Fundko.com Review

Based on looking at the website, Fundko.com appears to be the online presence for “Deck Builders, Inc.,” a company specializing in custom deck design and construction in Olympia, Washington.

The site highlights Kim Katwijk, the founder, as a nationally recognized expert in the field.

While the site provides contact information and testimonials, it lacks several key elements expected from a professional business website, which raises concerns about its overall transparency and user experience.

Here’s a summary of the review:

Overall Review Summary:
- Purpose: Showcases “Deck Builders, Inc.” for deck design and construction.
- Key Figure: Kim Katwijk, founder and owner, presented as an industry expert.
- Contact Information: Phone number 360-709-9225 and email are provided.
- Content: Focuses on company history, testimonials, and articles/videos by Kim Katwijk.
- Missing Elements: No clear service list, pricing details, project portfolio beyond general descriptions, warranty information, or a robust “Contact Us” page with a form. The site’s navigation is also limited, and it lacks standard trust signals like clear privacy policies or terms of service.
- Recommendation: While the core business of deck building is permissible, the website’s incompleteness and lack of standard professional features make it less than ideal for a potential client seeking comprehensive information and reassurance. It feels more like a basic informational page than a fully-fledged business portal.

The website attempts to establish credibility through testimonials and highlighting Kim Katwijk’s expertise, including his contributions to “Professional Deck Builder Magazine” and teaching engagements.

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However, a significant drawback is the absence of crucial business details that a customer would typically seek before engaging a contractor.

This includes a clear breakdown of services offered, transparent pricing structures, visual project examples, and robust customer support mechanisms.

The “Read More” links often loop back to the same “About Us” or “Reviews” pages without providing new, specific information, which can be frustrating for a user trying to learn more.

For a service-based business, clarity and comprehensive information are paramount for building trust.

Here are some ethical and professional alternatives for home improvement services, focusing on transparency and comprehensive information:

HomeAdvisor
- Key Features: Connects homeowners with local service professionals, offers background checks on pros, project cost guides, and customer reviews.
- Average Price: Varies by project and pro.
- Pros: Large network of verified pros, easy to get multiple quotes, useful cost estimates.
- Cons: Can receive many calls/emails, quality of pros can vary though reviews help.
Angi formerly Angie’s List
- Key Features: Similar to HomeAdvisor, provides a directory of local service pros, customer reviews, booking services, and project financing options.
- Pros: Established platform, detailed reviews, satisfaction guarantee on some services.
- Cons: Some services might be premium, can be overwhelming with options.
Thumbtack
- Key Features: Find and hire local professionals for various services, allows you to get quotes directly from pros, read reviews, and compare profiles.
- Pros: Wide range of services, quick quote process, good for comparing multiple providers.
- Cons: Quotes can sometimes be less precise, some pros might be less experienced.
Houzz
- Key Features: Focuses on home design and renovation, provides a vast photo gallery for inspiration, and a directory of architects, designers, and contractors.
- Pros: Excellent for visual inspiration, connects with high-end professionals, strong community aspect.
- Cons: More design-centric, may not be as direct for simple repair jobs.
Contractor Connection
- Key Features: A network of contractors providing property repair and restoration services, often used by insurance companies, focuses on quality and reliability.
- Pros: Vetted contractors, often backed by insurance networks, strong focus on quality.
- Cons: May be more limited in scope to repair/restoration, less direct for custom projects.
Yelp for Home Services
- Key Features: While primarily a review platform, Yelp has a strong “Home Services” section, allowing users to find local contractors and read extensive reviews.
- Pros: Massive user base means many reviews, easy to find local businesses, good for quick checks.
- Cons: Not solely dedicated to home services, some reviews might not be entirely relevant.
Local Chamber of Commerce Websites
- Key Features: Often list local businesses, including contractors, who are members, providing a level of community vetting.
- Pros: Supports local economy, businesses are typically established and known in the community.
- Cons: Less centralized, requires more manual searching, fewer online reviews.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Fundko.com Review & First Look

Based on an initial review of Fundko.com, the website serves as the digital front for “Deck Builders, Inc.,” a company specializing in custom deck design and construction.

The site’s primary objective appears to be showcasing the expertise of its founder, Kim Katwijk, and highlighting the company’s long-standing presence in Olympia, Washington since 1996. The layout is somewhat minimalist, focusing on large banner images, prominent contact information, and a series of testimonials.

It quickly establishes that Kim Katwijk is presented as a significant figure in the deck building industry, being a contributing editor for Professional Deck Builder Magazine and an instructor at major trade shows.

The first impression of Fundko.com is that it is a direct, albeit somewhat sparse, online brochure.

It immediately presents a phone number and email address, suggesting a direct-to-customer approach. Nodeinvestor.com Review

The visual elements, though generic, convey the idea of beautifully designed outdoor spaces.

However, crucial details that a potential customer would seek are notably absent.

There’s no clear, comprehensive list of services, no visual gallery of completed projects beyond a few conceptual images, and a distinct lack of transparent operational information.

Initial Impressions of the Website’s Design and Navigation

The design of Fundko.com is straightforward, leaning towards functional rather than aesthetically groundbreaking.

It employs a clean, simple interface, but this simplicity also translates to a lack of detailed navigation. Uzuma.com Review

The main content is presented on the homepage, with links predominantly leading to repeated “About Us” or “Reviews” sections, often without adding new information.

This can create a loop for the user, making it difficult to delve deeper into specific services or understand the company’s full scope.

Limited Navigation: The website lacks a robust menu or clear navigation structure. Most “Read More” buttons lead to the same few pages.
Visual Elements: Large banner images are present, but a dedicated, high-quality project gallery is missing, which is critical for a visual industry like construction.
Contact Prominence: Phone and email are very visible, indicating a preference for direct communication over self-service information gathering.

Immediate Red Flags and Trust Signals

Several elements on Fundko.com raise immediate questions regarding its professionalism and the trust signals it conveys to potential clients.

While the core business deck building is legitimate, the website itself doesn’t meet modern expectations for a trustworthy online presence.

Generic Content Repetition: Multiple “Read More” links point to the same few pages, creating a frustrating user experience and suggesting a lack of comprehensive content.
Absence of Standard Pages: Crucial pages like a detailed “Services” page, a comprehensive “Gallery/Portfolio,” “FAQ,” “Terms of Service,” or a “Privacy Policy” are conspicuously absent. These are standard for any legitimate business website.
Lack of Specificity: While testimonials are present, there’s no clear, actionable information about how to initiate a project, what the process entails, or estimated timelines.
Outdated Feel: The overall aesthetic and functionality suggest an older website design that hasn’t been updated to contemporary web standards.

Fundko.com Cons

While Fundko.com presents itself as the online home of an experienced deck builder, it suffers from several significant drawbacks that impact its functionality, trustworthiness, and overall user experience. Millionairemob.com Review

These “cons” highlight critical areas where the website falls short of current industry standards and customer expectations, especially for a service-oriented business.

Lack of Comprehensive Service Details

One of the most glaring deficiencies on Fundko.com is the absence of a detailed breakdown of the services offered.

While the website mentions “custom deck design and construction,” it provides no specifics on materials, design options, additional features like pergolas, railings, lighting, or the scope of projects they undertake.

This makes it challenging for a prospective client to understand if their specific needs align with the company’s offerings.

No Service List: There’s no dedicated page or section outlining the specific types of decks built, materials used, or associated services.
General Descriptions: Phrases like “beautifully designed custom deck” are used, but lack the substance of what that truly entails.
Absence of Customization Options: No information on how clients can customize their decks, what design consultations involve, or the range of aesthetic choices available.

Missing Project Portfolio or Gallery

For a visual industry like construction, a robust project portfolio or gallery is non-negotiable. Siandellar.com Review

Fundko.com mentions designing and building “beautiful inlaid decks” but fails to provide a dedicated section with high-quality images or videos of completed projects.

This omission severely hinders a potential customer’s ability to assess the quality, style, and range of the company’s work.

No Dedicated Gallery: Despite mentioning design and craftsmanship, there is no visual showcase of past projects.
Reliance on Text: The website heavily relies on textual descriptions and testimonials, rather than visual evidence, to convey quality.
Impact on Trust: The lack of visual proof makes it difficult for potential clients to gauge the company’s capabilities and stylistic range, eroding trust.

Limited Transparency and Trust Signals

A professional business website should inspire confidence through transparency and the inclusion of standard trust signals.

Fundko.com falls short in this regard, raising questions about its operational clarity and commitment to customer reassurance.

No Pricing Information: There is no mention of how projects are priced, whether estimates are free, or typical cost ranges, which are crucial for initial client vetting.
Absence of Terms of Service/Privacy Policy: These legal documents are standard for any website collecting information even just contact details and their absence is a significant red flag.
No Warranty Information: For construction work, understanding warranties on craftsmanship and materials is essential. this information is missing.
Limited “About Us”: While Kim Katwijk is highlighted, details about the team, their qualifications beyond Kim, or the company’s operational philosophy are scarce.

Subpar User Experience and Outdated Interface

The user experience on Fundko.com is hampered by a basic, somewhat outdated interface and repetitive navigation. Thonglordentalhospital.com Review

This can lead to frustration and a perception of unprofessionalism, making it less likely for visitors to spend time exploring the site.

Repetitive Links: Many “Read More” links on the homepage lead to the same “About Us” or “Reviews” pages, offering no new content.
Lack of Modern Features: The website lacks interactive elements, responsive design for mobile devices, or a streamlined contact form.
Slow or Non-Functional Links: Some links, like those to articles/videos, are PDF downloads or YouTube links, but the overall presentation feels disjointed rather than integrated.
Generic Testimonial Presentation: While testimonials are positive, their presentation is basic, and there’s no way to verify their authenticity easily.

No Clear Call to Action Beyond Contact

While the contact information is prominent, the website lacks a clear, guided call to action beyond “call or email us.” There’s no interactive form for project inquiries, no option to schedule a consultation online, or a step-by-step guide for potential clients.

This passive approach can deter visitors who prefer a more structured engagement process.

Passive Engagement: The primary call to action is simply to contact them, without prompting specific actions or providing tools for initial engagement.
No Online Inquiry Forms: Customers cannot submit project details or questions directly through a website form.
Missing Scheduling Tools: The absence of an online scheduling system adds friction to the client acquisition process.

Fundko.com Alternatives

Given the limitations of Fundko.com as a comprehensive online resource for deck building services, it’s beneficial to explore alternative platforms and approaches that offer greater transparency, professionalism, and a more robust user experience for finding reputable contractors.

These alternatives focus on connecting clients with vetted professionals, providing comprehensive information, and offering a more streamlined process for home improvement projects. Janco.com.sg Review

Online Contractor Marketplaces

These platforms act as intermediaries, connecting homeowners with a wide range of vetted contractors for various home improvement projects, including deck building.

They often include review systems, project management tools, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

BuildZoom
- Key Features: Provides data-driven insights into contractors, including license verification, building permit history, and customer reviews. Offers a matching service to find the best contractor for your project.
- Pros: Strong emphasis on data and contractor vetting, helps homeowners make informed decisions.
- Cons: Matching service might take time, selection can vary by region.
Houzz Pro
- Key Features: A professional suite of tools for contractors, but also serves as a directory for homeowners. Offers project management, client communication, and invoicing features, enhancing the professionalism of listed contractors.
- Pros: Integrates design inspiration with contractor search, strong visual portfolios from professionals.
- Cons: More focused on design-build projects, might be overkill for simpler jobs.

Local Business Directories and Review Sites

These platforms are essential for discovering local businesses and reading genuine customer feedback, helping to build trust and inform decisions.

Yelp for Home Services
- Key Features: Extensive user-generated reviews, business profiles with photos, contact info, and sometimes direct messaging. Users can request quotes from multiple businesses.
- Pros: Large volume of reviews provides a comprehensive picture, easy to compare local options.
- Cons: Review quality can vary, some businesses may not be fully engaged with the platform.
Google My Business Local Search
- Key Features: When searching for “deck builders near me,” Google provides local business listings with reviews, hours, photos, and direct contact options.
- Pros: Highly localized results, integrated with Google Maps for easy navigation, prominent display of customer reviews.
- Cons: Information relies on business owners keeping their profiles updated.

Professional Associations and Certifications

Reputable contractors often belong to professional associations or hold certifications, which can be indicators of quality and adherence to industry standards.

North American Deck and Railing Association NADRA
- Key Features: Provides resources for consumers, including a directory of NADRA-certified deck builders. Certification often indicates adherence to building codes and best practices.
- Pros: Connects with professionals committed to industry standards, provides peace of mind regarding quality and safety.
- Cons: Not all reputable builders are members, membership doesn’t guarantee perfection.
State Licensing Boards e.g., Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Key Features: Official state websites allow consumers to verify contractor licenses, check for complaints, and ensure they are bonded and insured. This is crucial for legal and financial protection.
- Pros: Direct verification of legal standing and complaint history, essential for due diligence.
- Cons: Can be tedious to navigate, doesn’t offer reviews or matching services.

Direct Referrals and Word-of-Mouth

Often the most trusted method, personal referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have had positive experiences with contractors. Avenuescosmetic.com Review

Ask Your Network
- Key Features: Leverage personal connections to get recommendations from trusted sources. This often leads to contractors with a proven track record.
- Pros: High level of trust, direct insight into a contractor’s work ethic and quality.
- Cons: Limited to your network, might not have many options.
Local Community Forums/Social Media Groups:
- Key Features: Many communities have online forums or Facebook groups where residents share recommendations for local services.
- Pros: Taps into collective local knowledge, often provides candid feedback.
- Cons: Information can be anecdotal, requires careful vetting of recommendations.

These alternatives offer a more transparent and information-rich approach to finding a reputable contractor for deck building or other home improvement projects, addressing the shortcomings observed on Fundko.com.

How to Cancel Fundko.com Subscription

Based on the review of Fundko.com’s website, there is no indication that Fundko.com offers any form of subscription, membership, or service that would require cancellation.

The website appears to be a static informational site for a physical deck building company, “Deck Builders, Inc.” Therefore, the concept of “canceling a Fundko.com subscription” is not applicable.

No Subscription Services: The website does not present any services that operate on a recurring subscription model.
No Membership Area: There is no user login, account management, or premium content that would necessitate a subscription.
Service-Based Business: Fundko.com is the online presence for a custom deck building service, which typically involves one-off project contracts, not ongoing subscriptions.

If a user were to engage with “Deck Builders, Inc.” for a construction project, the terms of that engagement would be outlined in a specific contract or agreement between the client and the company, not through a website-based subscription. Lifeadvicer.com Review

Any “cancellation” in that context would pertain to the project contract itself, which would involve direct communication with the company, usually following the terms laid out in the signed agreement.

This would likely involve discussing project milestones, payments made, and potential termination clauses.

How to Cancel Fundko.com Free Trial

Similar to the discussion regarding subscriptions, the Fundko.com website does not offer any services or features that would come with a “free trial.” The site is purely informational, showcasing the services of “Deck Builders, Inc.” and the expertise of its founder, Kim Katwijk.

No Trial Offerings: The website does not advertise any software, digital service, or content that would typically be offered on a trial basis.
No User Accounts: There is no functionality for users to sign up for an account, which is a prerequisite for most free trials.
Direct Service Model: The business model for “Deck Builders, Inc.” is custom construction projects, which do not involve trials. Engagement would begin with consultations and project proposals, not a trial period.

Therefore, there is no “Fundko.com free trial” to cancel.

Any interaction with “Deck Builders, Inc.” would be on a project-by-project basis, and any changes or termination of a project would be handled through direct communication and contractual agreements, not through an online trial cancellation process. Skybell.com Review

Fundko.com Pricing

Based on the detailed examination of Fundko.com, there is no information whatsoever regarding pricing for any of the services offered by “Deck Builders, Inc.” The website does not provide:

No Price Lists: There are no fixed prices for deck designs, materials, or construction services.
No Cost Estimates: The site does not offer any average cost ranges, typical project budgets, or information on how quotes are generated.
No Consultation Fees: It’s unclear if initial consultations are free or if there’s a charge for design services.
No Project Tiers: There are no different tiers or packages for deck construction based on size, complexity, or materials.

This complete absence of pricing information is a significant drawback for potential clients.

In the construction industry, while exact pricing often requires a detailed quote based on specific project parameters, most professional websites provide some level of transparency or guidance. This could include:

Starting prices for basic decks.
An explanation of factors influencing cost materials, size, features, labor.
A statement about free estimates or consultation fees.

The current website design of Fundko.com seems to funnel all pricing inquiries directly to phone calls or emails, which while a valid approach, lacks the transparency and preliminary information that many modern consumers expect.

This might deter potential clients who prefer to gather basic cost expectations before making direct contact. Jumper.ai Review

Fundko.com vs. Competitors

When evaluating Fundko.com representing “Deck Builders, Inc.” against typical competitors in the deck building and home improvement industry, several key differences emerge.

These distinctions highlight the areas where Fundko.com’s online presence either falls short or adopts a more traditional, less digitally-centric approach compared to its more technologically integrated counterparts.

Fundko.com’s Approach

Fundko.com presents a very traditional, almost brochure-like online presence.

It relies heavily on highlighting the individual expertise of its founder, Kim Katwijk, and leverages text-based testimonials.

The operational model appears to be highly personalized, with a strong emphasis on direct phone or email contact for all inquiries. Tx.spacastleusa.com Review

Pros:
- Focus on Individual Expertise: Strongly positions Kim Katwijk as a leading authority, which can appeal to clients seeking specialized knowledge.
- Direct Communication: Prominent contact information encourages direct engagement, potentially leading to a more personalized initial consultation.
- Established Local Presence: Implies a long history and strong reputation within the Olympia, Washington area since 1996.
Cons:
- Lack of Digital Integration: No online booking, inquiry forms, project management tools, or interactive features.
- Minimal Transparency: Absence of detailed service lists, pricing, warranties, and comprehensive visual portfolios.
- Outdated User Experience: The website’s design and navigation feel antiquated compared to modern business sites.
- Limited Scalability: Relies heavily on individual contact rather than scalable online systems.

Competitors’ Approaches General Industry Standards

Modern deck builders and home improvement companies, particularly those listed on platforms like HomeAdvisor, Angi, or Houzz, typically adopt a much more robust digital strategy.

Comprehensive Online Presence:
- Detailed Service Pages: Clear lists of services, materials, design options, and associated offerings.
- Extensive Project Portfolios: High-quality image and video galleries showcasing diverse completed projects, often with client testimonials tied to specific projects.
- Transparent Information: Often include sections on pricing models e.g., “free estimates,” “cost factors”, warranty information, and clear terms of service.
Streamlined Customer Journey:
- Online Inquiry Forms: Easy-to-use forms for requesting quotes or consultations, often with fields for project specifics.
- Online Scheduling: Ability to book appointments directly through the website.
- Interactive Design Tools: Some offer simple online tools for visualizing deck designs or material choices.
Strong Trust Signals:
- Verified Reviews: Integration with third-party review platforms Google, Yelp, Angi to display genuine customer feedback.
- Licenses and Certifications: Clearly display licensing information, insurance details, and professional affiliations e.g., NADRA.
- Team Introductions: Often feature a “Meet the Team” page to personalize the business and build rapport.
Modern Website Design:
- Responsive Design: Websites are optimized for various devices desktop, tablet, mobile.
- Intuitive Navigation: Clear menus and logical flow make it easy for users to find information.
- Engaging Content: Use of high-quality visuals, videos, and informative blog posts.

Key Competitive Disadvantages for Fundko.com

Discovery and Vetting: While Kim Katwijk may be known in the industry, new clients searching online will find Fundko.com less discoverable and harder to vet compared to companies with robust SEO, online reviews, and detailed portfolios on popular platforms.
Customer Convenience: Competitors offer significantly more convenience with online forms, scheduling, and information readily available, reducing the initial barrier to contact.
Trust and Professionalism: The absence of standard website features e.g., privacy policy, comprehensive service lists, modern design can lead to a perception of less professionalism or transparency compared to competitors who prioritize these elements.
Sales Funnel: Competitors often have a more defined online sales funnel, guiding prospective clients from discovery to inquiry, whereas Fundko.com’s approach is more static.

In essence, while “Deck Builders, Inc.” through Fundko.com may rely on word-of-mouth and its established reputation, its online presence is significantly outpaced by competitors who leverage modern web technologies to attract, inform, and convert customers more effectively.

FAQ

What is Fundko.com?

Fundko.com is the official website for “Deck Builders, Inc.,” a company specializing in custom deck design and construction based in Olympia, Washington.

It serves as an informational portal highlighting their services and the expertise of founder Kim Katwijk.

What services does Fundko.com Deck Builders, Inc. offer?

Based on the website, Fundko.com Deck Builders, Inc. offers custom deck design and construction services. Csteelindia.com Review

The site mentions expertise in deck board bending, decorative inlays, and general deck building in the Olympia, Washington area.

Who is Kim Katwijk?

Kim Katwijk is the founder and owner of Deck Builders, Inc., and is presented as a nationally acclaimed expert in deck design and construction.

He is also a contributing editor for Professional Deck Builder Magazine and teaches at major trade shows.

Is there a project gallery on Fundko.com?

No, Fundko.com does not feature a dedicated project gallery or portfolio with high-quality images of completed deck projects.

It relies primarily on textual descriptions and testimonials. Philamfood.com Review

Can I get a price estimate for a deck project on Fundko.com?

No, Fundko.com does not provide any pricing information, cost estimates, or a breakdown of factors influencing project costs on its website.

All pricing inquiries appear to require direct contact.

How can I contact Fundko.com Deck Builders, Inc.?

You can contact Fundko.com Deck Builders, Inc. via phone at 360-709-9225 or by email at These contact details are prominently displayed on the website.

Does Fundko.com offer online scheduling for consultations?

No, Fundko.com does not appear to offer any online scheduling functionality for consultations or appointments.

Contact for services is directed through phone or email. Thinkforwardhealth.com Review

Are there testimonials on Fundko.com?

Yes, Fundko.com features a section with testimonials from clients who have used Deck Builders, Inc.’s services, praising the craftsmanship and customer service.

Does Fundko.com have a privacy policy or terms of service?

No, the Fundko.com website does not have easily accessible or linked privacy policy or terms of service pages, which are standard for professional websites.

What areas does Deck Builders, Inc. serve?

Based on the website, Deck Builders, Inc.

Primarily serves Olympia, Washington, and the surrounding areas.

Kim Katwijk is mentioned as having taught abroad, but the core business is local. Parkburyhouse.nhs.uk Review

Are there articles or videos by Kim Katwijk on Fundko.com?

Yes, the website links to a few articles and videos by Kim Katwijk, covering topics such as AZEK Deck Bending, Decorative Inlays, Professional Deck Builder Magazine, and Framing a Pergola.

Is Fundko.com a secure website?

The website’s security features are not explicitly detailed.

The absence of standard legal pages like a privacy policy makes it difficult to assess data handling practices.

Does Fundko.com have a blog?

No, Fundko.com does not feature a dedicated blog section for ongoing content or updates.

The “Articles & Videos” section contains specific linked resources.

Can I request a quote online from Fundko.com?

No, the website does not offer an online form for requesting quotes.

Inquiries for quotes must be made by directly calling or emailing the company.

Does Fundko.com offer financing options for deck projects?

The website does not provide any information regarding financing options for deck construction projects.

What kind of materials does Deck Builders, Inc. use?

The website mentions using “different plastic, durable, decking materials for their longevity and colors,” but does not specify particular brands or a full range of material options.

Is Fundko.com responsive on mobile devices?

The website’s design appears to be basic, and its responsiveness on various mobile devices may not be optimized for a modern, fluid user experience.

How long has Deck Builders, Inc. been in business?

According to Fundko.com, Kim Katwijk, founder and owner of Deck Builders, Inc., has been designing and building decks in Olympia, Washington since 1996.

Does Fundko.com have social media links?

No, Fundko.com does not feature prominent links to any social media profiles for Deck Builders, Inc.

What makes Fundko.com stand out according to its website?

Fundko.com highlights the international fame and expertise of its founder, Kim Katwijk, his contributions to industry magazines, and the custom, aesthetically pleasing designs of their decks, particularly those with flowing lines and intricate inlays.