Feb 01, 2024 - We are getting ready to start building decks again. Of course I would like to speak with you about your project but, first you need to fill-out the form (link below). As I explan elsewhere on my site, it seems that 8 times out of 10 when I answer the phone, there is either a fax transmission beginning or a pause before a person from some far-off land comes on telling me that my website is unfindable and that I could use a consultation on how-to-be found and get new customers. Multiple times a day! When I am interrupted like that, I am sometimes side-tracked from doing some other task; like sending back a proposal or whatever! You know what I mean. Everyone gets these annoying calls. Here is the deck inquiry form:
Frank Lamphere - Deck contractor & recording artist
Feb 01, 2024 - Photo of a CD. What does this have to do with building a deck?
Nothing! I wanted to demonstrate than I strive to achieve excellence with both. If you at all "have an ear" for Sinatra and that classic genre, you might like some of the songs on this album. I work with the best jazz musicians in the midwest!
Click on the photo to listen, on another website.
First deck of 2024 completed January 11. Pressure treated Downers Grove IL
January 05, 2024 - Happy New Year! I am looking forward to another year (my 32nd) of making a lot of people happy with their choice of deck contractor, me! We have several deck projects contracted from 2023 to complete, that should take us into April. As of now (1-05) we are available after that. Decks usually take 2-3 weeks (because of concrete curing, ordering materials from different suppliers and inspections) to complete. Please be patient! It will be worth your while.
Note: Phone calls have been very difficult to take. The reason is not just the sheer volume of legitimate inquiries but the b.s. marketing calls. They wind up "eating up" all of the space on the answering machine. Attempted faxes, telemarketing, political organizations...Please fill out this brief form which goes directly to my inbox. Thank you!
April 07, 2023 - We are receiving emails, but if you send one to us, customers have been reporting that then, they receive an email that their message was undeliverable. We're working on that, but they are being received.
Thanks
Frank
June 13, 2022 - Thank you for your interest!
It appears that our work load/schedule is full
at least well into Autumn 2022
We are operating one crew, such is the business.The wet weather, this Spring took it's toll on productivity as well.
April 15, 2022 Please email us, using the form found throughout this website, to schedule your deck for 2022
May 18, 2021 We are full (booked) through the Summer. Contracting for Sept-Dec decks now.
MARCH 20 2021 Thanks for "landing" here. I (A-Affordable Decks) am facing an unprecedented tidal wave of calls and emails. I am not getting to them all. Sorry! I don't know what to do!
If your deck is falling apart (literally), tear it down! Or maybe we can squeeze in a tear-off. Demolition although quite physical, is pretty hard to screw up. Maybe you or someone in the neighborhood can do that. Eliminate the big safety problem first. Then, new deck install later.
If you are able to hold off (I know, you have the money and have decided you want that deck now!) my quality and service will be worth the wait. 75% of the contractors out there, will benefit from this surge of deck clients, but will do a mediocre to crappy job. Some people will get a decent job, many will get burned. Guaranteed! Thanks again.
February 20, 2021 Hello hello deck shoppers! Thanks for stopping here! It may be well worth your time and effort. Well, it's shaping up to be another extremely busy year. We have a slight backlog (we always do but we'll start the outdoor construction season with 6-7 projects on the books)
Let's talk! Better yet, let's start with the email inquiry form here. Then we'll talk, in-depth. In the event that form doesn't work (weird, aggravating things like that will happen) Shoot me an email Thanks again!
Frank Lamphere
America the Beautiful Swinging - Frank Lamphere
May 25 2020 We are experiencing an avalanche of inquiries and I am not getting to all of them, sorry!
No slow down at A-Affordable. Give us a call or email a deck inquiry today.
The 2020 Cost vs Value Annual Report released in January 2020 Remodeling Magazine
DECK ADDITION—WOOD Add 16x20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4-inch posts anchored to concrete piers. Install pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern. Include built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.
Chicago: Job Cost $19507
Resale Value $13236
National Average: Job Cost $14,360
Resale Value $10,355
2019 Western Springs rear deck (before)
April 2019 Western Springs wood deck (after)
Report: 40% of Inquiries to Home Services Companies Are Ignored
Photo Courtesy of Adobe Stock
Nearly 40% of home service companies don’t respond to customer inquiries, a recent study from Valve + Meter finds. The report was generated by using a secret shopper to submit lead forms, appointment requests, quote estimates, and other service inquiry forms for 466 home service companies across the U.S. Response times were tracked for up to five days.
While many companies responded, with the fastest company responding in less than two minutes, nearly 40% did not respond at all in the allotted five-day tracking period. Additionally, the report found that 55% of home service companies did not respond within 24 hours and only 37% of companies called back after the inquiries.
Valve + Meter is a performance marketing agency based in Indianapolis focusing on results driven strategy, content, and outbound lead generation.
We have some availability yet for your Summer deck
May 26, 2017
February 10, 2017 Bamboo infused composite decking has arrived and it's beautiful!
Fortress bamboo infused composite decking. (photo from the Fortress website)
Another view of this "heavy-duty" (in all aspects) composite. Photo from the Fortress website.
(Feb 08 2017)Here we are, 2017, my 25th year in business. It was in the fall of 1992 that I started to figure "it" out. I'm still figuring "it" out.
Here's two things that are certain
1. If quality construction is important to you, it will be nearly impossible for you to find a contractor that will build a better deck than me.
2. Your investment in your home improvement project, is safe with me. With most of the others, you're rolling the dice! Do that in Las Vegas, not here! Come to think of it, bad game. Don't roll dice at all.
The headlines read Big time skilled labor shortage, nationwide "That's an understatement! I've struggled all year to findqualified carpenters"Frank 5/04/16 Your options aren't as plentiful as they used to be, but you may have found the right contractor here.
Darien deck 2015 by A-Affordable Decks
Downers Grove deck 2015 by A-Affordable Decks
Frank Lamphere owner of A-Affordable Decks of Lombard, Illinois
2014 Cedar deck in Lombard- A-Affordable Decks
Treated deck in Villa Park 2014 - You will not get a better deck than one built by us! -Frank Lamphere
"One carpenter's concept of high quality is often, what I consider crap. Let me assure you that, my goal is to do an outstanding job from start to finish. And I reach my goals!" - Frank Lamphere
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Don't miss this little nugget, below! The annual cost vs. value report
Quality is very important to most people. It's highly unlikely that you will be able to find a deck builder that is able to beat my quality.
Service is important. Starting a project at an agreed upon time and completing the project within a reasonable time. We've got this one down pat! Construction management? CRACK! (sound of a whip) Rawhide! I'm on it.
Get the information you need PHONE MY OFFICE TODAY! (630) 620-4130 but, email is better! I am probably not in,
please leave a concise message (I'll be supplying material to a job, applying for permits, estimating, digging holes, writing & sending contracts, performing a deck inspection, reading a story to my kiddies, singing a Sinatra tune in a nightclub, and just generally running around like a maniac. Like most people.)
