2) 14’ x 40’ enclosed sheds open to inside (3/12 roof pitch) Steel: Mac Metal, 29 ga. lifetime panel Doors: (1) Plyco 3068 Walk Door; (1) 12’ x 12’ overhead door (frame-out) with (1) 12’ 6” x 13’ split sliding door; (2) 11’ 6” x 8’ overhead door (frame- outs only) Windows: (4) Norandex 3040 Low E Single Hung vinyl windows; (1) Norandex 4040 Low E Single Hung vinyl windows Frame: Post-frame, 6” x 6” CCA- treated posts, set 8’ on center Trusses: 6/12 pitch attic truss, set 2’ on center; shed rafters 4’ on center. Sofﬁ t: 1’ overhang Insulation: Double Bubble Foil/Vinyl insulation (main building and sheds)

Do you have a project that would look great published as a Project of the Month? Contact editor Karen Knapstein at 715.513.6767 or [email protected]. (There is never a cost for having a project published.)

48 GARAGE ■ SHED ■ CARPORT BUILDER / JANUARY 2021

448-Barn8-Barn DepotDepot POM.inddPOM.indd 4848 11/11/21/11/21 9:569:56 AMAM ALL-INCLUSIVE COVERAGE Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Magazine is the new industry resource for ideas, information and best practices for the manufacturers and contractors who build Garages, Sheds and Carports of all sizes.

COURTESY OF MORTON BUILDINGS

ADVERTISING:Ê>ÀÞÊ,iV iÀÌ]Ê}>ÀÞJÃ i`Ü>i`>°VÊUÊÇ£xÓxÓÈÎÈä EDITORIAL:Ê>ÀiÊ>«ÃÌi]Ê>ÀiJÃ i`Ü>i`>°VÊUÊÇ£xx£ÎÈÇÈÇ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.constructionmagnet.com/subscribe or ﬁ ll out the subscription card below.

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FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 4499 11/8/21/8/21 88:46:46 AMAM GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCTS & SERVICES SEEN IN THIS ISSUE. HERE’S HOW:

If you are looking for more information from companies featured in this issue, fill out this form. Mail the completed form to us, and we will have those companies get in touch with you. There’s no need to fill out multiple forms; we’ll do the legwork for you.

Name (please print) ______CHECK WHICH TITLE Signature (required) ______APPLIES TO YOU: ❑ Company ______President ❑ Owner Address ______❑ Partner ❑ General Manager City State Zip ______❑ Sales Manager/Rep ❑ Engineer/Architect Telephone ( ) ______❑ Vice President ❑ Foreman E-mail Date ______❑ Installer Please check one or more boxes to subscribe FREE/Renew for 3 years: ❑ Other ❑ Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Magazine ❑ Frame Building News ❑ Metal Roofing Magazine ❑ ❑ ❑ PLEASE CHECK THE PRIMARY Rural Builder Rollforming Magazine Roofing Elements Magazine CATEGORY THAT DESCRIBES I would like to receive my subscription: ❑ By Mail ❑ Digitally YOUR BUSINESS: ❑ Builder, Dealer, Remodeler ❑ Check this box if you wish to receive our Builders’ Express enewsletter and offers from our partners. or Installer ❑ Check this box if you wish to receive our Roofers’ Express enewsletter and offers from our partners. ❑ Roofing Contractor Email address is required to receive enewsletter. ❑ Metal Roofing Contractor CONTACT NAME & EMAIL (OR) NAME & PHONE NUMBER ARE REQUIRED. ❑ Building Material Dealer/Distributor WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION WE WILL NOT PROCESS THE REQUEST. ❑ General Contractor/Remodeler ❑ Manufacturer/Rep of Manufacturer SELECT A MAXIMUM OF 5 COMPANIES ❑ Architect/Specifier ❑ Construction Consultant/Engineer TO REQUEST INFORMATION FROM: ❑ Building Owner/Developer ❑ Other (Please Specify) Company Name: PAGE: _____

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Send to: Barb Prill • P.O. BOX 255 • Iola, WI 54945; [email protected]

FFULLULL PAGEPAGE AADS.inddDS.indd 5500 11/8/21/8/21 88:46:46 AMAM ADVERTISING INDEX

SCAN THESE ADVERTISERS’ QR CODES TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM TODAY!

Company Page # Company Page # Company Page #

Acu-Form ...... 3 Replications Unlimited ...... 29 Graber Post Buildings ...... 41 ASC Machine Tools ...... 6, 29 Royal Crowne ...... 10 Kauffman’s Gazebos ...... 47 ASTA AMERICA by Janus Safeway Door ...... 29 Kevmar Manufacturing ...... 43 International ...... 7 Shed Windows and More ...... 11 Paragon Computing Solutions ....47 Bradbury Group,The ...... 29 Trac-Rite Doors ...... 10 PPG Industries ...... 42 Cardinal Mfg...... 2 Qora Cladding ...... 46 Direct Metals ...... 29 Virtual Trade Show Section Ramco Supply ...... 45 Doorbrim Awnings ...... 29 3GM Steel ...... 44 Richland Laminated Columns .....42 Dr!pstop - FILC ...... 13 ASC Machine Tool ...... 45 Royal Crowne Cupolas ...... 43 Dynamic Fastener ...... 15 ASTA AMERICA by Janus SafeWay Door ...... 43 Golden Rule Fasteners ...... 29 International ...... 44 Shed Windows & More ...... 46 Innovations Manufacturing, Inc ...52 County Line Concepts ...... 44 SmartBuild Systems ...... 42 James & Matthew LTD ...... 9, 19 Dr!pstop - FILC ...... 41 Trac Rite Door ...... 45 Perma-Column LLC ...... 8 Electro Works ...... 46 PPG Industries ...... 17 Free State Lumber ...... 41

new products NEW PRODUCTS BY RURAL BUILDER STAFF

industry’s first crowd-sourced approach to new product development. This innovative steel nail guard has a unique cylin- Have A New Product? drical shape that better protects wires and cable in wood framing from stray nails and screws. The concept was submitted by inventor Bruce Turner of San Jose, Cali- fornia. The Smart ShieldTM protects wires and cables on both sides of a stud, eliminating to other gauges on th If your company has developed a new the need for multiple standard nail plates. extended support for ■ HORSE STALL LATCH It’s also easier to install than standard nail SEMCO’s JoistPro 150MXP and an adjustable sto MWI knows your horse is too smart for plates and eliminates drywall bulge caused rFOIL’s 2200 Series lease of four new options. Spyder’s line of accurate repeat cuts. by using surface mounted nail plates. The product for builders or contractors, its own good, so they designed a new horse Underlayment circular saws now spans from 6 1/2-inch The Rockler Precis unique design also eliminates hand inju- feature several design innovations beyond stall latch. This latch is a secure retention rFOIL® Refl ective Insulation 2200 to 12-inch sizes for use in miter, table and has an aluminum hea system incorporated into a new robust ries from sharp edges commonly Seriesfound underlayment magazine sizeis an that effective improve energy durability portable and circular saws. Each blade fea- to-read scale ranging door design. It’s HORSE PLAY resistant! on traditional nail plates. Smart Shieldeffi boost productivity on the job site. tures ultra-tough NiCo (Nickel Cobalt) both directions, plus p cientTM barrier that can greatly reduce email a new product announcement The easy, low-force activation latch has a is resistant to direct strikes from nailtransfer guns of radiant heat through roof- teeth for long-lasting cutting effi positive stops at 0°, 15 JoistProTM concealed latch mechanism, and there’s and screws and prevents damage toing. elec- The new 2200 Series150MXP underlayment’s alternating tooth bevel design (ATB) ciency, to and 60°. A spring-load no assembly required. Plus, installation trical power cables that could shortpolyethylene the Thebubble JoistPro material,TM150MXP sandwiched fires 1 create½-inch clean rip and crosscuts, and an the notches that create is a breeze, so you can spend less time in- conductors and start a fire. by a layer ofnails metalized ranging foil from and a.131 white to .148 interfusedinches anti-friction coating. and a machined hairlin to one of the contacts listed below stalling and more time with your horse. Turner has been brainstormingpolyethylene with in sheet,diameter. provides Its new an addedmagazine holdsThe two strong NiCo teeth of Spyder’s cir- it easy to set other angl Find this horse stall latch in both left and patentable ideas since he was sevenR-value years of strips1.1. When of SENCO there ispaper-tape an airspace collated cular nails, saw blades are triple sharpened and, Miter Gauge’s 18” steel right-hand latch configurations and 14 old. He got the idea for Smart Shieldbetween thecutting 2200 Seriesdowntime underlayment for reloading inwhen half. combined with the ATB design, in 3/4” x 3/8” standard a TM gauge steel construction. They offer parts when he was working on the job. and the metalThe roof, 150MXP the system also boastsfeatures an a redesigneddeliver a much smoother cut for a range slots and features adjust for possible publication in the adjustable hook made from heavier-gauge in more than 28 powder coat options, so “I was remodeling a home and R-valueI real- of 4. While most insulating mate- of applications — from framing and gen- screws for eliminating sl this affordable, trendy, MWI stall latch ized I can’t drywall if my life dependedrials/underlayments on steel, allowing rely on the retarding nailer theto be securelyeral construction to specialty demolition two knobs and two T-bo will be color matched to the stall door— it, and the traditional nail plates I wasfl ow us- of heathung through from walls a tool and belt ceilings, or rafter whenand fi notne fi nish work. Spyder’s interfused ing a fence, and all knob Construction Magazine Network. satisfying your horse stall vision! Give ing created unsightly bulges,” said Turner.the 2200 Seriesin use. underlayment works by anti-friction coating protects the blade overmolds. them a call to add the new horse stall latch “Smart ShieldTM is easier to install,refl but ecting it as muchThe toolas 96 features percent aof nose the design againstthat ex- heat, gumming and corrosion. The backbone of the R to your next stall order: 800.360.6467! also made the job safer because itradiant stops energy,poses dramatically each nail tip reducing before it fires forPolymer exact stabilization vents reduce noise Gauge Fence is a rigid 2-1 placement into the pre-punched holes in www.mwicomponents.com you from striking wires from eitherenergy side costs in air-conditioned homes and vibration allowing for rapid drive 1-1/8”-deep x 14”-long al of the wall.” and buildings,metal as connectingwell as creating hardware. an effec- through the substrate. sion and a matching 2”-lo This new product is now availabletive to “shade”the in non-cooled outbuildings, Each saw blade is sold individually. extension that can be mou public for sampling. The first 2,000garages, inquir- porches,JoistPro and TMutility250MXP buildings. It A 10-pack of 7-1/4” framing/general side of the fence and adjus ers will receive a free sample kit withcan fivebe taped toSENCO’s purlins, stapledmore topowerful rafters JoistProconstruction blades are available for a total fence length rangin TM- 250MXP fires 1 ½-inch to 2 ½-inch nails Include a clear, high resolution image of the product Smart ShieldsTM, designed to helpor them studs, or rolled out on roof decking or professional users. to 24”. An included 3/4”-th ranging from .131 to .162 inches in diam- save time before, during and after existingconduit shingles prior to installation of wsww.spyderproducts.com. long melamine-coated MD installation. metal roofi ngeter. or Likesiding the panels. 150MXP, the 250MXP fea- attaches to the extrusion w https://meproducts.net/smartshield tures an increased-capacity magazine that hardware and can be extend (no logos or advertisements), along with a brief www.rfoil.com holds two strips of paper-tape collatedRockler Miter Gauge the fence to provide zero-cl ■ JOISTPRO METAL nails. It also includes the updated belt/and Miter Gauge Fence port for cleaner cuts. The M CONNECTOR NAIL GUNS Spyderrafter Circular hook. Saw Blades Rockler Woodworking and Hardware also is long enough that a 2” description of your product and the problems it solves. SENCO has added two new pneumaticWith NickelAdditionally, Cobalt the Teeth 250MXP featureshas introduced an a sturdy, easy-to-set and be cut and attached to the te ■ SMART SHIELD nail guns with increased magazine capac-Spyder Productsall-new hasnosepiece expanded that its provides accuratehighly precise miter gauge along with a extension, providing consist range of circularnail placement saw blades intowith thepre-punched re- telescoping metal aluminum fence that mounts even when the fence is exten NAIL GUARD ity to its JoistProTM line of metal connector Madison Electric Products has an- nailers. framing hardware. The redesignedeasily nose- to the new Rockler miter gauge or sacrifi cing zero-clearance sup nounced the new Smart Shield The new JoistProTM piece is sharper and more pronounced, TM 150MXP and Joist- www Guard, the latest product launching fromNail ProTM250MXP, used for fastening metal making it easier to probe the pre-punched its Sparks Innovation Center, the electrical structural connectors like joist hangers, holes on metal connectors and achieve a 42 GARAGE ■ CARPORT perfect, flush drive■ SHEDevery BUILDERtime. / SUMMER 2020 42 RURAL BUILDER / seismic/hurricane straps and rafter ties, Submission is not a guarantee of publication. We reserve the MAY 2020 The tool features a rear-load magazine right to edit all submissions for content, length, and clarity.

Frame Building News; Garage, Shed & Carport Builder: Karen Knapstein – [email protected] Metal Roofing Magazine; Roofing Elements Magazine: Jessica Franchuk – [email protected] Rollforming Magazine: Sharon Thatcher – [email protected] Rural Builder: Jenn Milner – [email protected]

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