Thanks for the free pergola plan pictured.
I tried to use your on line form--however it was inoperable. It apparently didn't like my name, postal code or email address. I have instead posted my feedback form here. Hopefully someone with Lowes will find it.
#1 problem, no lateral strength
#2 floating footings and attached to the dwelling--one or the other. Attach it to the dwelling and you may damage that dwelling and be libel for the damage when they follow the "free" plan...waiver or not.
#3 What is the point in supplying a plan that no one will ever build? It is too ugly.
I own http://www.gardenstructure.com/
Have a look at our pergola plans, they are not free--but lots of people actually build them and send us photos. Our best designs are for our builder group only...after a few years when they have new designs we retire them and offer them as DIY and Professional Level Plans.
I can only imagine how much you paid a graphic artist to develop this free plan for you... I am sure it was expensive. As a woodwork designer and a master carpenter I am going to speak very plainly and I apologise in advance if my words seem hurtful or coarse. Your outdoor woodwork plans are about the worst I have ever laid eyes on.
Building something from them would surely end up in disaster-and with the way they look they just shouldn't be built. Ever. I could shoot holes in your plans for an hour or two if you want--but I believe that to be unproductive. I see no potential for success working from what you have.
The trouble is that inspired details are an absolute nightmare even for seasoned tradesmen to develop, (I guess that is why our Builder Group is growing so quickly--they get great details that have taken over 20 years to create).
In my not so humble opinion, Lowes owes it to their shareholders to explore the possibility of GardenStructure.com developing their woodwork plans in the future.
Kindest Possible Regards,
L
2 comments:
Lowes got served their arses on a silver platter ala Dixie Carter on Designing Women. I was searching for Pergola plans online and avoid the "free" designs and weekend projects presented online in poorly-edited format and low resolution images by Lowes. I have been burned twice by their poor offering. I've wasted wood, brackets, cement, adhesives, paint, labor costs etc only to find out the design was created by someone who probably doesn't know math and physics.
By the way, since 2004, I've inquired to Lowes about the technical term for the faux balconies and ornaments that you see on high-end new construction homes. Lowes doesn't sell them and they claim to not know of their existence. As of 2012 I can't get a realtor to tell me where these secret items come from.
Yes Lyn-- they are notoriously bad. Incredibly poor details. Anyhow... I checked out your blog and you should really think about revisiting it. That is the kind of thing that will 1 garner a huge following-- and 2 is likely to put you in touch with other folks going through the same thing--which may lead to solutions.
Not to mention the possibility for a book deal out of it eventually...
Good luck Lyn
Lawrence
ps, faux balconies, ie. Curved metal rail mounted to the facade of a house...those are nearly always custom and done by a local metal fabricator. They usually just bolt on the home.
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