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A typical deck addition with Evergreen General Contracting will take approximately 2-6 weeks depending on the scope, complexity, and time of year.
The first step is determining a budget and how complex the deck will be. Typically, the planning, and budgeting, process takes as long as the construction. However, these steps are completed before we even swing a hammer! Once we get started, the time breakdown usually looks like this…
Here is a step by step guide of what to expect for your new deck addition.
So you know you want to renovate your old, weather-worn back deck, but you’re not exactly sure what you want to do? This is the time to figure out those details. Do you want one level or two? Do you want a roof or a deck open to the sky? Are you considering an outdoor fireplace, cooking area, or just a casual entertaining space?
Here at Evergreen General Contractors, we can help you make these decisions. We are also able to assist in selecting materials, finishes and final layout. For example, we will walk you through the pros and cons of building a deck using hardwood or Trex. We will also review your ideas, renovation trends, and help you determine a realistic budget. This phase will help you finalize the project details and ensure that your expectations align with your investment.
The deck permitting phase is usually quick, but detailed and involves submitting construction drawings, site plans and any relevant structural plans to the local building department. This ensures compliance with zoning, safety and building codes. Depending on how often the committee meets and how complex the plans are, this phase typically takes 2-4 weeks and involves reviews by the necessary officials, HOA’s, and building inspectors.
Evergreen General Contractors will walk you through the process of submitting the necessary applications including a site plan showing property lines, and structural/construction drawings showing the footings, beam sizes and materials. Once the deck addition is approved a building permit is issued and construction can begin. (Note: decks over 30” typically require building permits.)
The construction phase of building a new deck typically involves a 1-4 week process. The key steps include clearing the area, pouring concrete piers, installing the ledger board, building the joist frame, laying deck boards, and adding stairs, railings, etc. Overall timing is typically determined by the complexity of the project.
As professional deck builders, Evergreen General Contractors will start by preparing the site and laying the foundation. We do this by clearing the site, marking utility lines, digging holes for concrete footings or piers to support the structure. Next, we will attach a ledger board to the house, which acts as the pain support for the deck. Vertical posts are set on the footings and horizontal beams are installed to support the joists, which are then added as the skeleton framework of the deck. Finally, deck boards (usually wood or composite) are installed across the joints and railings and stairs are added. It is here that Evergreen General Contractors will add any finishing touches desired by the clients such as trimming, skirting, built-in lighting, etc.
There are three main factors that could cause delays in the timeline of your new deck project.
Project scope is a huge factor in determining the length of your project. Smaller, simpler decks can take just a few days to complete, while larger and more customized decks could take up to a month or more
As mentioned above, the planning and design phase is important in getting your deck project on track. It’s also a step that should be fully completed before permitting and construction even begins. This helps eliminate timely change orders and material delays.
Unfortunately, weather is the one component that is difficult to control. Rain, snow, extreme heat, or freezing temperatures can halt construction, particularly for the excavation and concrete footing curing. However, planning for these possibilities can minimize their effect.
Evergreen General Contractors is able to help minimize the delays in your project by planning ahead and working with you during the project.
Below are some simple steps you can take to get started on your new deck addition and ensure that it stays on schedule throughout construction.
Evergreen General Contractors uses a design/build model to ensure that communication is clear throughout the build.
Clearly communicating your design plans and finish selections early in the process will help avoid delays later during construction.
Now that you understand every stage of the new deck addition timeline, you’re ready to plan your project, avoid delays, and make design choices that will suit your space and budget. Once you are ready to turn your plans into action, contact Evergreen General Contractors to manage your entire project from initial consultation through the final walkthrough. With expert craftsmanship, clear communication, and a history of successful builds, we’ll make sure your new deck is everything you wanted.
