James Moylan

Recent Posts

How Much Must I Pay my Contractor Before They Begin Building My Deck?

Posted in: Deck Building Questions, Deck Contractor Permits, deck builders

James Moylan

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Chevy Chase 2 story wide

How Much to Pay Your Contractor in Maryland & Virginia

You can legally pay your contractor 10-33% upfront in Maryland and Virginia—never the full amount. Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA enforce strict deposit caps to protect homeowners on deck, porch, and outdoor kitchen projects. These laws prevent fraud, ensure contractor accountability, and guarantee work completion before final payment is due.

Why 2020 Is a Great Time to Invest in a Pergola

Posted in: Pergolas

James Moylan

Thursday, June 25, 2020

 

pergola 1

 

There’s no doubt this has been a strange year. With social distancing, travel disruptions, and a host of other pandemic-related events, you might not be thinking about home improvement projects right now. However, 2020 could just be the perfect time to invest in a pergola. Here are three key reasons why.

12 Reasons Evolution Steel Framing is Ideal for Commercial

Posted in: Fortress steel framing products

James Moylan

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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When building decks in a commercial space

There’s even more to consider in terms of safety, aesthetics, durability, and cost than when installing decks in residential homes. With the increased traffic and wear and tear, it’s imperative to use the best materials available for commercial decks. With that in mind, here are the top twelve reasons to consider an all-steel deck frame solution like Evolution for your commercial venture.

All about the Evolution Steel Stair System

James Moylan

Monday, June 15, 2020

fortress stairs 1

If your new outdoor living space will incorporate a deck, you might be considering the benefits of building a steel deck framing system. However, it’s important to remember that a deck is only as strong as its weakest component. If your frame, choice of deck board, or stair system is vulnerable, it could mean a big hassle (and expense) to replace. That’s why many who opt for a steel frame go for steel stairs as well, and the industry gold standard for that pairing is Fortress Building Products.

Steel Deck Framing versus Pressure-Treated Wood Framing

Posted in: Fortress steel framing products

James Moylan

Thursday, June 11, 2020

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Steel Deck Framing vs. Wood: MD & VA Guide

Steel deck framing outperforms pressure-treated wood in durability, maintenance, and longevity for decks in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. While wood remains the traditional choice, steel framing offers significant structural advantages for premium outdoor living spaces. Discover why Design Builders recommends steel framing for custom screened porches, decks, and outdoor kitchens built to last.