Wooden Decks Archives - A.W. Puma Remodeling + Restoration

The most essential first step when beginning a home remodeling project is to select your contractor. Your goal is to choose a professional who is reliable, honest, and has a good reputation for quality work. You’ll want to get multiple estimates and check each contractor’s reviews, but there is more you can do to select the best contractor for you. Think of this step as the “interview” process.

Your job at this point is to ask a lot of questions. Here are 13 of the most important:

1. How long have you been a remodeling contractor?

First and foremost, you want an experienced remodeling contractor. Those with years of experience have created processes and controls to ensure that their projects are completed on time and on budget. Experience helps to produce quality results that will meet your expectations.

2. Will I have a dedicated team working on my project?

Contractors often work several projects at a time. You want to know that the individuals on your job will be consistent from day to day. Ask: Will the same team be working on my project each day? Will you be the project manager? If not, who and what will he or she oversee each day? What is your process for qualifying the sub-contractors you work with? How often can I expect a progress report?

3. What remodeling contractor insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the types of jobs they perform. Ask to see their Certificate of Insurance for peace of mind that the company and their employees are insured for the type of work you are hiring them for. In addition, ask if the sub-contractors they hire are insured under the contractor’s insurance.

4. What licenses and certification does your company and its employees have?

Cities, states, and sometimes counties have different contractors’ licensing requirements. You want to know that your contractor has obtained any required certifications for their field of expertise. (You don’t want to hire a carpenter whose license is in plumbing.) A business license is not sufficient. A license to operate a business doesn’t mean that the individual is a licensed or credentialed contractor.

5. Will the remodeling contractor obtain the necessary permits and arrange for the required inspections?

Some projects require permits and/or inspections, especially if your project changes the structure of the home. Your contractor should know what permits are needed and how to get them … and should be willing to obtain them for you.

6. What is your timeline for starting and completing this project?

Ask, too, if there are any circumstances that might affect the schedule, such as other projects the company is working on now or prospective projects that may go to contract. Learn how changes to the timeline will be addressed.

7. How do you want to be paid? What is the payment schedule?

You should never be expected to pay for the entire project upfront and a reputable contractor will not ask you to. It is important to know exactly how much is due and when.

8. How will additional remodeling contractor charges be handled?

With today’s technology, contractors can provide very accurate pricing, but remodeling projects can be unpredictable at times. Once a project is underway, circumstances may arise that can change the initial estimate. Homeowners may decide to make changes that require a “change order.” It is important that your contractor agree not to exceed the agreed upon budget without getting approval.

9. What will a typical day on this project be like?

You need to know what to expect on construction days so you can prepare appropriately. At what time does the workday begin and end? What does the homeowner need to remove prior to the start of the project? Does the homeowner need to be home during the project? Should pets be removed from the home? What will the noise level be like? In addition, ask how tools and materials will be stored if the job spans several days? Ask if tools will be put away or if equipment needs to stay in place until the following day. At the end of the day, will trash be removed and disposed of? Will there be routine end-of-day clean up to ensure an uncluttered workspace?

10. What steps are taken to protect my property?

Although the question may seem disrespectful, it is important to know that your contractor is willing to take appropriate steps to protect your home. Ask about the use of tarps to cover large furniture and surfaces in the work area. Will the crew wear shoe coverings in the house? Will doors need to be kept open and will they be closed and locked when leaving the home?

11. Do you offer a warranty for your service or for the materials you will use?

Most remodeling contractors offer a guarantee on their work, and you’ll want to know what their warranty covers and for how long. The materials used may have a manufacturer’s warranty, so you should request a copy of this information before construction begins.

12. How will we communicate with each other during the project?

Who is the remodeling contractor person you should be contacting if you have a question or a change? When is the best time to contact this person and how – by phone, text, email? Ask in what general timeframe you can expect a response.

It is critical to establish good communication between contractor and homeowner. Prospective contractors will welcome your questions and should have a list of questions of their own to determine what you desire in your remodel and what your expectations are. You don’t want a contractor who agrees with everything you say.

You want an open dialogue which ensures a positive working relationship for this project and beyond.

How will we resolve any disagreements?

Mistakes and disagreements with remodeling contractors do sometimes occur, therefore, a remodeling contractor must have a process to handle this. As a result, you will hire a remodeler who guarantees their work and has a process in place to make sure you are 100% satisfied.

Want to know what it is like to work with a reliable remodeling contractor? Check out our latest reviews on BuildZoom.

If you are thinking about extending the function and value of your home with a custom deck, know that there are many variables and requirements you need to consider. Whether your new deck is a brand-new addition or one that replaces a worn or no longer serviceable deck, the professionals at A.W. Puma have found that the process is relatively the same.

Replacing an Existing Deck with a Custom Deck

Since you already have a deck in place that conforms to your site plan, the need to obtain a new certified plot plan may not be necessary, unless your new deck differs in size and scope. A certified plot plan by a surveyor determines that the design doesn’t encroach on setbacks. This is then presented to the town building department for approval to move forward with the plan.

Some clients want to replace the existing deck floor and railings with composite, while retaining the original wood framing. In cases like this, we ask about the age of the deck. If it was built 15 or 20 years ago, we typically advise that the entire deck be rebuilt as the composite flooring will likely outlive the wood framing in place and the whole deck will need to be rebuilt in 5 or 10 years. An older deck can be replaced with wood flooring, which is less expensive than composite, and will last as long as the existing framing and footings.

Beginning the Process of Creating your Very Own Custom Deck

At A.W. Puma Remodeling, we begin with a consultation that includes many, many questions for the homeowners. Basically, we need to know how the deck will be used in the here and now and what future plans the homeowners may have for the deck.

How many family members will be using the deck?
Will you use the deck for entertaining friends and extended family?
Will you be grilling on the deck?
Do you envision a more elaborate “outdoor kitchen” that will require electricity, a stove top, grill, venting, special lighting?
What other activities will you be planning on the deck? Dinner parties with the need for a table and seating?
Will your deck surround a pool or spa?
Will the deck require stairs and if so, how and where will they be located?
… and more

Where Will the Deck be Located?

Most times, the location of the deck is apparent, but when there may be more than one choice, we’ll ask:

What time of the day will the location be in sun or in shade?
Where can you maximize the scenic view?
What location creates privacy from neighbors?
What area provides the better access from house to deck?

Deck Lighting

There are several ways to add light to your deck to create a festive or romantic feeling. A popular choice today is to add solar post caps, a cost-effective way to add character and ambience to your deck. Solar post caps give a romantic glow rather than brightness. Were you thinking about:

Overhead lights
Wall or post-mounted lights
Landscape spotlights
Path lights

Options for Your Custom Deck Material

Today, composite materials made of recycled wood fibers and plastics are the top choice for decking. While composite is more expensive than wood, there is little – virtually no maintenance — costs or labor to deal with.

With today’s higher pricing of lumber, composite decking may be more in line in price with wood than in the past. Other choices include:

Pressure-treated woods, which contain wood and preservatives for resistance to weather, are available in many choices, including pine, cedar, and redwood. Wood provides a traditional look of warmth but must be maintained yearly.
Premium hardwoods, such as teak or Brazilian Ipe Hardwood are extremely durable but cost more than pressure-treated woods.
PVC or plastic planks resist rot and hold up well to harsh weather, but they are costly, may feel spongy underfoot, and tend to get very hot under the sun.

Do you have a budget in mind for your custom deck?

The budget for a new or rebuilt deck includes more than materials and labor and will determine the size and design of your project. These extras should be considered and added to the estimate:

Built-in seating and table
Railings
Lighting
Flowerboxes
Built-in storage

Don’t forget permits and any fees determined by your town.

Generally, all the specifications are done in-house at A.W. Puma Remodeling. The beam size, post size and positioning. Our clients don’t have to worry about extra fees for these items.

Plans for the Future

It is important to know at the outset if there are some things that you may envision but cannot do right now. For example, if you think you might like to add a hot tub at some time in the future, we need to plan for it now, with heavy-duty footings or additional beams. Be prepared to discuss these future thoughts during the initial consultation.

Some Interesting Trends

Especially with composite decking, hidden fasteners where no screws or nail heads show, are very popular. Cable railings, which have been around for quite some time, include the use of stainless- steel braided wire. Chosen, so as not to block the view, cable railings, like glass partitions, are gaining popularity. Also popular for railings are PVC pipe with black spindles.

Composite decking now is available in even more life-like colors and designs. It is not only textured with a wood-like grain but created with light and dark streaking simulating the look of wood planking.

Decks have gotten larger. With the additional time people have spent at home in the past year, many are looking to increase the use of outdoor living space.

The First Step to Creating your Custom Deck

If you are thinking about adding or replacing a custom deck, the first step is to talk to an experienced builder who can advise you of the process and the decisions you will need to make before you get a firm estimate of the cost.

Do your research. Look at magazines to get an idea of the styles and designs you like. Then, think about a budget and call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you along to create a new living space you will enjoy for many years.

Blogs: Wooden Decks

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeling Contractor