Good Friday morning to you!

Backyard Brian here.

   A couple of weeks ago, I showed you a deck that we were repairing, and we talked a little bit about what’s possible in terms of fixing an old deck. Now, I told you that I’d keep you updated as it came together. As you can see, things have changed quite a bit. What I really wanted to talk to you about this morning is this slide. Now – nothing particularly special about this slide – but I wanted to talk about the fact that every project you consider for your house and family envisions something important to you. What we’ve learned from working with clients on a regular basis, is that it’s important to identify why this matters to you. What do you want to accomplish for you and your family?

   What’s important to you is the most important thing for the project.  It’s my job to help people do that. It’s not up to me to drive what the project should be. It’s up to me to find out. Therefore, we’ve even added something on the initial, online consultation questionnaire to ask “Why is this important to you?” Because it’s really the most important question.

   Thus, in this case, some of the things that were important to our client is that they wanted their deck clean and low maintenance. Although, they also wanted something fun for their kids, which is where the slide comes in. And this was such a simple thing.

   Honestly, we’ve never done something like this before. If you look on our Facebook page, you’ll see some videos of the family using the slide. So this family is now able to gather on the deck and new patio, where they’re going to have fun and enjoy the space. And the kids will get to have fun and enjoy those family times.

   I’m not sure what it is for you and your family and your project, but don’t just think about doing something. Occasionally I get people that come to me and say,

   “I want to build a 20×12 deck.”

   To which my response is, “Well, why do you want a 20×12 deck?”

   “Well, because there’s a space here and that kind of works well.”

   “Yeah, that’s true, and I can help you with those few things. It certainly is about what makes sense in your space. However, what’s really important is, how do you want to use it?”

   Maybe you don’t need a 20×12 deck. Maybe you need one deck bigger. It depends on what you want to use the space for.

   The last thing I want to do is spend a lot of your hard earned money and provide something isn’t what you want. So, for all of our clients that we work with on a regular basis, that’s really my desire when I meet with people.

   Right now, it’s busy. I’m running many consultations, where I meet with people and talk about their outdoor living space and how to create unique spaces for their family. What’s really important for everyone to think about is “Why is it important to you?”

   What a difference this is going to make for you and your family. Some of you may be thinking that you are going to remodel the kitchen or bathroom, add another room, or invest in similar projects. One of our biggest investments is on our homes. It’s really important to spend that money wisely. One of the ways you spend the money wisely is to ask the WHY question. “Why is this important to me and my family?

   Spend some time with your family this weekend. Enjoy your time together. We’ve got graduation this weekend at Waynesboro high school, so we’re excited about that. Rachel is graduating, and we’re really proud of her. She finished in the top 10 of her class, which makes us really excited for her. She’s getting ready to start the next phase of life and VMI. Anna will also be graduating as a homeschooler here in a few weeks. She’s going to Blue Ridge Community College on a Veterinary track. We’re proud of both our kids. I’m sure many of the rest of you have kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends, who are graduating this weekend. Have a great time at those graduations and grad parties! Give a big hug to somebody who’s important to you.

   Take care! Talk to you later.