For builders prone to long-term planning, Peter Dohanich, a 51-year-old funeral director, has posted an invitation on Craigslist offering to waive the funeral fees for anyone willing to build him a new deck at his Manhattan home.

"It may sound like a laughable barter transaction, but consider the average cost of paying for a funeral. ... Ask someone that recently had a funeral what they paid!!!" wrote Mr Dohanich in a listing posted on the online classified service Craigslist.com last week.

Mr Dohanich said he was looking for a builder or contractor to remodel a new patio but did not have the cash for the project. "Someone told me, if you're looking for services, look on barter," Mr Dohanich said.

So far, Mr Dohanich said he has received a few calls from prospective takers but has not yet filled the job.

The idea makes sense because the estimated cost of the construction work, at $6,000 to $10,000 (£4,300 - £7,200) is similar to the cost of a funeral, he said.

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