When Do Virginia and Maryland Homeowners Need a Building Permit?

Posted in: Screen Porch Questions, Deck Permits, Deck Building Questions, Deck Contractor Permits, deck builders, Building regulations, Contracting Questions

James Moylan

Monday, June 01, 2015

Virginia & Maryland Building Permit Requirements

Yes, most outdoor living projects in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA require building permits. Screened porches, decks, and outdoor kitchens typically need approval before construction begins. Understanding local permit requirements protects your investment, ensures code compliance, and prevents costly fines. This guide explains when permits are mandatory across Maryland and Virginia.

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.

What Should My Decking Contractor's Portfolio Look Like?

Posted in: Deck Building Questions, Deck Contractors License, deck builders, Contractor Portfolios

James Moylan

Monday, March 16, 2015

Decking Contractor Portfolio Guide for Maryland & Virginia

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

A strong decking contractor portfolio demonstrates proven expertise and quality craftsmanship. In Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA, where outdoor living investments are significant, reviewing a contractor's past projects reveals their experience with local materials, climate conditions, and design styles. Unlike licensed professions, deck builders aren't regulated by a governing body, making portfolio review essential for vetting quality and reliability before hiring.

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.

A Modern Outdoor Deck Design for a Darnestown, MD Home

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Deck Design, design aesthetic, deck builders, design aesthetic of a contractor

James Moylan

Friday, December 19, 2014

 

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Modern Outdoor Deck Design in Darnestown, MD

A Montgomery County homeowner needed a complete deck replacement after her 30-year-old structure deteriorated. Our design team created a modern outdoor deck that seamlessly complements her spacious lot while preserving the mature hardwood trees and native plantings that define her property. The result balances contemporary aesthetics with the natural landscape.

Her demands? For the space, which would be used mostly when her children and grandchildren visited, to be contemporary and functional. She said she had given up gardening years ago due to the pesky local deer population and that she and her husband did not spend a lot of time outdoors when the kids were not around, but that it still had to be aesthetically pleasing when viewed indoors.