The cookout and barbecue season is just around the corner! Even though in the middle of February you probably don’t want to even think about doing anything outside, let alone grilling, now is the time to start planning for spring and summer. If you want to add a deck to your home, you will notice that you are not the only one when the first warm days roll in. Neighborhoods usually turn into construction sites by mid-March. So if you want to book an experienced Maryland deck building company for your project, start planning your deck today.
Decide Why You Want a Deck
A deck is certainly a nice outdoor oasis to have, but what exactly do you want it for? Do you plan on grilling and enjoying outdoor dinners with your family? Or maybe you need more entertainment space for your Gatsby-style summer parties? The reason you have to know this before building a deck is because the purpose of the structure will largely define its shape, size and other elements of the deck design. For example, if you want to put a hot-tub on your deck, it needs to be able to support the weight. Similarly, if you want to host a lot of people, a wrap-around deck will provide more space.
Choose the Location
There are usually not that many options where you can put a deck. Typically it’s the side of the home the furthest away from the street. But if you live in a secluded location relatively far away from neighbors, you might have more choices. When selecting the location for your deck, go back to our first point and think about the purpose. If you are putting a grill on it, make sure it’s close to the kitchen. If it’s for entertaining, make sure it connects to other recreational areas, such as a pool or a patio.
Research the Permits
Check what kind of permits you would need to add a deck to your home. Your Maryland deck building contractor will help you with the application, but it’s good to know what documents you might need. If your home is a part of a Homeowner Association community, then you might have some additional paperwork to worry about. Most HOAs regulate decks and might limit your options in terms of size, style or color. Read your HOA’s architectural code to find the provisions on deck building.
Find Your Builder
Finding a good Maryland deck contractor can be challenging if you wait till the last minute. Spring and summer are essentially the deck building season, so all the good contractors are usually booked. Start asking around and researching different deck building companies. This way you can get ahead of most homeowners who wait till mid-spring to hire a contractor. Be sure to ask your candidates about their license and insurance information, as well as ask them to provide references or photos of completed projects. Choose a contractor who not only does a good job, but is also easy to get in touch with. If you have any questions about your deck in the future, you shouldn’t have to spend time trying to track your contractor down.
And if you would like to learn more about our deck building process at Custom Deck Builders, feel free to give us a call or contact online!