So, you want to DIY?

Let us guess, you’re building a deck, remodeling the bathroom, or putting in more energy-efficient doors. Those planters aren’t going to build themselves, and what about repairing the roof before winter?

DIY projects come in all shapes and sizes and boast many benefits, which is why doing basic maintenance and updates to your home is becoming more and more popular.

Taking on a DIY project can momentarily distract you from those pesky life stressors, making you feel accomplished and content. With your blood pumping and creative juices flowing, there’s no physical or mental exercise quite like that of manual labor. DIY also allows you to learn new skills, share knowledge with your friends and family and can save you a ton of money.

So, DI-WHY NOT?

Even though there are quite a few benefits to tackling a DIY, there are also a number of disadvantages to DIY projects:

They are extremely time-consuming: learning how to do something new can be challenging enough, but that’s not even considering the tools and materials one must obtain to even get started. DIY projects require research and planning before you can hit the ground running and once started, require a ton of trial and error, pauses, and do-overs to get the job done right. Make sure you set aside enough time and are up for the juggling act.

You may end up spending more money than you hoped to: At first, your DIY projects may seem like the cheaper route, but that’s assuming you’re a seasoned professional. We’re not saying you’re totally inept, we’d just like to mention that one wrong turn with the nail gun, and you’re headed back to the hardware store… or maybe urgent care? Let’s hope not. DIY is not for the faint of heart or an empty wallet. Practice makes perfect here, or at least fewer mistakes.

The quality of your work could be compromised: the first step is admitting it! If DIY is new to you, you may end up with an unsatisfactory result. There’s no harm in hiring a professional when uncertainty strikes and even a quick chat with an expert can make all the difference.

For both a seasoned and fresh DIYer, we can help you get started on your next project! Come to us to help you find everything you need to get the job done right in order to avoid common mistakes like:

• Taking on too much at once

• Using the wrong tools

• Not being safe

• Ignoring codes & permits

• Making incorrect measurements

Experience aside, if you’re planning on moving forward with a DIY project, we’re here to help! Our team has decades of building experience and industry knowledge, and we are dedicated to helping you. From our facility conveniently located in Bend, we can supply your building project with more than three acres of traditional lumber, trusses, roofing, decking, windows, doors, molding, siding, fencing and so much more! We specialize in handling building projects from beginning to end, and from the ground up. From foundation materials down to the doorknobs, we have the knowledge and experience to help you complete your project (outside of electrical and plumbing.) We even carry a wide selection of hardware and tools you might need while working on your DIY!

Get started with your DIY preparation! Contact us! Give us a call or a visit:

(541) 388-9988

62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR

Visit Our Lumber Yard!

Every season is project season here in Central Oregon. If you’re a contractor, home builder, or are simply working on a DIY at home, we specialize in lumber and truss sales and offer an expansive selection of quality wood products for your next commercial or residential building project.

Our lumber yard has over three acres of high-quality boards from the best mills in the area. You will find straight boards of all dimensions and species, redwood boards, and even large timber in our easy-to-access space.

We provide supplies for a wide range of projects, big to small including:

• Timber Frame Homes

• Remodels

• Decks

• Siding

• Fences

• Garden Beds

• Shelving

• Outdoor Tables

Trust us, we've seen it all!

Our building material experts begin with the in-house takeoff from your blueprints and, when necessary, will even visit your job site to ensure accurate measurements and see how things are going!

Timber Frame Homes

When it comes to trusses, there are a few different styles that come to mind.

• Scissor

• King Post

• Queen Post

• Arch Bottom

• Hammerbeam

All of these trusses can be used in one or two-story homes and can match different design styles from modern to rustic. Open up your space or add beautiful details to your residential or commercial project. We are happy to help you understand and pick out the perfect build for your vision!

Decks

We supply sustainably-harvested redwood deck materials, and decks and siding in cedar, composite, and more. From large decks for entertaining to a small, intimate space for relaxing, you will find the deck materials you need under one roof. Who says you can't enjoy your outdoor space when the weather cools down?

Garden Decor

Backyard design is becoming more and more popular. Trellises, pergolas, raised garden beds, and outdoor tables all require quality lumber and craft. Outdoor builds need to withstand the elements and our selection of products can do just that!

Hardware and Tools

Our design center in Bend has a wide selection of the best tools from top-name brands like Makita and Diablo, and we always have special offers to browse. You can find everything from door hardware to joist hangers, and chisels to cordless drills. Our experienced staff will help you get the right tools for any job. We are Central Oregon’s one-stop shop for building materials and our reputation was built on quality and service.

Your project is in good hands with Building Solutions. Our service specialties include a large, prompt delivery fleet, as well as in-house takeoffs and accurate fulfillment for all your construction materials. We’ve also got a full selection of windows and doors, decking and siding, roofing materials, and all the hardware and tools you need to get the job done right.

One stop and all your building materials are handled. And don't forget, we are always available to answer any questions you may have!

Stop by the design center or call today!

(541) 388-9988

62960 Boyd Acres Road

Bend, OR 97701

An Energy-Efficient Home for Every Season

Here in Central Oregon, we are lucky enough to enjoy all four seasons each year. This means cold winters, a mild fall and spring, and hot summers. It can be challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home when things get especially hot or cold, but there are a few ways you can be sure to stay energy efficient through the changing seasons.

The first step to making sure you are maintaining an energy-efficient home is to examine what you already have in place. How old are your windows and doors? Are there any cracks? Can you see the light coming in anywhere around your door frame? These questions will help you determine whether it’s time to replace the whole thing entirely, or if it’s just time for some regular maintenance.

If your windows and doors seem to be in good shape, but you’re just looking to improve their efficiency, here’s what you can do:

Use caulk or weatherstrip to seal cracks and fill gaps

This will help prevent air leaks that keep your home from being efficient. When hot or cold air leaks in, it keeps your heating and cooling systems running much more often than they should.

Hang curtains, blinds, or both

The hot summer sun can make a huge impact on the temperature inside the house. Window treatments are a great way to keep things cool. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, this is especially important. Try opening up your windows and screened doors early in the morning. Then, before temperatures rise too much, seal everything up and close all the blinds to keep the temperatures down.

Install storm windows

If you live in an older house and aren’t ready to replace your single-pane windows, storm windows can be a great alternative. These go on the outside of the house and help reduce airflow in and out of the home.

Utilize a light-blocking screen or film

Similar to a storm window, large screens can be installed on the outside of the window to reduce the amount of heat and light that can enter. Films can also be fixed directly onto the window glass to create a reflective quality that repels heat.

Invest in outdoor awnings or blinds

Sometimes, windows just get too much sun during the day and something more needs to be installed to keep things cool. An awning or blind outside the house works great for this.

Most of these improvements can be made over a weekend and will help improve indoor temps greatly. They will also keep your heating and cooling systems running less often as your home becomes more energy efficient! But what if small improvements aren’t enough? Maybe your home has single-pane windows or the door just doesn’t seal properly. Maybe you’re ready for an upgrade that will also improve the appearance of your house. Whatever the case, the next step up from here is replacing your windows and doors.

Look no further than Building Solutions. We’ve been a leading window and door supplier in the Bend area since 2003. Our experienced professionals supply Central Oregon’s leading home builders and contractors with the best in new, replacement, and upgraded windows and doors. At our design center, we carry a variety of products from the most reputable manufacturers like Simpson Door Company, JELD-WEN, Milgard, and PlyGem. We understand how confusing all the options can be, so we’ll help you narrow down your decision. We know which ones to recommend, and which to avoid.

We also have tons

of color options and specialty glass samples for you to browse. That way you can have a style that matches the look of your home and keeps your energy costs down. If we don’t have the option you like in stock, we can get it ordered and even delivered for you.

Let’s get started on a more energy-efficient home today!

(541) 388-9988

62960 Boyd Acres Road

Bend, OR 97701