James Moylan

Recent Posts

What to Expect from Your Premium Decking Contractor

Posted in: Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Contractors License, Deck Contractor Permits, hire a decking contractor, deck builders

James Moylan

Friday, February 20, 2015

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Hiring a premium decking contractor requires knowing what separates exceptional builders from the rest. In Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA, homeowners deserve contractors who deliver superior craftsmanship, transparent communication, and project timelines you can trust. This guide walks you through what to expect when partnering with a top-tier decking professional for your outdoor living investment.

Premium Decking Contractor in Maryland & Virginia

Congratulations! Enlisting a seasoned professional is the first step towards finding someone who you can partner with to help bring your dream deck into fruition.

Things get get messy however when you're deciding on who to actually employ. After all, not only will this person be charged with creating an important addition to your home, they’ll be spending a lot of time on your property and working with you to give updates and receive feedback as needed.

How Do You Frame a Cathedral Ceiling for a Screen Room Addition?

Posted in: roof building tips

James Moylan

Monday, February 16, 2015

cathedral ceiling for a gable roof screen room

How to Frame a Cathedral Ceiling for Screen Room Addition Maryland

Framing a cathedral ceiling for a screen room addition requires installing rafters at an angle that follows the roof line, creating an open, vaulted interior space without a flat ceiling. This architectural approach maximizes vertical space and creates an airy feel in your screened porch. Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA homeowners choose cathedral ceilings to enhance their outdoor living experience with dramatic height and improved natural light flow.

Sunroom Addition for a Historic Carderock Springs Home

Posted in: Sun Room Maryland, Deck Permits, design aesthetic, design blog

James Moylan

Friday, February 06, 2015

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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.

IRC Building Codes: Is Your Decking Contractor Up-to-Date?

Posted in: Deck Building Tips, Building regulations, International Residential Code, IRC

James Moylan

Monday, February 02, 2015

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.

What is the Best Decking Material for a Deck with a Hot Tub in 2017?

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, hot tubs

James Moylan

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

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.