Before embarking on any kind of home improvement project, homeowners often ask us whether they will need to obtain a permit. The short answer? Most likely.

Most major projects - including low-maintenance decks, custom garages, screened-in porches, and home additions - require proper permitting. The specifics vary from county to county, but most jurisdictions will slam you with a big fine if you fail to obtain a proper permit, and may even force you to tear the structure down.

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.

You’ve decided to hire a decking contractor. 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.

If you live in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, you know the weather isn’t always kind to us. During the winter, cold rain can blanket the ground in frost. During the spring, storms stir up debris. On summer days, the hot sun beats down onto our sidewalks, and come nightfall, insects emerge in droves.

So how can you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while staying safe from harsh elements and pesky pests? One solution is to build a screened porch. The cost of your total project will be significantly affected by the type of decking material you choose. In this post, we’ll delve a little deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of two popular types of decking material — hardwood vs. Zuri decking.

How an innovative design emerged from a desire for a patio in Howard County