Make sure your contractor's insurance policy has the right coverage to protect you and your property

The house is a precious space, where sock-footed children wander down hallways, families chatter over home-cooked dinners, and napping dogs stretch out on sunny porches. When it comes to remodeling, you want to make sure your house is in the hands of someone you can trust. That’s why it is essential to find the right contractor for your project.

The elements of a great decking design should compliment your surroundings and be inspired by what you already have

A Darnestown client was in need of a new deck. With her original 30-year-old installation falling apart, she explained her desire to have a fresh deck design that would compliment both her spacious lot as well as the large hardwood trees and native plants that surrounded it.

Her demands? For the space, which would be used mostly when her children and grandchildren visited, to be contemporary and functional. She said she had given up gardening years ago due to the pesky local deer population and that she and her husband did not spend a lot of time outdoors when the kids were not around, but that it still had to be aesthetically pleasing when viewed indoors.

Why it is important to hire a decking contractor with strong design capabilities

You know you want a deck. You’ve been dreaming of one for years now. Having barbecues with friends and family members. Inviting people over for the big game or to watch fireworks on the 4^th.

And while you have a vague picture of what you want, you still expect the deck contractor you hire to come with suggestions and design ideas of their own. If there is something specific you want that cannot be fulfilled for example, you want someone who can offer a viable alternative. In short, you don’t just want someone to help you build your deck; you want a partner to help you design it.

People are always asking us how they protect their decks during the cold and blustery winter months so there’s no damage or excessive wear-and-tear when the spring comes. As long as your deck was properly installed and maintained, you don’t really need to worry because they are designed to withstand the snow and ice that come with winter storms.

However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t things you should do to get your deck ready for the winter. Just like you winterize your car, you should winterize your deck to minimize the effects the elements will have on it. But what should you do exactly? And when?

Synthetic decking materials offer an efficient alternative to traditional wood decks

You want something that’s going to add to your usable outdoor space, but you also want to ensure it’s a good investment for the long haul. You want your deck to stand the test of time, continue looking great even after years of use, and net you a nice little return when you decide to sell one day.