14 Vocabulary Terms Every Contractor Should Know About Gabled Roofs

Posted in: deck builders, vocabulary

James Moylan

Monday, November 23, 2020

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Gabled Roof Frame Components in MD & VA

A gabled roof frame consists of rafters, a ridge board, collar ties, and a gabled end wall that create the distinctive peaked roofline. Whether you're planning a screened porch or outdoor kitchen addition in Montgomery County, MD or Fairfax County, VA, understanding these structural components helps you communicate effectively with contractors and make informed decisions about your outdoor living project.

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

Contractor Deposit Laws: Maryland & Virginia Legal Limits

Maryland and Virginia law caps contractor deposits at 10-33% of total project cost—never full payment upfront. Homeowners in Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA have specific protections that prevent fraud and ensure work completion before final payment. Understanding these legal limits protects your deck, porch, or outdoor kitchen investment and holds contractors accountable.

How to Save Money on Your New Deck Design in 2020

Posted in: Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Tips, Deck Design, deck builders, rooftop decks in Washington, DC, building a deck, building a rooftop deck, Deck tiles

James Moylan

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

fiberon deck in virginia with black deckorators balusters and hidden deck fasteners (5)

Be Efficient and Economical When Building a New Deck Design

When you come down to it, decks serve to increase the amount of usable space around on your property. They are functional and accessible to all ages for entertaining, relaxing, cooking, and more. However, they can cost a lot in terms of the time and money required to invest in the design of a quality product, especially in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC area.  To ensure a solid economical plan heading into a project, Design Builders offers 5 top tips.

Advantages of Ground-Level Decks over Elevated Decks

Posted in: Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, deck builders

James Moylan

Saturday, April 18, 2020

flagstone-porch-rockville-maryland-golf-course-house

If you were to take a quick tour of backyards in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, you would see decks of all materials, styles, and shapes, from elevated cedar to vinyl hot tub decks.

However, one type of deck would appear more frequently today than in previous years: the ground-level deck. This type of deck design is gaining popularity among builders and homeowners alike due to its dramatic appearance and design. Read on for 11 of our top advantages of choosing a ground-level deck for your home.

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Bug Problems, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Screens, Screen Porch Screens, Deck Tips, Deck Design, Screen Porch in Maryland, Screen-Porch Design Tips, deck builders, Deck Care

James Moylan

Monday, April 13, 2020

zuri_deck_and_hardwood_screened_porch (49)

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

Ah, enjoying your backyard without having to shower in insect repellent.  What a concept.  It is possible to do this with the help of a well-built screened porch in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. If you've bug-proofed your screen room but still find bugs in your porch, it’s likely a problem with construction. Design Builders breaks down the most common problem areas and how you can fix them.