If you’re planning a new deck, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the choices. Should you choose wood? What type? Is a wood-composite better? Read on for some helpful tips.

Wood Decking

Pressure-treated southern-yellow pine

The most popular and least expensive option.  This wood is always used for the deck framing, and often used for decking and railings.  The only advantage is its resistance to decay. The downside is it requires annual maintenance, and the decking and railings are prone to splitting, splintering and generally not weathering well.

Cedar (white or red)

The next-best option. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, and it weathers to a pleasing color.  Still requires frequent maintenance, but it is more stable than pressure-treated wood.

Hardwoods

Several are available, such as mahogany and ipe.  Very beautiful and durable materials that weather well, but still require frequent maintenance.   Can also be more costly than composites.

Composite Decking:

PVC-capped composite decking

Many brands available, such as Azek/Timbertech, Trex.  These materials consist of a core wrapped with a wood-grain stamped PVC shell.  Usually installed with hidden fasteners for a cleanlook. Very durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance materials.   Material cost is considerably more than pressure-treated wood (3-4 times as much).

Composite Railings:

Many different brands and styles available.  Lower-cost options are usually made of PVC plastic;   Better-quality options are made of a harder composite material that more closely resembles wood.

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Not sure where to start? Contact us and we will be glad to meet with you and discuss your options!

Are you planning a deck renovation? Or maybe you’re adding a brand new deck to your house? Either way, there are a lot of factors to consider, and I bet you have a lot of questions. With over twenty years of experience building decks, I’ve answered the most important questions about deck building.

How do I start the process of building a deck?

1. First, determine if you want a deck or a patio.  Patios are almost always made of masonry/concrete, and are constructed on-grade.  These are oftentimes a better fit if your house is only a few steps down to the ground.

2. If a deck is a better fit, then you will have to determine how big of a deck you can build based on local zoning regulations.  We can help with this process. 

3. Next, you will have to decide which materials to use.  Today, more than ever, there are numerous types of wood, as well as numerous composite materials.  Composite materials are typically more expensive, but will last longer with little maintenance required. We’ll work with you to determine the best solution for your deck.

Can I build the deck myself to save money?

1. Yes, if you are very skilled, have someone with a strong back who can assist you, and have the time to complete the project in a timeframe that isn’t disruptive to your household.  

2. The skills needed are:

   1. Ability to draw plans required to obtain a building permit.

   2. Ability to learn and comply with building code.

   3. Ability to dig holes for footings and pour concrete.

   4. Semi-advanced carpentry skills .

   5.  And last but not least, the ability to finish the project in a timely manner so as to minimize disruption to your household as much as possible.

Where do I find a contractor to build my deck?

1. Ask friends and family if they know of any reputable contractors who specialize in decks.

2. Check the local newspaper’s classified ads.

3. Use a search engine such as Google to find a local contractor who specializes in decks.

Where do I find the products that I will need for my decks?

We prefer referring our customers to local specialty retailers as opposed to big-box stores. In the Connecticut area, there are several full-service lumber-yards that can supply the lumber, decking and railing systems required for your new deck.  These stores all have highly qualified sales associates who can assist you with your choices.

We proudly specify and use Azek/Timbertech products, but can work with any of the numerous composite decking/railing systems.

How much can I expect to spend on a new deck?

Figure anywhere from $25-$60 per square foot (and up), depending on the choice of materials, as well as site-specific conditions.  

When should I renovate an existing deck, and when should I demolish the existing deck and start over?

If the sub-structure of the existing deck is in excellent shape, and is built to current building code with the proper materials, we will often recommend salvaging the deck framing.

If the existing structure is sub-standard, and not built using pressure-treated wood, then we will recommend a full replacement.

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Like I said, there’s a lot to consider when building or renovating a deck. Still not sure where to start? We will be glad to meet with you and discuss your options.

With so many contractors in Connecticut, how do you choose the right one for your residential construction project? These tips will help you make the best decision for your home project.

1. For any sizable project, you should get at least three estimates. Choose reputable contractors who are licensed and insured.

2. Ask the contractor to see copies of his State of Connecticut Home Improvement Contractors License, and copies of both his General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Policies.

3. Ask the contractor for 3-5 references of other customers in the area that he has worked for.

4. If possible, visit one of the contractor’s jobs to gauge the quality of his work.

5. Check with the contractor’s major suppliers to see that he is in good standing.

6. Compare the proposals that you have received. Make sure that any differences in materials and/or methods of construction are noted.

7. And lastly, try to avoid the mistake of choosing the contractor based solely on price. While it may be tempting to choose the contractor with the lowest price, avoid making your decision on price alone. For example, if you receive four quotes, and three are very close in price, but the fourth is substantially lower, you should ask yourself why the price is so low.

Questions about choosing a contractor?

So, you're considering updating or remodeling your bathroom? I bet you have lots of questions! The answers to these questions can depend on many factors, but I'll answer based on my experience renovating many bathrooms over the years.

How do I start the bathroom renovation process?

First off, try to pin down your style with visual references. Do you have a theme you’d like to follow? Modern farmhouse style? Beachy? Sleek and minimal? Pull images from magazines or from sites around the internet like Pinterest or Houzz.

Then start thinking about what features your new bathroom will have. Will it have a tub, shower, or both? Double sinks? Pedestal sinks? Visit local plumbing supply, bath, and tile showrooms to get some ideas. Big-box stores are another option, but smaller, local stores are your best bet if you want to talk to employees with a little more expertise. 

Can I do it myself and save money?

The short answer is yes, especially with so many DIY websites and video tutorials available, but it's no easy task! It helps if you are very skilled, have someone with a strong back who can assist you, and have the time to complete the project in a timeframe that isn’t disruptive to your household. The skills needed are:

• Ability to perform demolition on an entire bathroom.

• Ability to perform electrical work that conforms to current building code.

• Ability to perform plumbing work that conforms to current building code.

• Ability to install and finish drywall.

• Ability to install floor and wall tile.

• If doing a custom shower, ability to build and tile a waterproof shower pan.

• Ability to do finish carpentry (trim work).

• Ability to paint entire bathroom.

• And last but not least, the ability to finish the project in a timely manner so as to minimize disruption to your household as much as possible.

Where do I find a contractor for my bathroom renovation?

• Ask friends and family if they know of any reputable contractors who specialize in bathrooms.

• Check the local newspaper’s classified ads.

• Search online to find a local contractor.

Where do I find the products and fixtures that I will need?

We prefer referring our customers to trusted local specialty retailers as opposed to big-box stores. In Connecticut, we have several stores that can supply the plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, and tile for your new bathroom.  These stores all have highly qualified sales associates who can assist you with your choices.

How much can I expect to spend on my bathroom renovation?

This is a very difficult question, and depends in large part on your personal tastes.  However, a simple bathroom with a cast-iron tub, tile surround, tile floor, 3-4’ vanity will start at about $10,000.  

Please note: Whenever tiled tub walls are specified, we always use cast-iron bathtubs. You can’t argue with the longevity of these tubs.  We have even occasionally reused cast-iron bathtubs that were over 60 years old because they were in perfect condition!

A shower bath with a typical 4’ tiled shower stall will start at about $12,000.

These are just rough estimates. Occasionally, we have done jobs for less, and more often than not for more depending on the choices of the customer.

Should I do a full renovation, or just update some fixtures?

Our typical bathroom project is a complete “gut to the studs” renovation. There are rare cases where we have just replaced a vanity/sink & toilet and freshened up the paint, but only in cases where the tub and/or shower is in excellent condition. Replacing a tub/shower usually results in completely gutting the bathroom.

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Even though it's a small space, a bathroom remodel can be a big project! Not sure where to start? 

Contact us and we will be glad to meet with you and discuss your options!