Is Hearth Financing Right for Your Screened Porch?

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Deck Estimate, Deck Tips, Deck Design

James Moylan

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Learn how Hearth financing works for Design Builders projects and whether it fits your outdoor living budget.

Power Washer Deck Cleaning Mistakes in Maryland & Virginia (And What to Do Instead)

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks in Virginia, Deck Tips, Deck Maintenance

James Moylan

Thursday, May 04, 2023

power wash

If you’re staring at a dirty deck in Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, McLean, or Reston, it’s completely normal to think: “I’ll just rent a power washer this weekend and knock it out.”

That instinct makes sense… and it’s also how a lot of Maryland and Northern Virginia homeowners accidentally shorten the life of a deck.  Design Builders has you covered. 

10 Things to Ask a Decking Contractor before Signing a Contract

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks and Patios, Decks in Virginia, Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Estimate, Deck Tips

James Moylan

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

fiberon deck in virginia with black deckorators balusters and hidden deck fasteners (7)

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.

Maximize Screen Porch ROI by Ditching These Design Choices

Posted in: Decks in Maryland

James Moylan

Monday, August 29, 2022

Want to Maximize Screen Porch ROI? Avoid These 7 Common Add-Ons

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Do you want to add a beautiful, functional, practical screen porch to your Northern Virginia or Maryland home? Do you also want to maximize screen porch ROI as much as possible? If you’re building a new screen porch with a tight initial budget or with the specific aim of resale, here are the seven design choices you should avoid.

How Does a Deck Affect the Resale Value of Your Home?

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks and Patios, Decks in Virginia, Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Tips, Deck Design

James Moylan

Saturday, March 06, 2021

A quality deck significantly boosts your home's resale appeal and market value in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. Homebuyers in these competitive markets prioritize outdoor living spaces, making a well-designed deck a strategic investment. Understanding how deck features, materials, and condition influence buyer perception helps you make informed decisions that maximize your home's return on investment.

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.