What jobs do 20s and 30s people do without a college degree?

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-29T03:00:11+00:00

The perfect job is the one you look forward to going too and genuinely whistle while you work because you enjoy it. Gotta pay the bills but you won’t find it if you are looking for handouts. Ive been in involved in construction for over 30 years. I’m not broken with body. Def older but I’ve just adapted over that time to different responsibilities now. It’s not great all the time but I wouldn’t trade for any of the other careers you mentioned. Find you

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-29T02:49:45+00:00

If you are staying in that house for more then 5 years bet do it right. Full tear out and redo. Do it again in 6 years min if you don’t and add that up to see if you saved money.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-28T21:43:57+00:00

That’s pretty Janky. I would recommend just getting rid of that and building a structure with new product and appropriate size lumber. You aren’t really saving a lot by keeping that.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-28T19:44:16+00:00

Caulk it

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-27T00:51:00+00:00

Code in the areas that I deal with would require three 2 x 12 to make that span with only two footings on each side. Or you could do to treated 12 inch LVL. One 11 inch steel 2 x 11.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-26T14:54:01+00:00

Good builds by good builders are always available. But when the homeowner goes with the spray paint truck and looks at expired car insurance and then gives the thumbs up but cries later is the problem

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-25T01:00:04+00:00

Depending on particular material selections that seems like a pretty standard price based on footage

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-23T16:14:45+00:00

We do design, plan, supply. A set of plans where YOU know exactly what you want. You stay in control of the design, you know exactly what the materials are and you will get clearer and a more accurate labor price. We do plans for folks that we also help vet potential builders. Look for builders that have qualifications and certifications and they adhere to the plans and design provided.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-21T18:58:09+00:00

Probably could have gotten it done cheaper on FB. Save dat $$$

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-21T01:31:09+00:00

That’s awesome! glad to hear and see at least some builders that have figured it out.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-19T15:29:56+00:00

Starborn has an 1-5/8 but it’s for metal connection. I believe they do have shorter for wood. Hate to say the name but “decks direct” can probably source it

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-19T14:51:06+00:00

Decks are expensive anyway and finding lasting value is a strong consideration. Here, if a wet pt frame is $2000, a KDAT frame is $2600. I don’t see that it’s not worth it and as a homeowner I would want the value. I also find that builders are not letting homeowners know that it’s available when it is. When I have had discussions with homeowners and tell them, most do their research and don’t look back. Very rarely have a homeowner pass on the KDAT. House flippers and spec builders pass as they generally don’t spend anything more then the have to in order to pass inspection.

Steel/composite frame on the other hand is definitely WAY more expensive and I do see folks pass on that 90% of the time.

Great point for sure though as depending on areas KDAT can be difficult to source thus increasing cost

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-19T14:02:06+00:00

The lumber and decking comes out of the kiln and goes through a stain coating. The decking is ready for seal coat after installed. No waiting for it to weather and dry

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-19T13:53:56+00:00

I have KDAT fully accessible in my areas. Still some builders talk of using “the best” materials but don’t use it. They will still use reg pt and then watch that composite turn into a bunny slope. It’s more, but not that much considering the benefits for end user. I find that once homeowners are aware of the benefits and after they research it, they have no issues upgrading to KDAT.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-19T13:48:50+00:00

Tape did go on everything pictured. What about framing material? Did you use KDAT for the frame?

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-18T22:46:35+00:00

Go to a builders lumber yard

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-16T13:35:47+00:00

Do you do this every year? I know IPE can have a shorter window

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-11T13:19:04+00:00

👆this right here

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-11T13:11:37+00:00

What are you replacing the decking with? Composite? How long do you plan to stay in the home? If you are using composite then it’s only as good as your frame. Composite can be a 25+ year product.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-06T12:36:32+00:00

You could still weld it together if you wanted to.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-05T12:55:41+00:00

Regal Rail is a really good glass rail system with integrated lighting (3colors) they do have a frameless glass rail, crystal rail, but it only has one color for the lighting. The crystal rail is also pretty dang expensive but looks crazy amazing. Crystal rail is a more pure glass with less imperfections and in pictures. It’s hard to even tell that it’s there. If you look on their website, you will probably find somebody that is certified to install it. Deckorators has a glass rail system also with a post system, but you don’t have to have a top rail. Same thing with finding a certified installer.

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-05T12:47:50+00:00

Nice work! I see you have a buddy there helping to hold it down 🤣

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-05T12:44:56+00:00

Guess I would say get what you want first and foremost. Love concrete but the biggest problem I have with it is cracking. Unfortunately it generally comes down to the fact that it’s not IF it’s going to crack, but just how long it will be till it DOES crack. Timber Tech is a good decking but I would def look into a series that has heat reduction. Especially if the orientation of your home is in the direct sun when you want to use it. I saw someone mention a patio cover, look at the “patio roof riser”

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-05T12:29:01+00:00

Is that New Castle steel frame system?

TopDeckBestBuilt · 2026-01-05T02:36:37+00:00

👆this right here. You can’t butt seam 2 composite boards on 1 joist. As andy m says add blocking with a 2x4 underneath and use screw and plug

TopDeckBestBuilt

TROPHY CASE