Ready to start your new deck project? Don’t pull the trigger before asking your decking contractor these 10 important questions.  

With a major investment like a deck, it’s important to cover your bases with your contractor first. A quality deck can last years and add to the value of your home when it comes time to sell, but a deck that isn’t built properly can end up costing you time, money, and hassle. It can even be a safety hazard. Don’t break ground on your new project before asking your decking contractor these 10 important questions.

Questions to Ask Your Deck Builder Before Hiring Them

When you are interviewing possible candidates to build your deck, it’s important to get logistical questions out of the way – such as ensuring they are insured – but you also want to get a sense of what it will be like to work with them.

Depending on the complexity of your deck project, you may be working with this firm and their crew for weeks. Since it’s an outdoor project, decks usually require fewer interruptions to your normal daily life, but it can still be a major hassle to not have complete access to your outdoor space.

Why Having a Permit is so Important When Building a Deck

We get this at least once a week.  "I spoke to a contractor who can start in 2 weeks and says I don't need a permit."

So why do you need a permit ?

In a nutshell: it’s the law.

All deck projects must be reviewed by your local jurisdiction to ensure they comply with the current International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC sets out minimum regulations for construction projects related to residences, including provisions for building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and electrical. The goal is to ensure that all construction is safe, built correctly, and up to the current building standards.

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.

So you have decided it's time to do something with your existing deck.  The old one is just getting too old, and you want to upgrade. Weather in Maryland, Virginia, and Dc can do that. You want to build a new screened porch,  but are having reservations about paying for a completely new screened room. Many turn to the idea of trying to put a new structure on the existing deck. While that can be an option, it's often not that simple or easy. 

Every remodel has pros and cons, and this idea is no different.  Design Builders breaks down putting a new screened porch on an existing deck.