Sunroom Addition in Historic Bethesda, Maryland

Design Builders specializes in sunroom additions for historic homes throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. This Carderock Springs project demonstrates how thoughtful design enhances a National Register-listed 1960s home while respecting its architectural heritage. Our team navigated local historic district guidelines to create a bright, functional living space that complements the home's original character and increases year-round enjoyment.

Consequently, homeowners looking to modify their houses here are forced to abide by strict standards enforced by various covenants and an Architectural Review Committee (ARC). These regulatory bodies are legally required to maintain Carderock's architectural aesthetic, making contracting more of a challenge.

Building Codes for Decking in Maryland & Virginia

Your Contractor, The International Residential Code (IRC), and You

Building codes for decks are updated regularly to ensure safety and compliance in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. The International Residential Code (IRC) changes every few years, affecting everything from railing heights to fastener requirements and structural spacing. Your decking contractor must stay current with these regulations to protect your investment and guarantee your outdoor living space meets all local requirements.

So how does a contractor keep up-to-date with constantly changing building standards, rules, and techniques? To do so, a reputable and trustworthy contractor must be intimately familiar with every page in the latest edition of the IRC.

Best Decking Material for Hot Tub Decks in MD & VA

Choosing the Right Deck Boards for Your Hot Tub Deck Project This Year

Composite and pressure-treated wood are the top decking materials for hot tub decks in Maryland and Virginia. Homeowners in Montgomery County and Fairfax County choose these materials for their durability, slip resistance, and heat tolerance. The right decking material withstands constant moisture, temperature fluctuations, and foot traffic while maintaining structural integrity and safety around your hot tub investment.

This is not the case for hot tub owners because hey, the best part of being cold is getting warm again! Between fire pits and Infratech outdoor heaters, decks in Maryland and Virginia are capable of being winter-friendly. However, unlike these porch add-ons, standard and recessed hot tubs require special decking accommodations.

A crumbling pool deck made out of concrete

a decrepit swimming pool unused by her, her husband, or their grown family; a five-year-old screened porch too small to serve any function, tacked onto her house as more of an afterthought during an otherwise stellar kitchen renovation. One Bethesda homeowner decided her backyard was in need of a rejuvenation, and we were more than happy to help.

So you’ve decided to build a screened-in porch. You want the fun and enjoyment of being connected to the outside, but also the comfort of being protected from the elements – both weather and pesky little critters. Now you are mulling the next big question: should you go with traditional wooden decking or a synthetic decking material?