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Ahead of Success

By Olivia Truesdale (Martial Thevenot  Editor)

Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, has been attributed to saying, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

While the facts are such that he never actually said anything of the sort, it would have been very fitting to his reputation if he had!

Many of us know him for the position he held during World War II, but it is a little-known fact that he also was actively involved in the first World War. History probably wants you to forget about that part because it did not go very well.

He actually helped plan several *UNSUCCESSFUL* battles. Of course, today we only remember him for the leadership position he held during the early 1940s and the important role he played in helping the Allies win World War II. So how did he go from a seeming failure to a national (and international) hero and inspiration?

In a simplest of ways, he “had the courage to continue”. He didn’t let his failures define him. If he had, we would not likely be living in the world we know today.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, as expressed by this (misquoted) quote: “Success is not final.” Often, after succeeding in something, we find ourselves “coasting”.  After a “big win”, many people tend to slow down, relax, and “celebrate”. Now, there is nothing wrong with congratulations when they are in order, but it becomes a problem when we use our success as a reason to take our foot off the gas. “Oh, I finished that yesterday. I don’t have to worry today.”

Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break after a big success, sharpen the axe so to speak… unless it becomes a constant excuse. Sometimes we push ourselves so far backwards after a success that we wind up worse than before!

The easiest and most common example of this can be found in dieting. “I was really healthy yesterday. I did all my workouts; I ate well. I guess that means that I can have junk food and skip my workout today!” And when that attitude drags on for days, we can end up undoing all of our hard work. Yikes!  Sound familiar?

So how do we overcome this?

While the answer can be simple, it can also be much easier said than done. “Just do it.” (Huh, that sounds coincidentally like the motto for a popular brand of athletic wear.) I know it’s cheesy, but hear me out.

No one can force you to persevere after you succeed. Others can motivate you, but you are the biggest determiner of whether or not you are going to continue to evolve after a big success (or a big failure, for that matter).

You are the only one who has control of your actions. All that to be said, it is helpful to have a strong support system surrounding you, encouraging you to keep going and persevere towards reaching your next goal and your next success. This could be friends, family, or anyone else who has the same goals as you.

At Team Perka, we would love to be a part of helping you achieve your building goals!

Whether you need a building for your new startup business, are looking to build your dream home, or trying to find a place to store animals or equipment or toys, we can help. While we can’t say that we have seen everything, we can say that we have definitely seen a thing or two! 

Contact us for a consultation! Even if you don’t purchase from us, we love to help, as we know that good begets good.

(Of course we would also love it if you did purchase from us, because we want to get to know all the super cool we can and collaborate on great dreams and successes!)

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, visit our website, and let us know how we can become part of your next big triumph, as we would are always happy to support and help ensure that you keep succeeding in whatever is important to you!

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Peace on Earth, One Customer at a Time

3… 2… 1… Happy New Year!!! That’s right, folks. 2021 is almost here, and no doubt most of us feel that we are sure ready for something new – and that is not going to be too hard since so much this year has been “new”!  YES?

Check out these last minute DIY ideas for a stay at home type of celebration! 

2020 seems as though it has brought about one messy situation after another. But is it the calendar year’s fault!?  Is it a curse or can it be a blessing?  How we respond and deal with it can make a huge difference.

(Does anyone even remember those Australian fires from January? How about those murder hornets?)

Just because the Earth has made another rotation around the Sun does not mean that everything will just “go back to normal”. Humans have always been faced with challenges and problems (aka opportunities), ever since the very first people walked the Earth.

That is why it is so important to stay connected to friends and family.

This year, more than ever, we might be most served by and for each other in order to keep ourselves positive (and sane). Your friends and family may be a phone call away, a long car ride away, or even a socially-distant-and-masked airplane ride away. No matter the distance, we believe in the significance of strong, caring relationships. The slower times around the holidays are the perfect time to reach out to our loved ones and let them know how much we care.

But maybe this message doesn’t necessarily apply to you. Maybe your loved ones live too far away, and you are unable to be with them. Perhaps the pandemic of 2020 has taken its toll on those who are dear to you. Maybe you even lost a loved one.  May Peace be with you. 

It is possible too that you have just grown apart. Change and pain can be quite problematic aspects of human life (even though very normal), and we would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who are facing challenges this holiday season.

At Team Perka, we care deeply about our teammates, our friends, our neighbors, and our families. Do you know who else we deeply care about? You!!! You, our fellow man/woman, our potential new personal friend-to-be, are one of the driving causes of what we do.

You are the highest priority of our business.  You are at the TOP of our Team’s organizational chart! 

If there is ever anything we can do from and with the growing resources of experience, “tools” and solution seeking creativity related to almost any sort of “building” question – that we can share, to give you a better experience in any way shape or form, feel free to contact us. Do you need help with a building solution or consultation, even if a Perka Hybrid Building is NOT your first choice? Let us know.

Or you are just not sure where to start? We can help!

Also have you had great a great experience while working and co-creating solutions with us? We would LOVE to hear it! And even if your experience was less than the best, please let us so we can improve. One of our inner team hashtags is #CSI!! Standing for Continuous Sustainable Improvement.  So we welcome ALL the feedback we can get to be able to do that to the MAX!!

We would love to partner with you to make your building project simpler, more stress free and/or easier so you are happier and freer to do what YOU love to do best.

After all, another of our many guiding mottos is “Keep It Simple and Stress-free (K.I.S.S.)”!

In other words, and in the spirit of the holidays, we hope to make as big a contribution to “peace on earth and goodwill to all” as we possibly can — even by one client at a time.

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When Life Gives You Lemons

By Olivia Trusdale

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

This popular phrase is one of those “easier said than done” things. It isn’t always easy to sweeten what’s been soured, especially in the midst of the unprecedented times we’re living.

During the chaos and seeming madness, we can easily lose sight of the beauty in our everyday situations. (And sometimes, it can be really hard to find or see that beauty!) So how do we stay positive and insightful when we’re living through a literal PLAGUE PANDEMIC?!?!? And societal tensions? And a volatile economy? And don’t forget those murder hornets! 

As TEAM PERKA, we are trying our utmost to “Keep It Simple and Stress-free” (K.I.S.S) So in this article, we’re going to be sharing 5 of our favorite tips for positive, hopeful, and connected OPTIMISMS.

Tip 1: Post positive sticky notes around your work and living spaces. It’s almost impossible not to smile when you’re looking at a cheerful note, from you, for you, to you! According to a Time Magazine article, posting constant visual reminders of positive thoughts or even inspiring photos can significantly improve your mood, your outlook and increase your confidence. 

Some fun ideas for these happy little notes are “Smile!”, “It’s going to be a good day!”, and “You can do it!” You might also want to utilize your favorite quotes and Bible verses. There are endless possibilities. Focus on reviewing these positive messages frequently.  Anything that sends you happy thoughts and “good vibes” does affect the psyche. (And if your happy sticky notes are spread throughout one of Perka’s hybrid buildings, that provides an extra burst of positivity and good MOJO!

You can virtually have a quantum vortex of optimism from a quality building, affordably constructed, comfortably furnished, AND boosted by happy thoughts posted all about the premises.  How does it get better?

Tip 2: Stay connected with friends and family. Countless studies have proven that spending time with friends increases your happiness. Even though you may not be able to physically gather with the people you love, there are many other platforms that make it possible for you to stay connected. Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are popular and fast evolving online choices.  

And there is always the old fashion phone call, postcard, letter or even a telegram!  Yes telegrams are still possible – but maybe more so as a novelty!  And of course there is a new digital app attempting to replicate the Telegram “feel” as an online chat messenger!!  

Whichever way you choose, it’s important to keep communications open with the people you care about, and with anyone you basically have a meaningful relationship with.  Just having that assurance of knowing that you aren’t alone helps you feel better about yourself and your situation. 

Also being informed in a timely fashion of any “important or change in circumstances” can totally remove uncertainty that leads to “stress”!  — The truth is, we’re all going through challenges of various degrees, right now, in real time. 

We as TEAM PERKA are also living through this very same volatile yet expanding world like you.  A GINORNOUS component of our culture – most of which pertains to creating more joy and less stress — is all about COMMUNICATING!!  WE have a “hashtag” acronym we use every chance we get —  #DWC.  No, it’s not Dancing with Canadians or Drinking with Cowboys…  it’s DON’T WAIT COMMUNICATE!!!  We would love to be a part of the stress-free solution “lemonade” making that life is presenting to you. Contact us and let us know how we can be of service!

Tip 3: Let others know that you care about them and what they’re going through. While this piece of advice is not necessarily an obvious idea to foster positivity, reaching out to others can make a big impact on your own happiness, not to mention theirs.

When you help others, something happens in our brains and heart that promotes a realization of how blessed you are, inspiring gratitude and furthering more caring generosity. Plus, investing in other people (whether it’s with your time, talents, money, words, etc.) can be extremely gratifying. And you will just feel better, knowing that you’ve made a difference in someone’s day and life. Not only does it make you feel more positive, but they grow in positivity, too, because they received kindness from you.  It creates a ripple effect. Which, if paid forward, can literally become perpetual in kinetic potential!  Try it.  If it’s not working just yet… increase the dose.   This ideal is an important element in our Team’s culture as well!

Tip 4: While it’s good to reach out to others and connect with friends and family, don’t forget to take some time for yourself, too. Taking a break and having some fun- at the appropriate times- can help you refresh, relax, recharge, reignite, refocus and thus work (or play) more efficiently, especially when it’s time to begin again on your necessary tasks.

You shouldn’t ignore your problems, but brief distractions can help you return to them with new ideas and a fresh perspective.  

Team Perka seeks to be a trusted advisor to help you look at your situation from as many perspectives as possible.   From over 200 years of combined experience from the advisor team alone – you can benefit from the wisdom that life offers from making mistakes…  and while there is a lot of training and education built in to our team – there is little to replace someone who has been through many relatable situations and has “seen a thing or two”!!

Tip 5: Stay flexible! BE flexible…  this is one of those things that is less skill and almost all ATTITUDE!!!  It’s a CHOICE!!!  Being loose, calm, open, go-with-the-flow-, NO PANIC can really make a difference when seeking out STRESS FREE SOLUTIONS! 

What is happening or is going to happen, is often just going to happen. The main thing you have control over is the way you respond to it. You can treat everything as a “problematic” challenge of extreme proportions or consequences OR you can see it as a new opportunity/way to serve and grow. 

Worry less about “if you make a mistake”, or can’t respond “on some particular time line” per se; but yes do the best you can, with the resources you have and COMMUNICATE!!  #DWC. Keep all concerned parties up to date and aware of the roadblocks, challenges or obstacles that need to be overcome!

Some things just are or are not in total synch with our moment to moment needs.   Stay calm, poised and open to any, all and even “other” solutions!   You will always receive the gift of knowing or understanding more about how to or not to possibly do or say something.  Own it. Apologize if it serves.  Make amends, reparations and KEEP MOVING.  Keep evolving.  It’s a secret to Happiness!

With TEAM PERKA, seeking to be calm, poised, reflective and specifically flexible is one of the five core values in our “S.A.F.E.R.” solution manifest.  Flexibility means adapting in the midst of difficult, changing, unexpected, unplanned, or challenging circumstances and being open when change comes to work WITH IT.  To seek out and then deploy a solution…  Own it.  But still grow with it.

Though this may sound presumptuous, we do sincerely hope that buying a new building is a change or opportunity that does comes your way.  And when that presents itself, whether it came from a lemon or not – you can be assured that our Team will be here, able and willing, to help you stay positively on track, connected to purpose, calmly caring for your situation and for YOU personally – so that we can be poised to flexibly arrive at the best, most serving, joy filled solution.   

For more information about our “Safe, Affordable, FLEXIBLE, Easy, Resilient” buildings, customer service, and company culture as a whole, contact us here.

Life Expectancies too short?

Life Expectancies too short?
Expect More with a Perka Hybrid Building!

There are certain things that we sometimes just kind of assume like: “That’s going to last forever… This will never break down… I’ll be able to keep it for a long time.”  Have you ever thought that?

Unfortunately, “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to!”is an axiom that has become pretty literal these days.  Have you heard, if not even experienced, that one already??!! 

Modern things break down very quickly.  And we may have also heard that other old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, Yes?

So, what, if anything, can we actually depend on these days?  What happened to doing things right?

With every passing day – it is becoming easier and easier to admit affirm:   “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to”.

While this may seem like a reminiscent phrase exclaimed by our grandparents, or even great-grand parents, it’s actually quite true.

Some facts: many household appliances used to intentionally be built to last.  It was part of the design strategy.  Now, it seems like every time we turn around, something needs replaced.  In some ways, that is done with purposes…  Like to keep initial costs down.   And be able to prosper from an after market of parts and services, or all out replacement!  It’s sometimes referred to as <<planned obsolescence>>. 

For example, washing machines from the 1940’s and 1950’s are still in existence… and still work! However, fast forward 30-40 years and you’ll be lucky to get 15 years out of your newer washing machine. (The actual average lifespan of a washer is now anywhere from 10 to 15 years.) 

New dryers “live” about as long as their washer counterparts. 

If you’re looking to wash dishes instead of clothes, the average dishwasher will now last only somewhere between 7 and 12 years.

While we’re on the subject of kitchen appliances, what about the oven and microwave oven? Ovens last a bit longer, with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, while microwaves only work well for a mere 5 to 15 years. The short longevity of basic household appliances is shocking, especially when you consider the fact that they used to last for multiple decades!

But why do our parts, pieces, and appliances have such shorter lifespans today?   What corners have been cut?  Firstly, the appliances run off of fancy electrical devices. This means that they have more functions, and these particular components are currently made such that they are much more prone to wear and tear, breakage, and damage. Secondly (and more commonly), companies are also just looking to make more money. They make their parts out of cheaper material, faster with less attention to the details.   It’s often all about the money! 

Because there aren’t very many appliance companies, those that still exist practically “own the market”.  Then the companies that have these pseudo-monopolies that can charge you “an arm and a leg” for each new piece, uncontested by competitors and God forbid there might be some inadvertent collusion. 

So, now, more often than not, it’s just cheaper for people to buy a new machine, rather than purchasing a new part and paying someone to replace the old one.

The things we use (and rely on) every day are usually also made with less durable or resilient quality parts in order to also be lighter, more efficient, more productive, more aesthetically pleasing, etc. And the companies who sell them can make (more) money either way, because they know that consumers need their products for everyday life.  These are considered commodities!  Unfortunately, without a significant cultural shift, one to include providing long term value thinking, it doesn’t look like products will be improving in their longevity any time soon.

We don’t particularly like that.  And we also realize sometimes it’s just better to “BE THE CHANGE” we seek!

So, that’s why Team Perka’s approach to product design is different. 

One of our core values is in doing the “right” thing – by doing things right! 

As Team Perka, we are a more that a family owned business with values that focuses on consciously choosing quality materials, assemble by caring craftsman and delivered with intentional service.  We don’t measure our success on the number of orders we get, we measure it by the number of new friends that we make as teammates and ‘clients’ with intentions to KEEP!

Instead of less expensive components that are sometimes indeed planned with obsolescence, to wear out or break down quicker, our wood and steel hybrid structures are consciously designed with intention to be built to last. 

By the number of multi generation clients that we already have – (i.e. children of existing clients buying from us now 20 and almost 40 years later) we pride ourselves in knowing that clients, AKA OUR FRIENDS, will keep coming back to see us, because they understand the value built into our products and trust us to partner with them on a collective future, building projects for the long haul.

YOUR trust, your satisfaction, YOU and your elation over the quality, ease and resilience of our buildings are our higher priorities. 

And being now a third generation business, we want our Grand Children’s kids to be proud of being part of this legacy.  

PLUS, we are happy to back this intention up with our Perka designed and manufactured Steel Frames 50-year warranty

Our teammates, our family, would be absolutely delighted to assist you and your family with your building plans.

For more information about beginning your next building project with Perka, contact us here. To check out our high-quality steel frames, click here. And don’t forget to keep reading our blog!

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Farms, Food, and Finances

Farms, Food, and Finances

All of us with Team Perka really LOVE OUR FARMERS! Since our founder “ET” began the TEAM PERKA journey way back in 1981, he always stayed rooted in his own humble beginning as a son of a farmer.  And so, men and women workers of the earth’s fields, always held the highest stature in his eyes! We just can’t exist without our food supply chain… and they are right at the ROOT of it all – (puns intended!)

Perka’s Hybrid Buildings can be used almost anywhere around the farm yard or even in the fields, as farmers have been one of our most valued clients over our near 40 year history.

Unfortunately, and it is sad to see, farmers are struggling right now. There are a lot of questions surrounding farmers and the food they produce. People are ever more curious to know where their food comes from… how it is grown, and then where is it going!? Fear not, O wise ones who read this blog. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the main questions about what’s happening in the food industry.

Farmer looking at his big farmLet’s begin at the farm, the actual source of our entire food supply chain. (No, it’s not the “store”!!)

Farmers are currently being forced to eradicate months’ worth of work because the demand for their services is not as the same and therefore not as timely as it once was and therefore not as “great”.

But wait… if anything, shouldn’t their demand be greater? One might think that at least the same if not even more people are still hungry and possibly even without supplies or access now than they were before quarantine/shelter protocols. Schools have been shut down, and most restaurants are only open for a drive-through or curbside pickup. People are eating at home more often.

Food that goes to restaurants and schools is packaged much differently than food that gets distributed to the public. Meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables are transported to restaurants in much larger quantities than that same cuisine being bought at a grocery store. The problem is, sadly for the moment, is that the farmers don’t have the capacity or resources to package their own goods, and much food has been left to rot. That said there have been some bright lights standing out in the darkness of current uncertainties as we try to figure this out.

dairy cattleOne Pennsylvania farmer, Mr. Ben Brown, came up with an alternative to dumping the milk from his many cows. He was fortunate to have access to equipment that would allow him to process the milk himself. He worked long and hard to make sure he wouldn’t have to waste an ounce of his milk… even if that meant waking up at midnight to continue bottling. His farm opened up for people to come buy his milk, and he sold out in a matter of hours.

Pretty inspiring, isn’t it? Thankfully, more of those sort of pivots are happening as we speak!! In our home town here of St. Joseph, MO – people have organized a FREE farm-to-family distribution by volunteers to GIVE AWAY the food that might otherwise get wasted. They meet in our shopping center parking lot – three times a week and cars line up to take fruits, vegetables, dairy products they can use or pay forward themselves.

The next link in our “food chain” is the processing plants. What’s happening there? Unfortunately, over 14,000 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to meat processing plants across the United States. It seems that it has been difficult to maintain social distance and take other safety precautions when working in a meat processing plant. New measures have been slow to implement. If any sick person continues to work at such a place, they not only expose their co-workers, but potentially anyone who eats the food that may have been handled by the sick person. As such, companies like Tyson Foods, https://www.tysonfoods.com/ Smithfield Foods https://www.smithfieldfoods.com/, and JBS https://jbssa.com/ have closed one or more of their plants around the country. Since these processing locations have closed, farmers have had no way to slaughter and distribute the meat they produce; millions of animals have gone to waste.

So as we see this happening, we also see that there is by no means a shortage of food; there is only an insufficiency of processing and handling. Because of the causal difference in a lower supply and still the same demand, meat prices have skyrocketed, and we may not see as much of certain foods (the healthier kind) on the shelves at the grocery store in the coming months.

Rustic Silverware

And this brings us to the final link in the food supply chain: you. The consumer. The “eater”!! What can we do to help your local farmers?

Wherever you can, buying locally grown food, like from the people who supported Ben Brown – can make a huge difference – right up front.
Also, we can mindfully choose to follow recommended quarantine protocols, so that we can aid in mitigating and hopefully ending the spread of COVID-19; if there could come a day, sooner than later, where we can confidently say that we have contained the spread (till safe medicine is available) this will most definitely help our farms and food industry bounce back sooner.
And if you decide to plant some of your own fruits and vegetables while you’re more at home these days with more telework and certainly less travelling, we would love to help you with any possible building add on needs! Perka’s hybrid buildings work well for greenhouses, crop storage, or any form of agricultural, farmer, rancher needs.
If you are interested in more information about the food shortages in America, check out these related articles: Tyson, pigs, vegetables, plants closing.
And, as always, for more information about Perka Buildings, contact us. We’d love to help you as and if you embark on your new or next food, farming and financially friendly adventure!  
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Living in a S.A.F.E.R. World in the Midst of a Pandemic

Living in a S.A.F.E.R. World in the Midst of a Pandemic

Blog submitted by Olivia Truesdale

Back in February, Kansas City experienced one of its most epic moments ever: Winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIV.

After the Kansas City Chiefs won, there were parties and parades. The city could not stop celebrating!

I had a friend who was unable to watch the game in real time, so she settled in and watched the recorded game. She, of course, already knew what was going to happen: The Chiefs were going to win. It was all over the papers! Everyone knew! (They had already won!) Still, when the Chiefs were down by ten points at the end of the third quarter, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

Even when we know the outcome, it can be difficult to stay calm and positive, especially when, in a given moment, all hope looks lost. It’s like we know that we will eventually beat this COVID-19/Corona Virus challenge. In the meantime, everyone is (as we should be) concerned for their own health, as well as the health of others.

We at Team Perka are committed to help keeping you out of harm’s way, and we want you to stay S.A.F.E.R. too. Wait, aren’t those the same thing? At Perka, our motto, “S.A.F.E.R”, stands for “Strong, Affordable, Flexible, Easy, Resilient”. How can we at Perka (and you at home!) live in a S.A.F.E.R. world even in the midst of a pandemic?

STRONG: It can be quite the challenge to remain strong during our present situation. As humans, we often feel that we have to be strong for everyone: kids, spouse, parents, co-workers, etc. However, being strong doesn’t always mean “having everything under control”. It takes strength to be vulnerable and honest, especially when you don’t have everything under control. It takes strength to stay positively optimistic… especially when living through your very first global pandemic or otherwise new challenge! Life is quite different and can feel difficult right now. At Team Perka, we stay strong by continuing in our preparation, study, and readiness to help.  Feel free to contact us ; we’d love to know how we can help you!

AFFORDABLE: With all the prices of different commodities going up and down, how do you STAY poised and secure??? It can be difficult to figure things out, especially price vs value wise. We, however, continue to focus on USE VALUE and purpose filled worth/usefulness.  We are always seeking ways to create value and find the best fit and best price for you and your dream project!

FLEXIBLE: Stay loose and adaptable! With everything changing and evolving as much and as quick as it is, the only thing we can do is evaluate adjust and respond with whatever changes that are required right along with whatever is happening.  (Our preference is to be more in the lead of changes – but sometimes stuff just happens!!!)  It seems that information, recommendations, guidelines, and LIFE is changing, and sometimes even contradicting itself, by the minute! We must not get bogged down with the stress of change.  We keep traditions where we can, and remember that our life is not the only one that is affected by COVID-19 or whatever else is going on. At Perka, we remain open TO SERVE and are always at the ready to help Y-O-U!

EASY: Keep it simple, and don’t worry! Hopefully, a Perka building project can be a part of doing what is easiest and most efficient for you and your loved ones. Or, as we like to say, “Keep It SAFER and Stress free” (#KISS). We want to be part of keeping things safe and stress free for you and your family now, during the current pandemic and “tomorrow”, as we continue to evolve together

RESILIENT: When we all come out of our “going within” or “staying in” or “quarantine-ing”, after this pandemic has been resolved, it may still be difficult, or awkward, to adjust to all the new rules and way of life that we may have evolved into. We can’t let that discourage us; we must continue to bounce back and get up from the difficulties this pandemic, and this year in particular, is exposing . Hopefully, things will soon be back to a form of “normal”, though it may take some time for them to be a fully embraced “normal” again. In the meantime, let’s stay positively optimistic and confident. Never forget that we at Team Perka are on your side, ready to bounce back and stay strong in the game!

And voilà! What do you think? That’s how we stay S.A.F.E.R and how you can stay S.A.F.E.R., too.

For more info about how we can help you stay SAFER – CLICK HERE.

PRICE IS TOO HIGH? Price is too much? Overpriced?

overpriced

How can that be?  They are the same model…  or they are the same size.  Or it’s for the same service.   They are both the same thing…  or is it?  How can there be such a price difference?  That price is way too high?  OR IS IT?

While it may not be so “obvious”,  some suppliers may indeed have difference costs of doing business, more insurance, more levels of quality assurance, better service protocols, different values of their overhead – or even just different markup percentages as per their calculations for what they need to stay in business, let alone prosper some.

When all is said and done however — one really CAN NOT get SOMETHING for NOTHING.  There is a natural law of business balance that will always be maintained.   At least over time.

If you are into “WIN-LOSE” deals – then the game becomes one of trying to (consciously or not) “outwit”, if not even “fool” the other into LOSING and you winning?   Though less and less these days – it is a “game” that still gets played.

All too often however, it is played at the detriment of BOTH parties.  If you “take from another” to advance your agenda, you are definitely in a competitive mode —  and, inevitably, a time will come when either the cards will be reversed, or sooner yet, even the one you contracted with – may just not be able to ((satisfactorily)) fulfill his/her obligation or promise.   And  then, NOBODY wins.   This is not naive.  It’s part of our natural laws.  The Golden Rule.  What we sow we reap.  What goes around comes around.

If one is of a CREATIVE perspective – then it’s more about COLLABORATING TO FIND THE BEST SOLUTION for the product or service need, with a WIN-WIN agenda; while staying within the allowed resources (funds available), and also taking into account as much of a “longer” term perspective as one can.  Cost over time must be part of the initial cost! 

For example, cost/value changes like: after the sale/service maintenance costs, the appreciation or depreciation in value of the asset, the actual use value (which may not be quantifiable per se), the profit from use value if a business of any kind, any future “changes” costs, insurance costs, “recovery costs”, etc., etc.   If you don’t do, even a bit, of that exercise analysis – you may very well be in for some fairly large “ADD ON” costs in the future — and those are inevitably and effectively PART OF YOUR (accrual) COST “TODAY”!

Over and above those considerations, one must be as sure as one can be that the comparison of quality, features, benefits, between your choices, are indeed “apples to apples”!!!  It’s easy to say that yes – this 4 wheel drive pick up is $25,000$. And that 4 wheel drive pick up is $27,000, so I’ll buy this one.   But are they really the same?

With regards to a building:  Is a 40 x 60 building going to be the same price regardless of what it’s made of?  How it’s made?  For what it’s made for,  or even by who it’s made? etc.?

There really are dozens, if not hundreds, of “options”, and “features”, and “benefits” that you can put in, or out, of a building package (initial) price offer.  And in each of these they may, or may not, be a SERVING benefit for you.   If you don’t need to have enduring strength to withstand the wrath of our sometimes harried climate conditions – then maybe you don’t have to have that pre-built in and therefore pay for it!  If you don’t need to have things designed in to make life easier and quicker for you or your builder when you install, refine, modify, or even later upgrade, retrofit or remodel, then why have those features priced in now? More at paydayloanfence These can be the very reason why the prices differ.

Furthermore, do you know the value or even the potential VALUE that each special feature has?  If no, is it therefore really MORE EXPENSIVE?  What are you comparing?   What if certain options can actually save you hours and hours of time in install?  What if it saves you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in extra materials, or hired hours; – or what if they can save you hundreds if not thousands in energy costs?  Making it less costly a bit later on!??  What if it saves you unnerving, debilitating stress, unfathomable worry and even heart ache!  What price do you put on that?

This is not to say all suppliers or service people will not have YOUR overall best interests at heart.  From experience one can say that at least half will, — maybe even 75% if you are optimistic!  But the challenge then is which 50 or 75%?   How will you know? How can you tell? 

Just because the representative is happy, sincere, polite and kind (which is not always the case anyway) — does that make the product or support the ONE FOR YOU?  There is POWER in education… and there is even MORE POWER in using the “education/information”…

One of the BEST ways to get VALUE for your hard earned money and time — as well as peace of mind — is education… information.    It almost always is worth the investment of your time.   Be an informed purchaser.

And, if you can find it, it’s even better if you visit this link TEAM you can trust, who has experience, is passionate about their vocation, loves to do what they do and is sincere about being of selfless service.

And as a bonus, if you do have that kind of support – that will surely make a huge difference in your overall stress level and well being —- now, how much is that worth?

Yes, BE informed!

Cheers,

ICS

 

 

pricevquality

 

Rigid buildings and your future

Before I even start this blog post – I will admit that I AM BIASED!  I was raised by parents who demanded I be truthful, honest.

They only wanted the BEST for me –  but also taught me that I HAD to BE and DO my BEST to earn it.    They showed me what it looked like to be a good steward, to NOT WASTE, to do things right and do the RIGHT thing.  They encouraged me to THINK, to not just TAKE things as fact just because someone said so, but to do MY OWN homework and research.  They showed me the importance of making sure the things meaningful (to me) in my life had value, integrity, durability, quality and purpose; from the people I could choose to be, work , live and play with to the “things” I choose to own, operate, use, share and/or have stewardship over.   So quality, value, durability, integrity, flexibility, adaptability and sustainability, just to name a few, would become constants in the measuring of whenever we had freedom to make choices.

And so goes with the products as TEAM PERKA, that we offer, the teammates we attract, the service we aspire to give, the care with which we undertake life’s moments with.

So in this biased sense we feel the PERKA BUILDING’s ‘system’ – offers the highest value as an investment, the most strength for withstanding the elements, the best affordability over the long haul, the most flexibility to adapt to any building need now, as well as being easy and simple to deal with for any modifications, finishing, maintaining be it during the build process or even months, years or decades in the future.  Those are the sort of things we hear that are important to builders and building owners alike.

Take the RIGID frame (plate beam) type of building design.   It’s own name pretty much says that they are not going to be very “easy or flexible to deal with”.   And boy oh boy has that been our experience.

Despite being totally committed and convicted about the many many great things in a hybrid building, we are not always able to convey the information, experiences and testimonials needed to help some folks fully understand.   So we still have looked for the best, most affordable “rigid frame” type building sources so that we could still offer this alternative to clients who still want to deal with a company that has the integrity to stand behind their commitments and obligations.

In the couple dozen or so Rigid Frame buildings we supplied over the last few years we can say in total honesty that every one of them has offered up at least one challenge that either cost our client or ourselves MORE money than we originally counted on spending.

Whether it was not having a door positioned in the right place and then having to go through hoops and loops to resolve; or dealing with part after part that was NOT pre-assembled, NOT properly labelled,  not fabbed accurately or just NOT there.  The fact that we had these issues was not the worst of it — the worst part was what we needed to do to “fix or resolve”.  It was not a matter of pulling out the saw to cut a few pieces and fasten them up with some wood grip fasteners.   No.   We had to first get clearance from engineering to make sure we were not altering the integrity of the building SYSTEM since the buildings TOTAL LOAD capacity is pretty much 100% dependent on EVERY part being the part it’s suppose to be and in the place it is suppose to be and installed the way it is suppose to be installed.  ANY deviation of any of these can lead to reduced load capacity and potentially compromise the building’s ability to withstand snow, wind or seismic loads.

Are Rigid buildings strong?  Sure they are —  but only as strong as they are “built” to the exact specifications of the manufacturer.  NO DEVIATIONS.  No modifications.  No after the fact changes.   At least NOT without getting things cleared.

Are Rigid buildings flexible?  Yes, but only to the extent you have torches and welders to modify AFTER you get approval and able to afford the typically HIGH COST of beefing up, from the extra labor and the need for more or newer (STEEL) parts to accommodate the change.   Which typically can only be purchased from manufacturer.  “No substitutes”!

Are Rigid frames EASY and SIMPLE?  Only if you know EXACTLY what you want UP FRONT, and basically “never” want to change ANYTHING.   If you don’t meet those two criteria…  count on complexity, difficulties, delays and worst of all alot MORE MONEY.  Not just a little.  ALOT!

Are Rigid frames aesthetically pleasing?  If you like the main option being JUST STEEL. Yes.  Oh you can COVER these with decorative materials —  but don’t think about “saving” the steel to put something else on to save money.  It won’t happen.  You will either have to leave the steel sheeting on, and PAY EXTRA to cover it – or pay alot more for special engineering and structural beef ups to be able to remove the sheeting to allow you to put something else more aesthetically appealing instead.  Not exactly a “value added” option!

Are Rigid Frames less costly?  Yes –   again if you know EXACTLY what you want and DO NOT PLAN to change pretty much ANYTHING!  (I guess that’s why they call them RIGID frames!!!).  Otherwise —  NO.  Pure and simple they will cost MORE.   And in some cases, as we experienced, ALOT more.

Do your homework.  They can be the best solution – but you MUST know what you want and WHO you are getting it from.  Otherwise —  CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

 

Cheers.

 

 

When it comes to buildings, I may very well be “RIGIDLY” BIASED.

Unbiased-Software-Selection1-229x241Before I even start this blog post – I will admit, I MAY BE BIASED… and somewhat ‘rigidly’ so too.

I was raised by parents who demanded I be truthful, honest, transparent.  They only wanted the BEST for me –  but also taught me that I had to be and do my (personal) best to earn it. (#bestbuildings)

They showed me what it looked like to be a good steward, to NOT WASTE, to do things right and do the RIGHT thing.

They encouraged me to THINK, to not TAKE everything as fact just because someone said so, to do MY OWN homework and research to make up my own mind, within a context of lasting-over-time.  i.e. “Be in it for the long haul”!!

They showed me the importance of making sure the things meaningful in my life had value, integrity, durability, quality and purpose, and that that would only come if I GAVE to them in the same way…  from the people I could choose to be, work, live and play with, to the “things” I could choose to own, operate, use, share and/or have stewardship over.

So quality, value, durability, integrity, flexibility, adaptability and sustainability, just to name a few, would become constant barometers in the litmus tests of whatever and whenever I had the freedom to make choices on or about. (#strongbuildings).

And so it goes for anything associated with TEAM PERKA, from the products we offer, the teammates we attract, the service we give and the care with which we undertake each of life’s moments. (#integrity)

So in this biased sense, we are committed to the goal that the  PERKA BUILDING ‘system’ offers the highest value as an investment, the most strength for durability over time, the most flexibility to adapt to any building need, as well as being easy and simple to deal with for any modifications, finishing or maintaining needs.  Whether it be during the build process or even months, years or decades in the future; your PERKA BUILDING will be able to grow WITH YOU!

Those main attributes of strength, flexibility, value and simplicity are the things we hear time and again, of what is important to builders and building owners alike…

 

RIGID FRAME BUILDINGS

Now let’s take the RIGID frame (plate beam) type of building design for example.   It’s own name pretty much points to fact that they are probably not going to be very “easy or flexible to deal with”.   We realize that it’s a technical and engineer based description, unfortunately our experience has also made it the descriptor for other things as well.

Despite being totally committed and convicted about the many many great things in a Perka Wood Steel Hybrid Building, we are not always able to fully convey the information, experiences and testimonials needed to help some folks fully comprehend the many benefits and longer term returns on this type of Wood/Steel Building investment.

In an effort to still be able to serve as many clients as we can, we still look for the best, most affordable alternative and sometimes yes, even “rigid frame” type building sources, so that we could have yet more options for those who still want to deal with an organization like TEAM PERKA, that has a long standing history of integrity for standing behind their products, commitments and obligations.

In the many (Perka) Rigid Frame buildings we supplied over the years we can say quite candidly that the majority of them has offered up at least one significant challenge that either cost our client or ourselves MORE money than we originally counted on spending. (And this does not even take into account the generally speaking larger foundation requirements needed that should be part of the decision up front, though often forgotten check out: http://www.perkabuildings.com/more-on-rigid-frame-designs-caveat-emptor/.)

Whether it was not having a door or window positioned in the right place and then having to jump through hoops and verifications to resolve it, or dealing with part after part of the building materials, that was NOT pre-assembled, NOT properly labelled,  not fabbed accurately, not pre-welded, not pre-punched or just NOT there.  The fact that we had these issues was not the worst of it… ‘stuff happens’, we can adjust to that.

— Unfortunately the worst part was what we needed to do to “fix or resolve” these issues.  It was not a matter of simply pulling out some tools to modify a few pieces and fasten them back up the way they were suppose to be.   No.   We had to first get clearance from engineering to make sure we were not altering the integrity of the originally designed building SYSTEM, since the building’s TOTAL LOAD capacity is pretty much 100% dependent on EVERY part being the part it’s suppose to be, in the place it is suppose to be in and installed the way it is suppose to be installed.   ANY deviation of any of these on a RIGID FRAME SYSTEM DESIGNED BUILDING, can lead to reduced load capacity and potentially compromise the building’s ability to withstand their intended snow, wind or seismic loads.  That process is generally not an “easy or simple” one.   The flexibility, if any, of this design, in our experience, is virtually non existent.

Here are a few more observations.

Are Rigid frame buildings strong?  Sure they are —  but only as strong as they are “built” to the exact specifications of the manufacturer.  NO DEVIATIONS.  No modifications.  No after the fact alterations, changes, add ons…   at least NOT without getting things cleared.  And you may as well allow a chunk of time and most often a good chunk of some more hard earned money for that process.

Are Rigid frame buildings flexible?  Yes, but only to the extent you have torches and welders to modify things AFTER you get approval, and able to afford the typically HIGH COST of beefing things up; from the extra labor and the need for more or newer (STEEL) parts to accommodate the change.   (Which typically can only be purchased from manufacturer.) “No substitutes”!

Are Rigid frames EASY and SIMPLE?   Sure, but only if you know EXACTLY what you want UP FRONT, and basically “never” want to change ANYTHING.   If you don’t meet those two criteria…  you may as well count on complexity, difficulties, delays and worst of all alot MORE MONEY.   Not just a little.  In some cases, ALOT!

Are Rigid frames aesthetically pleasing?  If you like the main option of your outer shell to be JUST STEEL. Then yes.  Of course you can COVER these with decorative materials —  but don’t think about “saving” the steel to put something else on instead, to save some time and money.  It won’t happen.  Unless you planned this from the start, you will either have to leave the steel sheeting on, and PAY EXTRA to cover it – or pay more for special engineering and structural beef ups to be able to remove the sheeting to allow you to put something else more aesthetically appealing instead.   It is not exactly a “value added” option!

Are Rigid Frames less costly?  Yes.  Sometimes.  –  And again this is dependent on you having to know (TODAY) EXACTLY what you want, and with NO PLANS to change pretty much ANYTHING!  (Hence “RIGID frames”??!!).  Otherwise —  NO.  Pure and simple they will cost MORE.   And in some cases, as we experienced, by the time you get the job totally completed, ALOT more.

In this day and age, where our society faces regular concerns about threats of harsh weather conditions, insecurity about finances, rapid changes in individual and collective life situations be it family, work, technology, location or purpose, it appears vital that our better choices will be able to offer strength to endure adversity and change, flexibility to be able to adjust whenever and however to whatever conditions that pop up, and to do this affordably, with an awareness for sustainable practices and a continued commitment to maintaining our assets for the long haul.  Yes.   In it for the long haul!

And you know what?  Perka Buildings can LOOK GREAT TOO!

How does it get better!?

Building for the Future, NOW.

Martial L. Thevenot

merz

 

DSC00320

 

Want a fancy porch?

Want a fancy porch?

 

Nice and cozy...

Nice and cozy…

 

I know this is a church - but it shows brick finish and architecture...

I know this is a church – but it shows brick finish and architecture…

 

 

 

Perka Buildings builds VALUE through education, product quality and dedication to Service!

valueadded1
It seems changes/choices/opportunities are coming at us faster and faster every day as more and more folks are having to face the realities of ever more rapid societal changes!  Re-engineering, re-inventing, bringing about layoffs of obsolete tasks/positions, business closings, re-organizations, changes in ways of doing things, to how, when and even where!
What has brought us to this? Some experts are pointing to very simply: WASTE!
We have just bought, consumed, acquired and or still have, STUFF that maybe just was not necessary.   And we did  it without much thought of the “waste” consequences.  From not realizing the extent of our carbon footprint in production (even of energy conscious products) to what gets thrown out into our landfills from the packaging to lower quality merchandise that has a short life span!  Ring any bells??
And furthermore, alot of that is done on BORROWED monies and resources, the cost of which was not factored in, and, in some cases, can no longer even be paid back…  which perpetuates the cycle of “waste”!!
I don’t mean to sound negative or hope less – God knows my Dad would cringe if that is what I was doing… NO, this is POSITIVE! If it weren’t for this major wake up call, would I even be writing about this now? Would so many people be talking and debating about what are we going to do about all the changes???
YES THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL! We must become more conscious of WASTE in all it’s forms!
For example: if we don’t NEED it, don’t get it.   If we don’t use it – pass it on – share it – sell it – give it to someone who will.  If you can’t PAY for it now – don’t buy it now.
We all know the banking system and lending policies was a big cause of what has brought many of us to our proverbial knees – begging each other to hang with us – while we figure things out and get things moving again. Unless you still have some reserves, you’re probably not going to last very long playing the old game… and if you do – let’s realize now there are many great opportunities to collaborate and actually HELP correct things along the way.
Bottom line though is – we can’t fix any of it by going back to same old ways… Things have to change – systems have to change – our habits have to change … including the way we build things!!
TEAM PERKA is fervent about being part of the solution. Our open web structural steel trusses and frames are soundly and soulfully crafted with the highest grade recycled steel materials… and with a conscious awareness fro minimizing waste, reusing, recycling, repairing…  While it may not exactly bring us to a ZERO carbon  footprint – it is nonetheless GREATLY reduced.   MORE IMPORTANTLY, by being a material of such structurally sound integrity, we choose to enhance the sustainable aspect of longevity, by designing these trusses and frames as independent free standing units.  SOVEREIGN so to speak.  Unlike most wood buildings and MANY steel building (RIGID FRAME, LIGHT GAUGE STEEL) producers – our designers do not incorporate and thus rely on the shell or envelope components into the design of the truss/frame… Our system allows the structure to stand alone – to allow you Mr./Ms. contractor or you Mr./Ms. do-it-yourselfer to be able to put up, on and around the structure ANY material you want — and preferably Earth Friendly ones!  So even if the envelope you choose does not have structural integrity per se, PERKA’s steel frames will accommodate this and lends to a LONGER LASTING product.  Think about that for a moment!  By lasting longer, and not having to be “thrown” away or even heavily maintained, think of the resources being save in all of that??  From NOT having to remake new parts, rebuild, reconstruct, etc., etc… AND it won’t end up in any landfill from fatigue or collapse any time soon, especially since much of it is recyclable anyway!
This opens the doors to all kinds of permutations of styles, shapes, sizes and combinations of building options – and, at same time, keeping a strong, durable, reliable skeleton frame system on which to apply your individual artful sustainable materials.
So let’s stop wasting resources.   Even from just no longer leaving high value assets like our cars, trucks, farm equipment and machinery laying outside at the mercy of all the elements – deteriorating them quicker than necessary and requiring more resources to maintain and repair!  Get the idea?
We don't want this do we?

We don’t want this do we?

Nor this?

Nor this?

Definitely not this!

Definitely not this!

RIGHT?

RIGHT?

We propose PERKA BUILDINGS as your answer to building afford-ably, building strong, building sound and building with an answer to being a solution to some of today’s world wide concerns.
Cheers,
YES - MUCH BETTER!!

YES – MUCH BETTER!!

PERKA’S HYBRID BUILDING DESIGN OFFERS VALUE BENEFITS AND REAL MONEY SAVINGS

With a Prefab Perka Wood Steel Hybrid Building you not only get VALUE by the many great benefits and very asset driven features — but you get ADDED VALUE by the many aspects that eliminates waste in terms of time, money, convenience, comforts and even in potential liabilities or loss.

As you can see from the up to 21 great reasons (benefits) why you should consider building with a Perka Hybrid designed building that you can find here: http://www.perkabuildings.com/why-a-prefab-perka-hybrid-wood-steel-building/, here: http://www.perkabuildings.com/7-more-great-reasons-to-help-you-build-strong/, and here: http://www.perkabuildings.com/how-about-another-7-good-reasons-to-build-a-perka/, Perka’s unique approach to buildings offers you a very viable alternative to conventional buildings.

That said it also offers you MANY great SAVINGS from money, to time to just plain STOPPING ‘waste’!

If you just take a few minutes and look around WHERE YOU ARE sitting or standing this very minute, I am sure you can instantly see or count a number of things just being “wasted”.   Anything from unfinished spoiling food, to cleaning up after damage from a storm, to a leaky faucet, to an open or unsealed door or window — often valuable resources, hard to find time and hard earned money are just literally being, and usually most reluctantly, and certainly rarely un-wilfully wasted away.

The men and women at Perka would like to think that they do whatever they can to help with a consciousness about these things.   A kind of “closed loop” thinking…  After all, “waste” just so happens to be a fairly important “pet peeve” of the stewards leading the way at Perka.

 So what does that mean to you? 

From the production/service standpoint Team Perka takes pride in a consciousness that encourages a total minimization of “waste” – taking into account the whole “system or process” of that effort.  For that our costs are controlled while being able to still “afford” high levels of conscientiousness for quality.

For example most of the paper used at Perka headquarters is reused or recycle.   From using the back side of no longer “good” paper, to using shredded paper for packaging, to bringing paper to the recycling stations.  We keep costs in check – we can keep our price to you in check…  That said – it must still nonetheless be done with an awareness of the total resource cost (entire loop) of doing so.  i.e. if used paper is damage, filled with staples or otherwise not good for immediate use – there is awareness of the cost to “make right” that paper for re-use.  So sometimes it’s not “worth” re-using or recycling if it will cost more to achieve that objective.  Do you get the idea?

Similarly with its Building designs, fabrication, delivery, field assembly to materials use – a similar mindset is constantly encouraged and striven for.  Of course we don’t live in a perfect world and “perfection” of this ideal is probably not a reasonable expectation.  But the idea that there is awareness for this goal is tantamount to achieving any goal to minimize waste, maximize resources and optimize product output, use and satisfaction.

Stay tuned for more Blog posts in the coming days that will sharing more benefits about Perka Building designs that are not only asset optimizing but also waste and liability minimizing.

closedloop

Growing trend to Hybrid Steel And Wood Homes

Over the past several years we’ve been seeing trends towards building stronger homes.

As the building codes for commercial, industrial, institutional and even agriculture and residential structures have had to BEEF UP load tables due to increasing wind/snow limits (based on last 100 year patterns), more and more folks are looking to STEEL framing for their homes!  And why not?  If we’re going to beef up protection for our toys, hard assets and animals it makes sense to do so for our families and loved ones!  YES?

Since making a home in ALL STEEL can have some of the “disadvantages” found in building with Steel frames  & Steel Purlins/Girts (http://www.perkabuildings.com/builders-information/fire-performance-highlight/) & (http://www.perkabuildings.com/builders-information/all-steel-buildings-advantages-disadavantages/) more and more folks are looking to the BEST of both worlds —  The PERKA PREFAB WOOD STEEL HYBRID BUILDING SYSTEM!!!

Not only do you get STRENGTH where STRENGTH is needed by using Structural Steel Main Frames for the super structure – you also get flexibility and warmth where you would need those best by using THERMO BREAKING wood purlins and girts.  (Find many more great reasons here: http://www.perkabuildings.com/why-a-prefab-perka-hybrid-wood-steel-building/).

Many are concerned, however, if it will look and feel like a “steel shed”???  Our answer is an emphatic NO!

Besides saying that,  you will also have ALL KINDS of flexibility in your construction by NOT having many of the limitations conventional wood / stick built homes have:

FOR EXAMPLE:

1. You WILL have easy OPEN clear span spaces to design rooms/walls how and where you want,

2. Hybrid shell design ALSO allows for EASY and EFFECTIVE insulation options for a consistently WARM or COOL, COZY and COMFORTABLE home.

3. This same hybrid shell and Perka’s UNIQUE stand alone Structural Steel frame design allows you to be able to finish your outside envelope wall(s) and roof with ANY FINISH!  You do not have to use steel panels!!

These are just some of the advantages…  (Visit links above for even MORE!)…

I know — words are words, and sometimes don’t carry much weight  —  so how about some pictures? …  and you can thus SEE for yourself!  RIGHT?

Have a look:

EASY OPEN ROOM CONCEPTS

EASY OPEN ROOM CONCEPTS

 

Matching house and garage designs are a cinch.

Matching house and garage designs are a cinch.

 

 

Your imagination is the only real limit

Your imagination is the only real limit

 

Easily added porches and decks

Easily added porches and decks

 

By combining different frames and models you can achieve ANY layout or look!

By combining different frames and models you can achieve ANY layout or look!

 

I know this is a church - but it shows brick finish and architecture...

I know this is a church – but it shows brick finish and architecture…

 

Multi frame layout

Multi frame layout

 

Creative back yards with deck overlook.

Creative back yards with deck overlook.

 

Nice brick front finish with patio entrance way.

Nice brick front finish with patio entrance way.

 

 

Nice and cozy...

Nice and cozy…

 

 

Easy to combine home and shop in a picturesque setting...

Easy to combine home and shop in a picturesque setting…

 

Nice and cozy on inside too!

Nice and cozy on inside too!

 

Nice high ceilings for added open air comforts

Nice high ceilings for added open air comforts

 

How about waking up to this view???

How about waking up to this view???

 

Easy!

Easy!

 

Makes for very nice settings...

Makes for very nice settings…

 

Stucco finish is easy!

Stucco finish is easy!

 

Windows of any shape...  just pot them in.

Windows of any shape… just pot them in.

 

Want a fancy porch?

Want a fancy porch?

 

Full bay windows too!

Full bay windows too!

 

189832659306_0_BG

 

How about a grand entrance?

How about a grand entrance?

 

Need a hip roof!

Need a hip roof!

 

 

Santa Fe Style.

Santa Fe Style.

 

Easy to finish

Easy to finish

 

Make for easy breezeways.

Make for easy breezeways.

 

Easy to decorate.

Easy to decorate.

 

Nice ceiling beams

Nice ceiling beams

 

 

Home Shop Combo

Home Shop Combo

 

Nice big clear span halls

Nice big clear span halls

 

Large family gatherings?

Large family gatherings?

 

 

Lotsa space...

Lotsa space…

 

Interiors built just like any other...

Interiors built just like any other…

 

Fancy stone front

Fancy stone front

 

 

Man cave anyone?

Man cave anyone?

 

Nice all wood finish with custom door ways?

Nice all wood finish with custom door ways?

 

Spacious

Spacious

 

Wet bar?

Wet bar?

 

Even steel cladding can still look nice.

Even steel cladding can still look nice.

 

Need a fireplace?  No problem!

Need a fireplace? No problem!

 

Jerry Burtnett 136

Clean, practical lines.

 

DSC00320

Let your imagination FLY!!

 

Nice head room

Nice head room

 

Spacious Kitchen...

Spacious Kitchen…

Pole Barn Comparison with Perka Hybrid Open Joist Building Models

Look over these illustrations comparing a typical Perka Model 4000 Hybrid System Building Frame and a Pole Barn.

woodvsperka1 woodvsperka2

What do you see?

1. Do you notice a difference in head room?  Is this important to you?

2. Do you notice how you can get a HIGHER – BIGGER door in a lower profile (eave height) building?  Is this important to you?

3. Do you notice the extra space you might find in BETWEEN each frame or rafter?  Could this be of importance to you?

What else do you see?

We invite your comments, suggestions, opinions which you can share by emailing to perka@teamperka.com.

Or feel free to call and discuss with any of our PERKA TEAM MATES at 800-467-3752.

WE LOVE TO HELP!

Cheers!

 

TEAM PERKA

 

staff

Are you thinking of a farm Quonset Building or a Staightwall?

Good choices indeed.

In fact when we (Perka) started back in 1981, Quonset Buildings were REAL popular.  They were cost effective shelter buildings, fairly easy for the do it yourselfer and readily available with dozens of manufacturers making them all over North America!

Fast forward 30+ years —  and they are still relatively cost effective (though alot less so) and not much has really changed about them so they are still relatively easy to put up, if you like putting in thousands of bolts to put it all together!

Back then they were “sold” without much engineering calculations to support them.  Today there is much more of that available – but of course it closed the gab in the cost range.   If you are going to build something to CODE – it must be able to withstand the earth quake, wind and snow loads…  So they had to beefed up in many cases to do that.  Just like with Pole Buildings or Stick Built structures – if not built to code — SURE THEY WILL BE CHEAP!  If they are — the price will go up – and sometimes quite significantly!  So it’s always about EDUCATING yourself and KNOWING what it is you are really buying!

With alot less manufacturers – shipping costs can be a significant add on too.  Something else to watch for.

Another thing to be careful about is – actual “size comparisons”!!!   A 40 foot wide Quonset will not have the same VOLUME of space as a straight wall.  And even between straight wall designed buildings some have BOTTOM CORDS with TRUSSING all above that and so you will get LESS HEAD ROOM!  Get some sketches with dimensions if you can!

Below is an example comparing the Quonset sizes on a “40-19” model vs and 40-14 Perka Model 4000 Hybrid!

The moral of this story here is: —  ASK QUESTIONS.  Know what you are buying — hopefully BEFORE you do that!

The Common Law of business balance by Ruskin sums this up best:

“There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”

The question is will you be able to afford actually paying for it LATER (usually more), if you don’t put some extra in NOW!

Make sense?

Here is that comparison!

COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY!!

COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY!!

If you have ANY questions about ANYTHING regarding buildings — there are some pretty good chances TEAM PERKA can help!  We have over a century of industry experience here and been actually putting building SOLUTIONS together for OVER 30 years!

Feel free to call 800-467-3752.  WE LOVE TO HELP!

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Wood vs Steel = No Brainer

Someone once said that KNOWLEDGE is power… 

The FACT is — it’s the USE of KNOWLEDGE that is POWER!

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OK….  so without “thinking” which would you choose? —
regardless of purpose?

 WOOD or STEEL?

There is much written about the benefits of wood AND steel.

The POWER is in KNOWING where and when to use EACH!

Someone also said —  a PICTURE is worth 1000 words.
Well here are just two!

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NOW.  KNOWING THIS…  what do you think?

NO BRAINER?

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… YES – Perka –  World Class Buildings served by World Class Teammates.

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For a live discussion on this topic and MORE PICTURES visit:  https://www.facebook.com/PERKABUILDINGS/posts/10152188528584882

 

7 More Great reasons to help you BUILD STRONG!

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Here are 7 MORE GREAT Reasons Building with Perka can serve you BEST!

8. Because of the use of steel frames (trusses) for core super structure you can have wider spans and longer bay spacings than wood buildings. This makes for easier floor planning by being more flexible and practical!

9. Because steel frames have longer bays and wider spans, you can have fewer columns and this means less foundation “holes” than wood (pole) buildings.  Plus having columns sitting on piers is always better than wood poles in the ground.  In fact most poles actually do not meet codes.  (See: http://www.perkabuildings.com/pole-barn-collapse-educate-yourself-before-you-buy-all-wood/).  This makes your building more durable!

10. Perka offers TOTAL Design flexibility; you can get the EXACT building you want and need, not one that might work for you.  We can design and build to the INCH…   If you need anything more – ASK!  (ie. Inside width and height can be made to the inch and the length is endless.) YOUR PLAN is what we derive the BEST SOLUTIONS FOR!!

11.  Perka has IN HOUSE house design team – we have our own engineers, draftsman and detailers who check and recheck all our designs for OPTIMUM efficiency and accuracy.  And we can tailor the building EXACTLY how you want it!  YOU GET QUALITY FRAMES, MADE FOR YOU, THAT YOU KNOW WILL FIT TOGETHER!

12. You can get anchor bolt plans in less than 5 days, engineered data drawings in 7-10 days and the building can be delivered in as little as 3-6 weeks.  If you have any special circumstance we will always do our best towork something out WITH you. You can count on FAST NEIGHBORLY SERVICE!

13. Perka’s unique steel frame STAND ALONE design permits for UNLIMITED exterior finish choices. By turning the wood purlins to a vertical position you can virtually add ANY finish you want. Just like a roof/wall in your house! You can have the nicest looking building in your area – with STEEL inside! Instead of looking like a “shed” it can look just like your house or existing business. EASY TO WORK WITH AND FINISH!

14. Perka has an easy to read and nicely detailed 32 page assembly guide made with the “Do-it-yourselfer” or carpenter builder in mind. PERKA BUILDINGS ARE REAL EASY TO PUT UP!

 

For more info and details on any of the above benefits and feature contact your PERKA TEAM MATE!

WHY A PREFAB PERKA HYBRID WOOD STEEL BUILDING?

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Here are 7 GREAT Reasons Why it would benefit you to purchase and build with a Perka PREFAB HYBRID WOOD STEEL BUILDING System.  (Put simply — for more detailed info – call your Perka TEAM MATE or find out who from HQ at 800-467-3752).

1. Using wood for the purlins and girts is a GREAT ENERGY SAVER….  Wood is NOT a conductor of hot or cold and energy costs are rising through the roof! You Save MONEY!

2. Perka’s attachment clips are pre-welded on!  NO assembly required by YOU or your contractor.   You Save Time!

3. Wood girts allow for easier door and window installations. Hammer and nails are easier than a blowtorch or welder. You can install the openings whenever and wherever you want. You get convenience and save Time & Money!

4. Because Perka spaces their wood purlins and girts typically at 24” inch centers, the interior is already prepped to be finished.  You don’t have to BUILD another building INSIDE your building to finish it!  Easy to work with!

5. With all steel buildings using steel ZEE purlins, Tek screws and washers are used to attach metal and typically in 5 years or so the screws and washers leak. Wood will not leak because the wood will swell to seal the hole. Maintenance Free building!

6. It is easier finding carpenters to put up a wood/steel building. Steel erectors cost more, have less flexibility and are generally often less “creative”.  Carpenters are often experienced tradesmen, with more options and usually with alot of creativity to make things work.  This makes building alot asier and less costly!

7. In the event of wind up-lift, snow or ice loads or fire, unlike typical ALL STEEL OR ALL WOOD DESIGNS you’ll never lose a whole building.  You may lose a bay but that’s it!  If a fire breaks out in a all steel building, because the metal twists and bends, the steel purlins pull the other frames in collapsing the whole building.  Perka Buildings have purlins and girts in wood – that burn up and allow the roof section to collapse but not the whole structure.   Also unlike WOOD poles and trusses, Perka’s STEEL frames are designed to stand alone…  AND in the case of that God Forbid Fire, this actually vents the heat and the Perka steel frame remains untouched. The frame survives, stands up and after the clean up, the building’s steel structure will be ready for new wood purlins and girts to be replaced and the new exterior to be put on.  A safer better investment!

 

For more in depth info contact TEAM PERKA at 800-467-3752 or email to perka@teamperka.com.

Is it best to build in Steel or Wood? — How about BOTH!?

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There are more and more folks thinking of building their own homes, shops, garages, etc., either as a do it yourselfer or as their own “General Contractor”…  This is to not only for the freedom to be able to design it all exactly the way they would want, but to also substantially save on costs.  This is always a good thing!
Once that is decided the next question that often comes up is: What materials is best to use for the superstructure?… Wood, Steel or otherwise?

We can share from many experiences being involved in the building industry for now well over 100 collective years… #1 is a steel framed building structure for your home, business or shop will give you many advantages!  Here are just a few…

1. IT IS MORE DURABLE

A steel framed home, shop or shed or garage will be much more durable and sturdier from day one and, more importantly, for the long haul.  As you might expect – STEEL is definitely a stronger material than wood!  It will last longer and withstand much more in terms of wind, snow loads or even .
2. IT CAN OFFER LARGE CLEAR SPAN OPTIONS

With Steel frames, you will be able to create nice, clean, clear span, unobstructed rooms.  Steel can span larger dimensions easier, while not requiring posts or beams to support the roof trusses.  And some Perka Models will even be able to offer clear vaulted ceilings offering even more advantages with getting higher door openings, more open access and even space for mezzanine lofts, 2nd floor areas or even practical attic storage.
3. STEEL IS MADE MOSTLY FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

Wood is a great organic material – but it is also being depleted faster than it’s being renewed! While a renewable resource – it does take time.  Most steel these days comes from recycling old steel…  from cars to old bridges and structural steel scrap.  This is a good thing for the environment.
4. WOOD HAS IT’S ADVANTAGES TOO

Of course going with all steel does sound pretty “COLD”…  As stated above, wood is a very organic material and does offer a certain “energy” to a living or working space. So using a HYBRID Wood and Steel system – will give you the best of both worlds. You will be able use steel where steel is needed in and for the superstructure – and then can frame all the rest – including any openings for windows, doors etc, with wood where it serves best! There are a few Hybrid Building Companies around like Perka Buildings.  www.perkabuildings.com
5. AREN’T STEEL HOMES/BUILDINGS HARDER TO KEEP WARM IN WINTER AND COOL IN SUMMER?

Steel Frames are not necessarily harder to heat or cool if you create the right THERMAL BREAKS. By using a product like one with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core (i.e. www.p2000insulation.com), you will be able to effectively and easily insulate the home against ALL THREE forms of heat transfers. 

a) The EPS – especially on wood purlins and girts – will virtually stop conduction since it pretty much blocks the transfer of heat to the cold (like a coffee cup – but 5 or 8 times thicker?).
b) The coverings that are offered like reflective Mylar will handle the heat loss from radiation due it’s ability to reflect back most of the radiant heat.
c) And finally, by sealing all the board joints with their overlap, foam sealants and or tape systems, you will prevent any heat transference from convection (air flow)…

And that’s it – ONE application on a wood steel hybrid building and you have a virtually perfectly super-insulated system!!


6. QUICK, EASY AND LESS EXPENSIVE TO ERECT.

If you get the right steel building frame design system (i.e. with pre-welded and pre-punched clips, pre-fitted to assure accuracy, minimal connections for simplicity, and well thought out and designed to eliminate as much shimming, splicing and retrofitting) – it will actually be allot quicker to erect, finish and insulate your home or building – and this will save you allot of time, money and “headaches”!! 

So, it’s always good to do your homework.  Check out the various steel building frame and insulation options that are available. Know who you are buying from. 

You can easily have a well built, well insulated building or home that will not only be very affordable, but be low maintenance, energy efficient, strong, secure, comfortable and last for generations.

Cheers!

TEAM PERKA.

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More of what others are saying about TEAM PERKA!!

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Reply by RM on July 25, 2009 at 11:54pm

Team Perka as an organization/business has great customer service that gives the contractor instant credibility with his clients.
Team Perka’s willingness to embrace alternative building techniques greatly helps them become leaders in the growing green sustainable buildings industry.  Keeping costs down in this building climate and showing them a home or building that saves money, and not just a little but allot is so needed, still quite rare but so WELCOMED from TEAM PERKA.
Perka’s Hybrid designs saves people money from the very start and this really needs to highlighted and appreciated. As a nation and industry that spends BILLIONS of dollars every year, we really need to wake up (educate) ourselves to SUSTAINABLE building concepts.  Getting contractors to use designs like Perka’s prefab WOOD STEEL HYBRID buildings is very important… because they understand your stance on sustainability and green technologies.
In my opinion, the soul of a company is just as important as the quality of the product. Supporting companies that are going the extra mile to help save resources and promote a movement towards responsible and aware construction is more important then just looking at up front costs/price.  A more long term look at costs (waste, Trusted Roofing, energy, maintenance, etc.) must be take.
With that said, the complete Perka designed Hybrid package becomes an affordable product… and one that is now being marketed by a company that has a solid and thoughtful green outlook.
I just wanted to offer my view point from the customer side. Team Perka’s staff is just great and I am inspired by the Team Leader’s enthusiasm for the next generation for our collective building industry.  Having the wisdom to see whats around the corner is going to ensure a great position and standing of visionary leadership in the building industry. RM
For more info contact TEAM PERKA at 800-467-3752 or email to perka@teamperka.com or visit www.perkabuildings.com.

What some people are saying about Perka Buildings!!

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A few years back we asked contractor/builder folks what they thought about Perka Buildings.   You don’t have to take our, albeit biased, opinion…   here is just one reply we received…

Reply by K.M. on March 2, 2009 at 5:46pm

The benefits of using Perka frames in almost any building (commercial/residential) are endless. Here are just a few of them!
1. Perka Buildings vs other Metal Buildings.A. Being able to make changes on sight because of wood purlins and girts…
B. Ability to insulate and sheetrock for true inside finish.
C. Two story buildings. Perka can add multi-story floor joists in. For others, the cost is staggering for this. It’s more cost effective to build a building inside a building (which is not cost effective at all compared to the time, materials and financial savings with a Perka building).
D. Ability to design the building exactly the way you want.   You can get a custom building that iss not at custom pricing.  It’s not just cookie cutter buildings like others sell.  If you want a custom metal building from others, either the cost is prohibitive or they flat out just can’t do it.
E. Ability to side the building with non-metal products.

F. Owner-Builder friendly.   Enough said on this one.2. Perka Buildings compared to stick (wood) framing.

A. No perimeter or interior footings required.  Savings on cement.
B. No load bearing walls. Savings.
C. No door headers. Savings.
D. Ability to put interior walls where ever you please.
E. Much less studs to drill for wiring and piping.
F. Model 4000 Frames can be purchased (in some areas like the east and west coasts) for the cost of wood trusses alone. WOW!!!
G. They are really low cost and super fast engineering.
H. Major labor savings on construction.

3. Perka vs residential stick building.

A. All of the above plus:
B. You can get no hassle open beam vaulted ceilings
C. Ability of frames to be built for sloping land.  The cost savings here alone on cement footings can be staggering.
D. No hassle perimeter decking, second floor balconies, covered porches, etc,etc,etc.

Like I said the list above is just a few of the benefits.

On selling/promoting Perka Buildings:

I know this was not part of this discussion but I can’t stop when I’m on a roll!

The biggest thing for me is not to go head to head with other metal buildings.  I don’t sell metal buildings if I can help it.  They are a pain to put up.  A pain to work with.  You always need to consult engineering for any type of change.  I’d prefer to sell Perka Metal Building frames.  If someone just wants a non insulated, plain jane, metal building and they are just price shopping regardless of quality or benefits then that’s going to be a challenge.  If they are wanting and understand value, benefits, long term investing, then they just opened the door for Perka Building.  You may need to do a lot of prying (ask questions) about their project.  I probably shouldn’t use the word prying but sometimes that’s what it is.  For myself I’m always truly interested in the persons project, their preferences, their wants and desires.  They can tell that when I talk to them.  And I can do this with confidence knowing the Perka can back my ability to serve them.    The first and foremost thing I truly do is rack my brain to find ways to save them money and be able to show them that on paper.  For instance I can space the frames at 15′ and not need to have as many frames as stick buildings.  Spacing the frames at 15′ also meant bigger floor joists and roof rafters.  Since I’m such a good economist (cheap son of a gun), I decided to see how much it would be for an extra frame so I could use smaller lumber. To my surprise the total price with extra frame was the same as without.  Since there was not as much load as the bigger spacing the metal required for the framing was less.  Wow, see what I mean —  the flexibility allows me to be able to try the different scenarios and come up with the BEST one.  I am not locked into to just ONE way!!

Two stories.  One of a sale and one of a non-sale.

Non-sale: A customer of mine from my other business was telling me that her and her husband were adding a garage (for storage) with living quarters above. I told her that I could save her a lot of money if she used Perka frames.  Unfortunately she already had a contractor hired to build the stick framed building.  He was behind by a couple of months and hadn’t started their building yet.  She got a hold of the contractor and he said he would take a look at the Perka frames.  BTW, this contractor had built several buildings for these people before.  I designed some frames that gave her way more usable space plus added a huge second floor deck (his plans had no deck).  All for more that $50,000 less than the contractor’s project finish price.  I only lost that one because once the other contractor to a look at my plans and numbers, he saw that he would make a lot less money.  Namely that $50,000.  All of a sudden he was no longer busy and started to build their building while they were gone on vacation for four weeks!  They did not have a contract with the builder but were friends so they just let it go…

Sale: This was actually to another contractor. He was building a residence plus hangers for private airports that has became quite popular around the country.  This was actually a building he wanted for himself. He was going to stick build the two story residence with a workshop below part of it…  but wanted metal frames for the hanger that was connected. I was actually bidding against other metal truss builders (Perka knock offs) for pricing . When I saw his plans I said “how about I price out the whole building for you with Perka multi design Frames. He said no because the building was already engineered and through planning, and he wanted to stick build because he was a contractor and he thought he could do it much cheaper.  He said don’t bother you would be just wasting both of our time. I didn’t listen to him. I priced out the hanger frames but I also priced out the whole project with (custom) Perka Frame.  He pretty much just had a un-attractive same height square box before. I designed him a beautiful split roof with high windows HOME. With the same footprint he gained 900 square feet in his second floor living quarters plus a added second floor observation deck to oversee the runway. He had clearer shop space below (less load bearing posts).  I also showed him where and how he would save money and labor over his design.  Once he saw my idea in a colored pencil drawing I made (just the shear better looks of my building design sold him on it I believe), he had to meet me in person to go over it.  After we met and saw what I was saying was true, he scrapped his project. He tried to shop other building frame manufacturers to try to get a better price than mine.  But nobody else he contacted would not even entertain putting a similar package together. He was sold!  Sometimes it pays to show a person different ideas, even if at first they are set in their ways.  He is extremely happy with his building now and told me it went together without a hitch!!

For more info – visit www.perkabuildings.com, email perka@teamperka.com or call 800-467-3752.