This is a 16' x 14' treated lumber deck built above the walk-out of the homeowner's basement   A 3' 5" x 3'5" landing, with steps down to grade.  Total square footage of the deck, including landing and steps is 270 square feet.  These homeowner's also opted for the black aluminum balusters which add a nice touch.  This would be an ideal area to install one of the dryspace products underneath the deck, which would provide an additional outdoor space.  Keep checking back for our upcoming projects, or call us for a free estimate! 

Just in time for Thanksgiving!  Got this patio deck finished up, and will be building the dock in January after Christmas, when Lake Lorelei has been lowered for the season.     This freestanding patio deck is
12' x 30' with 420 square feet of space, 2 steps down to grade, with no railing.  The remaining tall posts will support a roof that will be extended out from the existing house roof.  The homeowner's have opted to remove the pergola.  Please keep checking back for dock project we will begin for this lake house in January. 

We recently completed these 2 treated lumber decks for these homeowners.  If standing at the garage, the deck to the right of the garage is a 16' x 24'9" deck, with 396 square feet of space and no steps.  The deck to the left side of the garage is a 16' x 24' deck with 366 square feet of space, 2 sets of steps down to grade , and gates at both ends of the deck.   Not only was this a fun project, but a challenging one as well.  Due to the irregular lot dimensions, and slope of the yard,  there was a required variance and a geo tech involved.  All worked out in the end, and now these customers have added some welcomed outdoor areas they can enjoy.      

A:  Absolutely you should!  411DeckPro has come up with a list of 10 vital questions to ask a deck contractor before hiring him/her.  

1. How many years have you been building decks, and what is the breadth of  your experience as a deck contractor?
Experience and years in the deck construction business do matter, especially if  you are planning to construct a complex, multilevel, polygonal-shaped deck.  Though, even if your dream deck is quite simple, it is still essential to hire a  professional with superior carpentry skills.

2. Are you licensed, bonded, certified, and insured?
It is important to work with a deck contractor who has the right certifications,  so make sure that your prospective deck contractor has the requisite building  licenses and is registered. Along with these certifications, your deck  contractor should also have insurance that covers employee injury on the job
site as well as other accidents and damages that may occur during deck  construction.

3. Do you have a warranty policy covering deck construction?
If your prospective deck contractor has a warranty policy, get a copy of it for your records. Most deck contractors cover deck damage that is tied to deck  construction. Read through their policy to determine exactly what is and what is  not covered.

4. As a deck contractor, can I rely upon you to acquire building permits?
Most deck builders do handle the acquisition of all necessary building permits. However, if placing full responsibility on the deck builder, remember to get a  copy of these permits as this paperwork is vital in adhering to local and state  building codes and in home sales.

5. Do you have a list of references whom I can contact?
If your deck contractor supplies you with a reference contact list, ask these references about their overall experience in working with the deck contractor.  Was the building process smooth and unencumbered by construction interruptions?  Did the prospective deck contractor complete the deck on time? Did the deck  builder remain within the deck construction budget? Two more important questions  to ask references are: how satisfied are you with the work completed by this  deck contractor, and would you recommend them to anyone else?

6. Can you share a portfolio of your past deck work?
Browsing through past deck projects completed by a prospective deck builder is an essential part of the hiring process. It gives you a chance to see their best  work. A deck contractor's portfolio also illustrates their experience level.   Furthermore, if you have not yet selected a deck design or decking materials, looking through  a prospective deck contractor's portfolio may inspire some ideas for your dream
deck.

7. Can I visit a current work site?
Examining past work alongside current deck construction projects is another  helpful way to hire the right deck builder. If your deck contractor allows you  to visit a current deck construction site, such a visit will give you the  opportunity to observe the daily work schedule and the friendliness of the
construction crew

8. Could you please provide a work estimate?
The work estimate should not only quote labor costs and material prices, but should also detail the estimated date of completion.

9. What kind of payment schedules do you offer for your deck construction services?
Understanding a deck builder's payment schedule is vital, as it provides everyone with a clear calendar of due dates for payment installments

10. What is your experience in working with my deck plan, my home's architecture, and my home's location?
Now is the time to get specific, especially if you have selected a deck design. Discussing deck plans with a deck contractor is useful especially if deck plans must be changed due to a home's architecture or local building codes. A professional and experienced deck  contractor can assist in developing a new plan that works with all deck  construction projects constraints.

 

A:  This is it ladies!  Is it a tool shed or a small male bonding party house?  Either way, it can be tucked nicely away somewhere on your property for the man in your life to enjoy.   Fill it with new, manly tools so he can work quietly on that door, a cabinet or anything else you need fixed, all while watching a nice HDTV.......maybe his buddy Steve will stop by, and he can conveniently  open up that window, and serve Steve a cold drink while they discuss the game or what his next project will be........this is not our design, but we are a design and build company, and we can reven run the electric for all of his manly power tools. 

A:  Does your wife often threaten to go hide somewhere........to catch a break from being the chef, the chauffeur, the maid, the teacher or counselor?   Due to the open concept housing designs these days, there's no where to hide, especially if all of your closets are packed full.  So gentlemen, give her a break and her own spot somewhere she can chillax, regroup and breathe.  We can help you come up with a design, and we would even act like it's all your idea.......so, give us a call and let us help you, help yourself!

Do your children have everything to occupy them inside your home?  Do they have anything that can help them have fun outside of your home?  These are not our designs, but examples of what you and Thomas Decks could come up with for your children to get outside more, and have a great time!  Give us a call to come out and discuss your plans with you.  We could finalize everything by the holidays, and have it built for them to enjoy early Spring.   

A:  Yes there is.  To put it in its most simple terms, aluminum fence basically is designed to
keep people out. Aluminum railings, on the other hand, are designed to  keep people in. For example, balcony or deck railings are used to keep  people safely in, while swimming pool fence is designed to keep kids  out of the pool.  Generally speaking, railings must meet IBC or IRC codes which specify this 
fundamental requirement: able to withstand 200 or more pounds of lateral  force.  Fences, on the other hand, typically do not have to meet any codes with the  exception of swimming pool fences. (Click swimming pool safety  codes for more information on pool codes.) Therefore, a fence will not usually qualify or meet code where railing IS  required as it is not designed to withstand the 200 pound limit.
Because railing usually needs to be much stronger than fence, it uses more  and  heavier aluminum, and therefore costs significantly more.   This information courtesy of : http://www.aluminumfencespecialists.com/fence-and-railing.htm

A:  Your answers can be found at the website http://www.advantagelumber.com or by calling Advantage Lumber @ 941-388-9299.  They've got great products for great prices!   Watch the video below, and see why some of our customers have chose Ipe' or Tigerwood from Advantage Lumber .