Cullen Brothers LLC Blog

Deck Collapses and Failures

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:07:50 EST

Spring is here! And as the weather gets warmer, we seek the outdoors, entertaining and spending more time on an outdoor deck. With the availability and affordability of pressure treated wood, decks and outdoor living arrangements have become very popular over the past 20 + years, becoming the gathering space during social functions. But with this rise in popularity comes certain risks and deck failures are rising at an alarming rate.

Because decks are elevated structures, usually about 8-12 feet off the ground, injuries often occur as a result failure and can range from bumps and bruises to death. One of the most severe cases happened June 29, 2003 when a multi-tiered deck on a Chicago home catastrophically collapsed resulting in 13 deaths and 57 injuries.

Though there are little national statistics, experts believe decks are separating from or failing at a rate of one per week, especially during summer - when they get the most use. As a result of the failures, building code officials have begun to scrutinize deck construction and the 2012 International Residential Code has many amendments which pertain to deck construction.

While there are many reasons for deck failure, the number one reason is the ledger board separating from the house structure. The ledger board is a horizontal piece of lumber which runs parallel and is mounted to the house structure. The underlying floor joist mount to and usually run perpendicular to the ledger board. If the ledger board de-attaches from the structure or fails for any reason the deck will collapse. When this happens most often it is without warning and when numerous people are socializing on the deck. The picture shown above is an example of a deck with a ledger board failure.

Below are two very informative videos about what to look for when constructing and just as important- maintaining a deck. There is also a web site by Simpson Strong-Tie, which is also very informative and has many more videos for review and you can even download a free copy of a deck framing and connection guide. (www.safestronghome.com) Deck life span can be considered as little as 8 – 10 years with no maintenance. So perform a routine check and if you see any of the (5) warning signs by all means get your deck repaired.

Click Here For Video One

Click Here for Video Two

tags: Home Maintenance Tips;

Remembering and Honoring Loved Ones and Pets

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:22:14 EST

During one time or another we have all lost a special person or pet we loved very dearly. After our loss, many times we wish to remember that special person or pet by creating a memento; either garden, a tree, or stone marker placed somewhere in our home or in our yard. The rose garden picture at the right is just one example of how pleasant and warm these mementos can make us feel. In addition, they bring us joy and happiness as we reflect back on the pleasant memories that person or pet provided. Well if you are considering building a garden or placing an object in a way to honor a departed loved one, take a look at this website. It has some really good ideas that will help make your memento stand out and bring continuous joy and happiness from the memories gone by. Enjoy your project!

Click here for link.

tags: Outdoor Living;

NEWLY COMPLETED BASEMENT REMODEL BY CULLEN BROTHERS

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:13:28 EST

Take a look at these photos from a fantastic basement remodel just completed by Cullen Brothers. This kitchenette/bar area featured cherry cabinets with mocha pencil glaze, granite counter tops, z-30 stainless steel backsplash, polished chrome light fixtures, black ceramic tile flooring, and engineered hickory wood flooring. The owner strategically coordinated all of the design elements for an award winning & eye popping project. This basement could easily entertain 10 -15 people with plenty of room to spare. Congratulations Kevin and Delisa on a wonderful project and thank you for your business.

Click here for a slideshow.

tags: Basement Remodeling;

Cullen Brothers Newest Floor Plan

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:13:25 EST

We are very excited to release a new version of our popular Carolina floor plan and it's a beauty! Take note of some of these exciting new features: reversing the kitchen and family room – making the kitchen more accessible from the garage, a large walk in shower with curved walls, larger bonus room, coffered ceiling in the family room, introduction of a butler’s pantry off of the dining room, and increasing the square footage of the floor plan. The exterior changes include a reconfigured front porch and box bay at the dining room.

This wonderfully spacious plan now boast 4020 square feet of living space, with three and one half baths, four bedrooms, his and her master closets and the very popular second floor laundry.

Finally, we saved the best for last: as this home is priced at $457,500, on your lot – loaded with upgrades and features well above what would be considered standard.

If you are considering building, call today for a full list of specification or for more information. We have numerous floor plans in a variety of styles and price points.

Click Here For a Brochure of the Carolina II

tags: New Home Floor Plans;

Outdoor Living Spaces

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:45:50 EST

Spring is just around the corner! It is time to spruce up the exterior of your home and there’s not a better way to spruce up the exterior than by creating some outdoor living space. Whether it be a porch, patio, deck, or gazebo outdoor living spaces have become a must have attraction in today’s homes. One excellent way to get more use out of these areas is to add a fireplace. Providing heat on cool evenings or extending the use well into the fall of the year fireplaces add value and function to all types of outdoor living spaces. So if you’re considering adding some outdoor living space give Cullen Brothers a call we would be happy to assist you in bring your dreams to reality.

Click here for a slideshow of outdoor fireplaces.

tags: Outdoor Living;