 Very dear customers of ours sent me this photo this morning, and couldn't wait to show it off. We built this deck last year for them, and they've decorated it beautifully and tastefully. I'm loving the key lime green fabric on the chairs, and the rich colors in the rug. They've added some plants, and other accents which make this a very welcoming, and relaxing area. It's just calling my name to come out there in the evening to have some coffee or tea. Well done!
When the real estate market was in the dumps, snagging a great contractor was a
simple task. With few people remodeling, no project was too small for hungry pros, many of whom were bidding at 10 percent to 40 percent below their boom-time rates. Those days are gone. Remodeling spending is now up 30 percent from its low point, and single-family construction spending has doubled. Depending on where you live, a project that cost $50,000 in 2010 might now come in at $60,000 to $70,000. "Materials costs are up, much of the skilled labor pool has jumped to the oil and gas industry, and contractors' phones are ringing," says Bernard Markstein, U.S. chief economist at Reed Construction Data. To get the best help, you'll need to be strategic. Start with referrals. Begin by polling friends and tradespeople, and tell the contractor who pointed you in his direction. Using a referral will do more than just ease your mind -- it will also make you a priority for the pro, who wants to keep his clients and subcontractors happy. Don't be vague. When you reach out, show that you've put careful thought into the project by expressing a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and a sense of what you can spend. "Bidding on a job takes about a dozen hours," says Bruce Irving, a Boston renovation consultant. "He's not going to bother unless he thinks you're serious." Get the contractor's opinion. When a contractor comes to see the job, don't jump right into discussing price. First ask for the contractor's input on the plan and on any initial sketches your architect has put together. This shows you value the contractor's knowledge and don't just see him as a nail-banger. want to hire him. Is he channeling what you want? Great. But if the contractor suggests lazy solutions or pricey add-ons, move on. Now negotiate. Solicit bids from three or more contractors. Be sure to stoke competition by letting them know that you're gathering multiple offers. Skip any bids that are wildly high or low. Should your first choice still be over your budget, haggling is risky: The contractor will probably either walk or cut corners on the project. Instead, let him know the contractor much the bid is over and ask for some suggestions on how to tweak the job to lower the price with minimal impact, says UCLA law professor Russell Korobkin, a negotiation specialist. Remember to hold out a contingency of 10 percent to 20 percent because many remodels mushroom over the course of the project. Be flexible. This is also the time to nail down scheduling. Ask the contractor for approximate start and end dates. But don't press too hard. For a top contractor, at a fair price, you may to have to wait a bit. Recently finished this 830 square foot deck. The upper deck at the door is 20' x 10', with the lower deck being 42' x 12' with a 10' x 10' bumpout, and one set of steps to grade. All of the framing members, decking, and railing have been constructed using treated Southern Yellow Pine #1. Give us a call for an estimate for your new deck.
All of the decking materials you see installed on the decks featured in this gallery were all purchased at McCabe Lumber, and built by Thomas Decks. Composite, PVC, treated lumber and many style choices of railing systems. Go visit our salesman Rick Wedding at McCabe, and let him show you these products, or the many new decking materials that can help you decide on your decking and railing options. Then give us a call for a free estimate!
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