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.

mber of Factors to Consider When Building a Deck and Resale 

Looking for another reason to add that deck you’ve been dreaming of to your backyard? Here’s a good one: many homeowners recoup a significant amount of the money they invest in their deck because the deck adds to the resale value of their home.

Best Methods to Remove Snow and Ice from Your Deck

Winter is coming to the DMV. Some eagerly await the winter, dreaming of warm nights spent curled up by the fire and crisp weekend days frittered away sledding down snowy slopes with the kids. Others dread the year's coldest season, dwelling instead on the frigid mornings spent scraping ice from car windshields and shoveling snow from walkways.

As a deck owner, it is in your best interest to care for your wood or composite decking material just as you would your cherished luxury import or front sidewalk. Unlike those objects, however, a low-maintenance deck installation is actually likely to incur damage if you try to fend off Mother Nature without taking the necessary precautions.

One element that’s becoming increasingly popular in outdoor living spaces is the hot tub. Especially in areas that experience cold winters, this can be an excellent addition to any outdoor area. It is, however, a very involved process and one you’ll need to carefully discuss and coordinate with your design build team. These are your top 8 steps and considerations for installing a hot tub in Virginia or Maryland.

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.