Wexford, PA

When the homeowners of this Wexford property began exploring options to replace their aging deck, they had a specific goal in mind. Their existing deck sat level with the driveway, but because the home is positioned on a hillside, the ground drops away along the back of the house — leaving an awkward, unusable space underneath. The homeowner wanted to turn that area into dry storage for bikes, sleds, and other garage overflow, eliminating the need for a shed in the yard.

After speaking with several contractors who told him the project couldn’t be done, he came to us looking for a solution.

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Turning a Challenge Into an Opportunity

Rather than seeing limitations, we saw an opportunity to approach the project differently. To achieve the homeowner’s goals, we designed and constructed a standalone concrete block structure beneath the new deck. Because this structure does not connect directly to the house, the project required new footers and a full foundation system — making it more similar to a small new-construction build than a typical deck replacement.

This approach allowed us to support the new deck above while creating a fully enclosed storage area below.

Keeping the Space Dry

One of the biggest challenges of the Greenbriar project was managing rainwater. Decks are not typically designed as waterproof structures, but the storage space needed to remain completely dry.

Our team developed a custom drainage system beneath the deck that directs water away from the structure and prevents moisture from entering the storage area. The result is a weather-protected space that provides secure storage without taking up valuable yard space.

Designed to Match the Home

While the structural solution was critical, it was equally important that the finished space looked intentional. Rather than leaving exposed concrete block, we finished the structure to match the home’s exterior design so the storage area blends seamlessly with the house.

Above it, the new deck provides a larger outdoor space for entertaining and connects cleanly to the driveway, making the area far more functional than before.

A Solution Others Said Wasn’t Possible

This 12-week project required flexibility, creative problem solving, and close collaboration with the homeowner as we navigated the unique challenges of the design.

What began as a project many contractors said couldn’t be done ultimately delivered exactly what the homeowner envisioned — a larger deck, a clean integrated storage solution, and a design that makes the most of the property’s natural slope.

Have an underused area of your home? Our team at Evergreen General Contracting can help you turn it into functional space that suits your needs. Contact us to start planning your project.

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