How to Determine if Your Contractor’s Estimate is Accurate

Most contractors in Maryland and Virginia will break down a project into thirds when conceiving an estimate. In practice, these thirds consist of (1) materials, (2) labor and (3) overhead expenses and profit. However, the total presented in an initial estimate is not always an accurate projection of how much a build will actually cost, be it a deck, screened porch, or outdoor kitchen design. Inexperienced or shady contractors do not always account for additional fees, unexpected costs, and other pricey details that can arise after a build is started.

Why Your Decking Contractor’s Portfolio Should Be Large, and Other Portfolio Considerations

When choosing a doctor, lawyer, or therapist, you are able to look to their license, education, and certifications as proof of their expertise. Even electricians and plumbers are required to undergo extensive training and experience before they become licensed to work. However, deck building is a unique industry in that there is no governing body that decides who is and who isn’t qualified to work as a decking contractor.

Top 5 Cost Factors for Outdoor Electrical Outlets

There’s no getting around it; exterior outlets aren’t pretty. Local ordinances demand that exterior electrical outlets be designed to be weatherproof and tamper-proof for safety reasons, and their protective watertight casings can be bulbous, bulky, and downright ugly.

Local building ordinances also require all screen porches to have a minimum of one outlet. Not only are outlets necessary if you want to design a porch that complies with building standards, exterior outlets can also be useful if you want to use a TV, stereo system, or lamp on your screened porch.

What factors determine the cost of upgrading to a screened room?

If you own a classic screened porch, you know the pleasures only screened rooms can provide. For years, it’s given you and your family shade from the hot sun and cool rain. It has protected your family from pesky insects while allowing you all to enjoy the benefits of fresh, natural air. Your screen room has been the venue for countless family gatherings, celebrations, and lazy Sunday afternoons.

Screened porches and exterior decks are similar in many ways. They are both used for leisure and are attached to the exterior of a home. The major difference that distinguishes a screened porch from a deck? A roof.