Heartlands Building Company

Heartlands Building Company is moving to a new, larger location in January. We've outgrown the space we've occupied since 2002 despite doubling that in 2007. It's really a testament to the growth made possible by the support of our wonderful customers and the quality design and build work that we have done for them. Stop by anytime to see how the new space is coming along or wait until we get settled. Either way, you will see a lot! Our expanded showroom will feature some great displays of products and the way we build and install them to create beautiful spaces for our customers. Our new address is 680 Crown Industrial Ct. which is in the Spirit Business Center II.

When choosing materials for your new outdoor room, whether a deck, patio, or screen room, there are many products on the market. You will want to consider attractiveness and price, but you should also take into account its longevity and ease of care. It’s not just about the decking, but also the railing. Composite brands usually have matching railing, but it may not always be the best choice for you.   Consider the advantages of powder coated aluminum for outdoor applications:   It won’t rust.   The powder coated finish is long lasting.   It’s lightweight and easy to handle.   It’s easily cut using a miter saw giving the installer flexibility to make adjustments on-site.   It won’t rot.   There are no pesticides or chemical treatment necessary.   It has minimal expansion and contraction in changeable temperatures.   It won’t splinter, fade, or crack.   The Heartlands railing and screen channel system is a great powder-coated extruded aluminum system

The fall County Living magazine is featuring this Heartlands project on its cover with the following article inside. “Our dream outdoor space is now just two steps away from our kitchen door.”   “Ever since we moved to the St. Louis area four years ago, we wanted to create a great cooking and entertainment area in our back yard.   We love to cook, be outdoors, and entertain friends and family, and had a very good idea of exactly what we wanted.”   But this Wildwood family started to give up on having their dream outdoor room.   They spoke with three different reputable builders over a three year period, each of whom said it either couldn’t be done how they wanted or it would cost almost as much as their house.   “Despite the fact that they were very competent and respected builders with great references, they either could not envision the look and openness we wanted, or they couldn’t see how to build it the way we wanted. It was clear that our project would be something th

Heartlands is pleased to announce that we have added Trex® brand outdoor materials to our product offerings. The Trex® line includes decking, railing, trim, lighting and furniture. Like many composites, Trex® has come a long way since it came on the market. You can get more information about Trex® at www.trex.com . Stop by to see samples now in our showroom. It’s nice to compare and contrast the many beautiful and low maintenance options you have when building your custom outdoor living areas with Heartlands.

  One of the hottest trends in the last few years is to create a backyard oasis that includes a cooking area. An outdoor kitchen can be something as simple as a work and storage area adjacent to your gas grill. It can also be as extensive as a built-in grill with a gas line run from the home, surrounded by stone with granite counter and including things like storage, refrigerator, beer cooler, sink, pizza oven, bar and seating area. What you choose may only be limited by the space you have and of course your budget!     When planning for your outdoor kitchen and living area, design for function but include a focal point such as a fireplace or cooking island and be sure to orient features to take advantage of views. The design should be efficient and include seating areas around the work space so the chef can mingle with guests while preparing food. Your cooking area doesn’t have to be situated on an open deck or patio either. It can be under a pergola, a roof or even

Bear in mind that if you are having an addition put on or remodeling your home, the jobsite is your home and you will be living in it! Many companies will simply clean the site upon completion of the project.   Waiting to clean up your project’s area at completion can cause problems both during construction and at its conclusion. For example, if you are having a deck installed there will be plenty of nails and screws being used.   If these small pieces of metal are not picked up every day someone could unknowingly step on one that could leave a scratch on your new decking.   If this happens multiple times the results could be very noticeable; affecting your long-term satisfaction. There are also safety issues involved that make continuous job site maintenance a good idea.   Whatever the project, there is a good chance that from time to time you might want to walk around and check out the work that’s being done.   If there is a lot of debris around the job site a number of thin

We are sad to announce the passing of our customer, colleague and friend Pat Sale. He appreciated the beautiful screen room we built on his home and the remodel on his vacation home and we appreciated his advice, friendship, and his larger than life spirit. Rest in peace dear friend.

Thursday June 6, 2013 was a company outing to the Cardinals game. Adam and Dan did a great job with the BBQ and a good time was had by all. It didn't hurt that there were multile home runs and the Cardinals beat the Diamondbacks 12-8!

When you are interested in having an addition built onto your home, you should contact several companies for bids, but what should you be looking for when you get them? Before you even get the proposals, you should take into consideration any rapport you felt with the builder or salesperson during the initial visit. This person will generally be your contact during the process so things will go much more smoothly if you feel a sense of trust and comfort with them. In addition, you will want to consider the reputation of the company as well. Here is a general list of things to look for in your estimate: Fixed price – Even if there will still be variables to be decided, having a number and an indication of what is and isn’t included is critical. Depending on the project, sometimes it’s wise to agree on Time and Materials billing, but you’ll still want to have the rate specified and a good faith estimate. Payment terms should also be outlined. What amount or percentage of the projec

We pledge to you, our customer, from the initial design drawings to the walk through of your finished project, it will be completed in a professional manner meeting your high expectations of product quality and craftsmanship. Our peace of mind pledge is further supported by manufactures product warranties and Heartlands complete two year labor warranty, our equivalent to the automobile industry’s “bumper to bumper” guarantee. We stand behind our quality work. Give us a call for a free in-home consultation!

Today we are celebrating not only the milestone of Heartlands Building Company being in business for 10 years (as of last Fall), but the 10 th anniversary of Dick O’Brien’s affiliation with Heartlands. He’s worn a lot of hats in that 10 years and has been instrumental in our success. Congratulations Dick! Seems like yesterday, doesn't it?

While you can create a screened room by using a staple gun to attach window screen mesh from the hardware store to 3 foot wood framed openings, this is not what I am describing. You can hire the company that the builders do and get builder quality materials with posts every 3 feet. If you don’t mind and plan to sell soon or don’t plan to use the space all that much, then it will be fine. If you want to create a top quality screen room, then you’ll want to use Heartlands screen system. Heartlands system not only has a cleaner appearance, but the screens will hold taut for longer and cover much wider openings.   Maintenance involves just a hose or some soap and water. Heartlands uses pool and patio screen mesh which is 20% thicker than standard window screen mesh, so consequently more durable. Screen mesh is available in 100’ rolls up to 9’ wide. Cut a length of screen mesh 3 inches longer and wider than the opening. If you require a railing (check your local building

There are so many horror stories about construction projects gone wrong: the low price that mysteriously grew, poor workmanship, unreliability of employees and the feeling of abandonment when things go wrong and nobody will answer your calls. These are the experiences that the Heim family avoided by getting a word of mouth referral before starting their deck and screen room project. Bob and Gretchen Heim were wowed by the new screen room and deck at their friends the Bolands’ home. “We realized that the thing that was missing in our house was the ability to enjoy the outdoors. We were in the midst of all these trees, but when we went outside, acorns would fall on us, the bugs would be biting and the cedar deck and steps were in poor shape.” The Bolands spoke so highly of the experience they had with Heartlands Building Company, that the Heims called for a free estimate. “The steep terrain and complexity of the job scared off a few contractors, but Larry didn’t flinch. He listened t

Aluminum positives: strongest     negatives: much higher price, easy to end up with wrinkles if not super careful during installation, individual wires can be bent, creating “holes”, Fiberglass positives: low cost, easy to install, easy to maintain a smooth appearance.   negatives: sun breaks down fabric over long term, locusts in some areas eat fiberglass. Solar positives: blocks varying percentages of the heat and glare from the sun, easy to maintain a smooth appearance. negatives: thicker material and denser weave means less ventilation, more costly than standard fiberglass. Pet or Super screen positives: won’t rip from pet claws, easy to maintain a smooth appearance. negatives: thicker material and denser weave means less ventilation, more costly than standard fiberglass.                                No-seeum positives: tighter weave keeps out smaller insects. negatives: harder to find, tighter weave means less ventilation, more costly than st

True Manufacturing, an O'Fallon, Missouri company, and supplier of refrigeration units for Heartlands' outdoor cooking areas, was honored recently. True was featured on Archdigest.com as one of Parker Bowie Larson's  top picks of the Architectural Digest  Home Show . Parker is the style editor for Architectural Digest Magazine.  It’s featured as “The very best from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show!” Please see the link below! http://www.architecturaldigest.com/shop/2013-04/ad-home-design-show-products-outdoor-home-furnishings-renovation#/slide=20

In light of our St. Louis Spring storm, we thought we would put out this reminder:  DO NOT OPERATE THEM! While it’s best to keep the screens retracted when not needed, especially in the winter, leave them in their current position. Wheather they are electric operated screen walls or manually operated screen doors, you don’t want the ice and snow to damage the screens or mechanisms. Wait until it melts!

Adam Twellman, Heartlands Foreman Adam oversees every aspect of the construction of our projects. He has input at the design stage, making sure the pretty picture can be a structural reality. During construction, he manages the carpenters and sub-contractors, ensuring the job stays on schedule and is built to Heartlands quality standards. Adam and his wife Amanda live in the Troy , MO area with their three daughters. Dan Gleason, Heartlands Project Manager As project manager, Dan wears a lot of hats. He goes on sales calls and helps put together the information needed for accurate bids. He is involved at the design stage, creating the digital renderings that allow our customers to better envision how their finished project will look. Dan orders the materials and is the common link between everyone who is working on a project including the customer. Dan got married last summer and he and his wife Val recently purchased a home in the St. Charles area.

Our home show special on retractable screen doors has been extended through March 29th. Call by then to receive $50 off a single door and $100 off a French.

Since it is now the season when people think about starting projects, we are sharing advice from the St. Louis Better Business Bureau. The BBB offers the following tips to consumers who want to hire a contractor: Be cautious about hiring contractors through classified listings such as Craigslist. It is usually best to deal with a company in your area with a solid track record. Ask for references and contact them to learn about the company’s work. Make sure you have a signed, written contract, spelling out the work to be performed. Don’t be fooled by professional-looking websites and online testimonials. Such testimonials are easily fabricated. If you have any concerns about a contractor, ask to visit its offices or showroom to help assure yourself that it is a legitimate business. Do not pay the full contract amount until the work is completed to your satisfaction. Check   BBB Business Reviews   at   www.bbb.org   or by calling 314-645-3300.

Spring is just around the corner, at least I hope it is! Alleviate some of your spring fever by getting your outdoor living areas cleaned up and take care of any maintenance now so you'll be ready for the sunshine and warmer weather. Below is some general information. Please refer to manufacturer instructions whenever available. Decking - Use a leaf blower or broom to remove debris Composites- Power washing with fan stream, following the grain pattern, and using mild soap and water for spot duty. For mold spots, simply add bleach and vinegar to your cleaning solution. Cedar and other Natural Wood - Power wash, stain, oil & seal if necessary Screens - hose off and check for tears Aluminum posts -hose off and wipe down with mild, non-abrasive detergent Concrete – If your concrete patio has stubborn stains, try a mixture of laundry stain remover, powdered laundry detergent, cat litter, BioClean and salt of carbonic acid (washing soda). To lift remaining stai

Although for the first time in ten years, we will not be exhibiting at the St. Louis HBA Home and Garden Show this weekend, we are still offering a discount on our retractable screen doors.   You can see the doors displayed in our showroom Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Heartlands installs the Clearview brand of retractable screens. They feature extruded aluminum parts and come standard with a back plate (necessary for sliding door installations), hidden magnets inside the pull bar on French door applications, and most importantly, the built-in mechanical speed reducer. If you’ve ever experienced the “slam” when you accidently let go of the handle when operating a retractable screen door, you know what the “slam” is. It’s nice to know that if you, your guests or your kids let go of the handle, the screen will retract at a reasonable pace. The regular price for a single door is $450 and $800 for a set of French doors and that includes measuring and installat

That is a good question! If you are considering an outdoor room addition, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions to help you decide whether or not to screen in your space. The first question should be “Do you have a lot of insects, especially at the time or times of day that you like to spend outside?” Proximity to water and trees can increase the number of insects in an area. Of course those things can also create a more pleasant atmosphere for an outdoor room too.   The second one is “Are you or members of your family bothered by the presence of those insects?” Some people are allergic to insect bites or stings, making this an even bigger issue. The next question is how you plan to use your outdoor space. If it’s an area that you have no intention of covering, then it can’t be screened anyway. If you already have a roof over a patio or deck or would like to add one, screens can be a huge benefit if you plan to spend time eating there or entertaining in the evenings when t

Pleasant temperatures are just around the corner! Soon you’ll want to open your windows and doors and let in some fresh spring air so now is the time to check the condition of your window and door screens. Over time, sun and weather as well as critters can damage the mesh on your screens and the spline that holds them in place. Bring them in to Heartlands and we’ll replace the mesh so you’ll be ready to welcome the warmer weather. Just give us a call or stop by Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/architecture-coach/article/2012/12/13-hot-home-trends-for-2013 As I suspected, the popularity of outdoor rooms is continuing its rise this year. And why not? As more and better products and building materials are introduced, the creature comforts and variety of possibilities are seemingly endless! Each year, Heartlands is asked to create new designs to elevate our customers outdoor spaces into their favorite spaces. As evidenced by the article in Realtor Magazine, making numbers 2 and 3 on the list is proof. "2. Outdoor Living Rooms and Screened Porches:   A trend that began a few years ago continues to inspire home owners to think beyond terraces and decks. These spaces have more of the feeling and function of an indoor room—better furnishings, fire pits, curtains, and even televisions and audio systems. Some spaces are designed as courtyards for greater privacy, yet with high-efficiency glass windows and doors to make them energ

In an effort to offer more custom building options to our customers, Heartlands has created additional product displays in our Chesterfield showroom. Stop by to see what’s new! Fiberon Horizon decking is a composite decking that boasts multi-colored, wood grain and tropical looking deck boards. Fiberon decking and railing is beautiful, low-maintenance and made in the USA . It has a 25 year stain and fade warranty and is scratch and mold resistant. Its PermaTech surface material is resilient and encases its rigid core for reversible boards to save on cut and waste. Heartlands has built several decks with Fiberon but now has a display in our showroom for all to see this great product and visualize it on their own deck. You can also see it on project photos on our website: www.heartlandshome.com and you can find out more information on the fiberon website: http://www.fiberondecking.com. Synergy prefinished wood ceilings are tongue and groove ceiling materials that ar

It’s been said that when you accept the highest bid, you risk the amount that is the difference between it and the lowest bid. This of course assumes that the end products would be equal. In reality, if you accept the lowest bid, you risk the entire cost of the project because it might not be done properly. I’m not suggesting that you spend more than you can afford, just that you need to balance budget and long term factors. An addition of any type to your home should be an investment in your quality of life. If you can’t use the space as often as you anticipated or have to repair or replace prematurely, then that investment is not as valuable. Besides the obvious differences between contractors such as poor design, using inferior materials or less skilled carpenters, there are other factors that might allow them to offer a lower bid. They might label it overhead, but it could be something like insurance. If another part of your home gets damaged during construction, who is li