How to Have a Deck Built

Having a deck built by a professional can save you time, energy and even money in the long run. It may also be necessary if your deck will span several levels, if it will be built over water or unstable areas such as steep slopes or sand, if it will be cantilevered, or if it will be built on a roof.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck Design Books
• Calculators
• Home Shelter Magazines
• Calculators

1. Decide on your final design. Look through deck design books and home shelter magazines for plans and ideas, or search for companies that offer plans for sale that you can adapt to fit your yard.

2. Check with City Hall on any permits or reports that are required. Also check on any restrictions, such as required setbacks from neighbors' property and minimum requirements for materials, that might affect your final plan. Check that your insurance covers any workers on the site.

3. Draw up working plans to scale. Include the surface and the substructure as well as any amenities such as planters, benches, overhangs, railings and steps. Note how the deck will be supported, whether it will be attached to an existing structure, and the type of wood that will be used. For a simple deck, a detailed sketch will suffice. For more complicated deck plans, you may want or need to hire a professional.

4. Calculate your budget. Set aside 20 percent of your total budget for changes beyond your original plan. Factor in any fees for required permits, and add in the amount needed for professional design.

5. Figure the cost of labor and materials. Labor will generally run about 40 percent of your budget. Materials costs will vary depending on what you use and where you live. Traditional decking materials include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine; newer synthetic materials that resemble these products are also available. Local building codes may require specific materials. Include all hardware and support materials in your budget as well.

6. Get bids for outside work. Your best source is friends and neighbors who had work done and whose finished project you like. It's best to get bids from two or three contractors. Make sure the bid is as detailed as possible, covering the exact nature of the work to be done, the cost of all materials, and the construction schedule. Check all references before hiring.

7. Write up a contract once you've accepted a bid. Be sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.

8. Obtain any permits. You can do this yourself or have your contractor do it.

9. Prepare the site for building by clearing the work area and removing or protecting any nearby landscaping or structures. Do any preliminary work you've agreed to take care of.

10. Arrange for any final inspections required once the project is complete, and add the finishing touches. Then enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Learn what you can about the construction process, even if you won't be doing the work.
• Decide how much of the work you can do yourself. You may be able to help with demolition or some of the simpler phases of the job to save money.
• Any contract should give the name, address and business license of the contractor as well as the location of the work to be done. The contract should include the exact nature of the work to be done; a detailed list of all materials, including manufacturers, what can be salvaged, and any special processes or techniques; the construction schedule; the payment schedule, a clause for arbitration for larger projects, and a waiver of liens.
• The contract should also cover who is responsible for debris removal and list any restrictions, such as who has access to the house and who is responsible for damage to other areas of the house and yard.

on 6/11/2007 Whatever you do, don't use Trex Decking. It grows a mold in a spotted form after a month or two. You have to go over the whole deck with bleach, and sometimes that doesn't work. You'll have to bring out the pressure washer. I called Trex and they told me there is nothing they can do and I have to buy a sealer to seal the deck. I don't know about you guys, but I was told Trex decking was virtually maintenance-free. I'm working harder on the Trex than I ever did on the wood decking before!

on 6/30/2006 Don't use Trex decking. It grows a mold in a spotted form after a month or two. You will have to go over the whole deck with bleach. Sometimes the bleach doesn't work and you have to bring out the pressure washer. I called Trex and they told me there is nothing they can do and I would have to buy a sealer to seal the deck. I don't know about you guys, but I was told that Trex decking was virtually maintenance free. I'm now working harder on the Trex decking than I ever did on the wood decking.

on 11/22/2005 If you're hiring someone else to do your deck, don't bother to find out what permits are needed. Your contractor will do this for you, and you probably will spend a lot of time trying to find something you have absolutely no clue about.