Knowing what to expect when building a custom deck in Bellingham and Whatcom County leads to a smoother deck building process overall. Of course, the first crucial step of any home or business project is hiring the right contractor for the job. JPS Builders has been listed as one of The 9 Best General Contractors in Bellingham, WA by General Contractors Magazine in 2022. This is due to our steadfast commitment to great customer service and top-notch workmanship for over two decades and counting! From choosing the best decking materials to staying on budget, we provide open and honest communication at every step. Here is what you can expect when we begin to customize or build your beautiful deck.
What to expect:
- Deck Design
- Budget and Materials
- Building Timeline
- Work Environment
- Seasons and Availability
Deck Design
Adding a custom deck begins with a vision and purpose. Expanding one’s living space outdoors comes with an array of questions pertaining to the overall appearance and usage of the deck. For instance, do you prefer contemporary, traditional, or a style mixture of both? Are you planning to add a spa, or utilize the space more for personal dining? A custom deck can be created in any size or shape, freestanding or attached, ground or multi-level, and even include specialized railings as a final touch. Also, consider the location of your deck with relation to your home and environment. The level of privacy and lighting (during the day or time of year) may determine the comfortability factor of your new deck. As you can see, going into any decking project requires an idea of what you are looking for and how this translates to the type of design, proper materials, and safety measures for the deck in general. We can offer expert tips for choosing the right deck design to suit your Bellingham home and view.
Budget and Materials
Once you have a deck builder and design in mind, stating your budget is a very important step! Like you, we want your wallet to be happy and will work diligently to stay within budget from the beginning. There are times, however, when the unexpected happens and we suggest preparing for an extra expense. This tends to lessen stress and provide a good buffer for those unforeseen scenarios. Plus, we promise to work with you in each situation that arises to come up with the most suitable and affordable solution for your project and home.
Having a well-established budget also determines the type of material options available for selection. Cedar is always a classic choice that is typically less expensive, but regular maintenance and upkeep is required. Composite is excellent if you are environmentally conscious and looking for a low-maintenance type material, but this option will be higher in price upfront. Adding railings, whether wooden, composite, metal, stainless steel cabling, or glass (the latter being more expensive) is another cost to consider. If you have questions on whether you need to obtain a permit first, which can add an extensive cost and time to the project, then we will refer you to a professional Building Designer for more information. Ultimately, we will help you pick the most appropriate materials for your deck.
Building Timeline
We take great pride in our craftsmanship, and we know you will be pleased with the finished result. Having said that, you may wonder how long it will take for us to complete our work and when you will get to enjoy your newly built deck. This process, depending on the size of the deck and job at hand, can take anywhere from a day to up to six weeks. On average though, custom deck builds take about two weeks. It is important to mention the general time frame is dependent on the availability and arrival of decking materials, which may (at times) cause a delay. There are certainly factors outside of our control, but we will try very hard to maintain the schedule we lay out for you from the start.
Work Environment
Our integrity, positive attitudes, and attention to detail is evident in all areas, especially our work environment. You can expect a clean, tidy work site and great respect for your home and family. We will work fast, efficiently, and with little inconvenience to you. As with any building project, you can expect workers to be present at a set time, possible dust and debris throughout the process, and certain loud noises that will accompany machinery and tools. We will discuss these aspects of the deck building process with you in order to minimize any surprises and concerns.
Seasons and Availability
While it seems tempting to call us when the weather is nicer, the truth is we can work all year around through all seasons. In fact, business tends to slow down for us between the months of November to February here in WA State. This is actually a great time to build a deck in order to get ready for Spring time outdoor entertaining. In other words, do not let the seasons deter you from moving forward with a custom deck. We are available for custom builds any time of the year!
Conclusion
JPS Builders has over 25 years of custom deck building experience, and a reputation for high-quality work and craftsmanship. When we build a custom deck, our customers can expect to discuss their deck design, budget and materials, how long it will take, our work site etiquette, and availability during each season of the year. We plan to build the kind of deck you envision that complements your home and lifestyle.
If you need inspiration, please browse through our completed deck photos and give us a call. We look forward to working with you on your new deck!