Michael Kisner Construction LLC

03/18/2026

Nuggets of Wisdom

There are 3 main types of post footings that are used for decks.

Concrete
(Can fail in bad soil, if not poured properly can fail, If not sized properly can fail, intrusive to your yard)
-I do not recommend

Diamond Pier Footing
(Can Fail in bad soil, if not installed properly can actually break, not intrusive to your yard)
-I do not recommend

Helical Pier Footings
(Reaches a starting depth at 7ft, the machine used to install them measures the torque so you can tell if the soil is going to be able to handle the load that is going to be on it, it is not that invasive to your yard)
-I highly recommend these types of footings.

Not only do I highly recommend that you use Helical Pier footings, I also highly recommend that you use Helico to install them for you or for your contractor. I have solely used Helico for all of my Helical pier footings for myself and my customers cause of who they are and what they provide. I am very happy that I found and connected with them.

So whether you are building your deck or you are hiring a contractor to build your deck, make sure to ask that your footings be Helical pier footings and as a bonus make sure they are using Helico to install them.

Thank you for reading my long posts.

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03/18/2026

I started my business to make extra money on the side of my full time job. After I got so busy I eventually felt comfortable going out and doing it full time.

The thing I liked most about having my own operation is that I can now call the shots. What did this mean?

This meant that when it takes a few extra minutes to do something better I can do it now cause I don't have someone telling me to "hurry up and get it done" or "Its good enough".

This has allowed me to design my decks and other projects in a way that I understand to be close to the best that it can be, until I think of or am shown a better way. Honestly a deck a I build today is so different then a deck that I would have built 10 years ago, in a really good way.

So since going on my own and doing it my way, I have found that things work out better when you take the time to make it more level, more square, more accurate, ...

Perfection is near impossible, and that sucks as a perfectionist, but striving for it gets you something better than when you don't, or if you lead with how much profit you are trying to make.

I am a true believer that if you have a goal of best product, service, or happier customer, that the money will follow. Whether that is through being able to price yourself or your product to match what you are giving or its through staying busy due to having a great reputation from your customers.

Looking at my business as a way of helping people helps me to stay in business for the right reasons. That's why honestly, my favorite part of this business isn't making money but when I can share my expertise, knowledge, opinion, wisdom, ... knowing that the person I am sharing it to, whether they end up being my customer or not, will prevent from having issues or fix any issues they may be dealing with and ultimately get them to their desired goals.

My appreciation for all my past and current customers and anyone that may have used my services or just got a free consultation. Thank you so much! I look forward to helping more people this year and many years to come.

Photo below: In deep thought. (Actually I am pretty sure I am looking at the cookies on the plate in front of me during breakfast)

PS- If you like what you see and hear, please do me a favor and like, share, and follow this post and my Facebook business page. This helps me connect with amazing people like yourself.

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

More framing done. Time spent on straight, level, and square framing, makes it easier and better looking installs of the ceiling and walfireplace. Along with the other finish items like trim and such. That being said, next steps are steel for the ceiling and walls for a couple areas and plywood, tongue and grove pine, and sheetrock on the ceiling and walls in other areas. Completed project photos to follow.

03/10/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that nails have different purposes?

Notice how one of these items says "Best Seller".

Also notice the .120 versus the .131. These numbers represent the thickness of the nail. The Code book will inform what nails are to be used in what situation.
131 is what should be used in most cases when it comes to framing, yet .120 is the "Best Seller".🤔

There are other aspects to a nail that need to be considered as well such as length and for instance you wouldn't use the nails pictured below for exposed outside use or nailing into treated wood. They would not hold up as long as a galvanized nail would.

Food for thought🍔🧠

03/09/2026

Common Question: 'How soon can you start?' 🗓️ Quality takes time and planning! Our schedule for Spring 2026 is filling up. The 'paperwork phase' (permits and materials) usually takes 2–4 weeks before we even swing a hammer. If you're dreaming of a new deck by summer, the time to plan is now. Send us a message to get on the calendar!

02/18/2026

Does your house shake or wiggle in wind or even when there is heavy movement inside?👎

As scary as it is, it can be common, which is crazy.😬

A lot of houses don't go through an engineering process. If it does you will run into situations where you may have to throw stuff in like these steel posts.

Believe it or not these posts are not for holding weight up as a bearing of weight function. They are actually engineered to stop the structure from swaying side to side.

This is needed when the wall is too small and you can't get a large enough piece of plywood on the wall to prevent the movement.

You may also see what are called Braced Wall Panels pointed out on a plan that is engineered.

Things that go unknown or unnoticed but necessary.

02/16/2026

Did you know that not all decks are created equal when it comes to the "test of time"? ⏳

While a standard wood deck typically lasts between 10 to 30 years, modern composite and PVC decking are engineered to last 25 to 50+ years.

That’s potentially five decades of summer BBQs without ever having to pick up a sander or a stain brush!🍔☀️

Thinking about an upgrade that actually lasts? Let’s chat about the best materials for your backyard.🛠️

02/16/2026

Latest basement frame.

If you seen my previous post with the green laser, I did fix and level the wall the way it should have been done. I am very happy I was able to.

02/12/2026

I thought my selfleveling green laser was broken. Then I remembered the house was built by a national builder. At that point I knew my lazer was just fine. 🤔💡🔨

02/11/2026

Your satisfaction is our goal.

🌟 26 five-star reviews and counting on Google!

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Trusted locally in Saint Michael, Albertville, Otsego and surrounding areas — we’re here to help you plan and build your next deck or outdoor project. DM or call for a free consultation!

I do not rely on advertising. I rely on my reputation to get my next job.

If you are a previous customer I would very much appreciate if you could give the business page a review, a like, and a follow. That will help me find more amazing customers like yourselves.