FAQs
Typical price ranges, factors affecting costs, and ballpark estimates for screened porches, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and more.
Costs & Estimates
- What are the costs to include a stone gas fireplace in a screened porch?
- How much does a 15x25 porch that’s part open deck and part screened room cost?
- Is it possible to vary the deck size to use standard steel members?
- What would it cost to convert an old wooden deck to composite material?
- Do you provide rough estimates via video if I send a short clip?
- How much would a deck with structural reinforcement cost?
- Will it save money to build a deck without stairs?
- We’re ready to finance; how soon can you begin a deck remodel?
- What’s a rough cost for a screened porch that fits an L-shaped deck?
- What are the benefits of composite decking compared to wood?
- Can you give me a ballpark figure for a Fortress Deck before a site visit?
- Is there a price difference if we opt to exclude stairs on a deck?
- How much does a small front portico cost compared to a full porch?
- Can you provide a price range for a 3-4 season room addition?
Design & Options
- I want to build a large screened porch with a dining area and a seating area. What options do you offer?
- Can we add skylights and a ceiling fan to our deck project?
- Do you offer wiring for heaters and ceiling fans in screened porches?
- We’re thinking of composite materials for our deck. Are there low-maintenance options?
- Can you build a gable roof that ties into the house for our porch?
- Can you suggest placements for skylights on a screened porch roof?
- Do you also build front porticos?
- Do I need to upgrade my gas service if I run a gas line to a fire wall?
- Do you have experience with pergolas and 3-4 season rooms on decks?
- Can you attach a pergola to a deck spanning the entire back of a house?
- What materials are best for railings if we want something economical?
- Can you review my blueprints and suggest modifications?
- Can I forward images for you to check before booking a site visit?
- Tell me about your outdoor kitchens?
- What windows do you use?
- Is it possible to integrate a sound system into a screened porch?
- What’s needed to add sliding or accordion doors between our house and a porch?
- Can you build a screened porch over a flagstone patio?
- Are there options for low-maintenance railings that look like real wood?
- Can you schedule a Zoom call to discuss a project while I'm out of town?
- Can you run an electrical outlet outside for patio lights?
- We want to add a gas fire wall; do we need to upgrade our natural gas service?
- Can you tell me the difference between Azek and Trex decking?
- What is the smallest 3-season room you can build?
- Do you install Sunspace windows for converting screened porches?
- We’re considering hardscaping instead of extending our deck. Can you advise?
- What features can I include in an outdoor kitchen remodel?
- Can you match the deck color to existing house trim?
- Is it possible to incorporate ceiling heaters in an existing screened porch?
- Do you offer design services for front porticos or entry roofs?
- What’s the difference between a 3-season and a 4-season room?
- Is there an option to add skylights to an existing screen porch?
- Do you install audio systems in porches and decks?
- Do you install pergolas?
- How do you handle drainage when extending a patio under a deck?
- Can you provide examples of composite deck colors?
- Do you install gas lines for outdoor fireplaces?
- What are your suggestions for adding natural light to a screened room?
- Do you handle warranty claims for products not installed by your company?
- What can you tell me about infratech heaters?
- What kind of motorized screens do you offer?
- What different types of framing do you offer?
- What is a porcelain paver ?
- Do you do rooftop decks?
- I have a deck built by another builder. I need repair work. Do you do repair work?
- Do you offer maintenance plans for decks and screened porches?
- What can you tell me about Bromic infrared heaters?
- What are the different kinds of railing systems you offer ?
- Do you install helical piers for other deck builders or just for your clients?
Foundations & Structure
- How tall should the stairs be if the deck is 62 inches off the ground?
- How many posts are needed for a 30x16 deck and screened porch?
- What is a helical pier ?
- Why does Design Builders use helical piers ?
- What is the difference between using helical piers or concrete footers?
- Are helical piers more expensive or less expensive than concrete footers?
Process & Scheduling
- We need to replace our existing deck with a larger one and add a screened porch. Where do we start?
- We live abroad but want to plan our deck project; can we meet via video call?
- Is it possible to coordinate with our property manager for an estimate?
- I have engineer-stamped drawings for my patio; can you review them for a quote?
- How do you handle projects with both demolition and foundation work?
- We have a patio that is settling and might compromise a retaining wall. Can you help?
- Can you schedule us soon for a consultation on a structural patio issue?
- How can we reduce erosion while building a patio under a new deck?
- I’m from an interior design firm and need an estimate for an outdoor kitchen remodel. Who do I contact?
- Do you work with other firms on outdoor kitchens?
- Do you design new decks and screened porches from scratch?
- How do I submit a warranty claim on my Zuri deck?
- Who should I contact if I need warranty information on my deck?
- What’s the process for sending over drawings and photos for your review?
- I want to add a screened porch, deck, or outdoor kitchen to my home. How do we start?
- What’s the best time to schedule a consult for a screen porch addition?
- Can you schedule an online consultation to discuss our deck replacement?
- Do you offer in-person or virtual consultations for new customers?
- Do you offer warranty services for Zuri decks installed in 2015?
- We’re looking for a contractor to help with a screened porch. Are you available?
- How soon could someone come out to estimate a screened porch for our house?
- What’s the typical lead time to start a deck project after the contract?
- How long does it usually take to build a screened porch or deck?
- Can you provide references for similar projects you’ve completed?
- Do you handle demo and haul away the old deck materials?
- What’s your process for scheduling a site visit for an estimate?
- Are weekend consultations available?
- Do you handle both design and construction for outdoor living spaces?
- What’s included in your free consultation?
- Do you provide quotes for removing and replacing an existing deck?
- We’re flexible on the start date; when are you available?
- Can I schedule an appointment to discuss converting our flagstone patio into a porch?