Your Deck or Porch Remodel or Addition questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to build a deck near me?
The average cost to build a deck is $25 to $50 per square foot or $3,600 to $7,200 on average. The total price depends on local labor costs, wood type, size, level built-on, and if there's seating or stairs built-in.
How long does it take to build a deck?
An average 12'x24' deck takes one to three weeks to build, depending on the size, style, and contractor's experience. A professional team takes under a week to build a standard deck, while a custom deck above the first-level with built-ins takes up to three weeks to finish.
How long does a wood deck last?
A deck made of untreated wood lasts 10 to 30 years, depending on the quality and proper maintenance, sealing, and repairs. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials last 25 to 50 years.
Should I repair or replace my deck?
Wood decks last 10 to 30 years with annual maintenance and repairs before disintegrating and potentially becoming dangerous or collapsing. Consider replacing decks older than 8 years that need major repairs or when the cost of repairs exceeds half the cost of new deck building.
Decks need regular maintenance, sealing, minor repairs, and cleaning annually to remain habitable and safe.
For major repairs, decks eight years old or less can be re-planked and re-railed without compromising the stability and safety of the structure.
Does a deck add value to a home?
Spending $10,000 on a new deck increases the value of a home by $7,500 on average. Adding a deck has a 70% to 80% return on investment when selling the home.
Do you need a permit to build a deck in my area?
A building permit is required if the deck is attached to the home, services a door, over 200 square feet, more than 30 inches above the ground, has plumbing or electricity, or be built in a floodplain. Contact your local building authority to see if you need a permit in your area.
How to find local deck contractors?
To find the best deck companies, do the following:
Get at least three price estimates to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
Ask if they are part of their local chamber of commerce or any trade associations such as the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA).
Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized estimate or contract in writing.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
After asking questions, hire the best deck contractor near you.
What questions should you ask deck companies?
When hiring a deck builder, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been a deck contractor?
What decking materials do you experience installing?
What decking material do you recommend for my project?
How many decks have you built?
How much would my deck cost?
What services are included in the cost?
Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How long will the project take?
Do I need permits, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
What’s your payment schedule?
Are financing options available?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Charlotte deck builders
Recent success stories from people in the Charlotte area.
Atoyia M.
Richard, came out and gave free estimates, and wasted no time, ready to work. Great quality. His crew was early, and worked nonstop.Cleaned up, everything. I would highly recommend this company.
RF Roofing & Siding Inc
Omar G.
They are an excellent job they are honest working people it is one of the best experiences I have had in life 100% guaranteed
C&I Glazing and Metal LLC
Pete C.
Mr. Walters was honest and forthright, fair in his pricing. He installed about 160 feet of wooden privacy fence in my backyard and was diligent about overcoming obstacles like trees and tree stumps that might have impeded the project. He knows his tools and knows his product and is skilled at what he does.
Walters Renovations LLC
Dana V.
Jeff is a great guy to work with. He's very communicative and detailed. You will always know the timeline for your project and he will update you if anything changes to that timeline. We chose to have our project completed during COVID when the costs of all materials skyrocketed but Jeff kept us informed and did his best to still keep the project on budget. Jeff hires only the best subcontractors to do the work needed. He's able to hire the best because he has great working relationships with the best. Jeff works tirelessly from quoting the project to seeing it through to the very end. We are very pleased with the final outcome of our poolside pavilion.
I am the owner of an architectural design/drafting house, and I have worked with Mr. Francis on numerous occasions over the last 6 years. Mr. Francis is a reputable builder and we have built a great working relationship with Odyssey solely based on his integrity, and his passion for construction.
Mr. Francis has always respected the design process and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that clients we have worked together with are completely satisfied with the job from start to finish.
His clientele that we have encountered have always been proud of the service that he brings to their projects and have been more than happy to employ his services in the future. Whenever Mr. Francis calls, I make sure that I or someone on my design team makes themselves available to him. He has been a valuable resource to refer to in the design process. He has also made himself available to me and my team, even if it is not a project he is directly associated with.
Mr. Francis is the professional you want to hire to get the job done!
Odyssey Custom Homes & Renovations
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