Deck Lighting Options
A well-lit deck at night can help to prevent accidents like tripping on the stairs, plus it enhances the security available. Most Newton MA Deck Builders will recommend a variety of lighting options depending on your needs. Some of these include:
Solar Lights
If you live in an area that has a lot of natural sunlight, solar power can represent a great energy-saving option. However, they tend to be a bit dim at times but this shortfall can be addressed by complementing the solar panels with backup batteries.
String Lights
These lights are a great way to instill a warm and welcoming ambiance in this sector. They’re also easy to install and are relatively affordable. They represent a great option for DIY projects and are available in several colors.
Stair Lighting
These lights are generally placed in recesses on your stairs and are a great way to prevent potential accidents when navigating this area during twilight hours.
Hanging Lights
These are perfect for decks with a roof. You can hang up a chandelier for a classic look or opt for a simple, traditional alternative.
For deck lighting solutions at affordable rates? Call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.…
Stages of a Deck-building Project
Deck building requires a fair level of expertise if you plan on instigating a DIY project. Familiarizing yourself with the primary stages involved is essential if you don’t plan on hiring a professional Porch Builder. The key stages of building a deck include:
- Preparing the Site
This entails cutting the grass around the site and clearing any rocks or shrubs. Once this is done, the next step involves marking the ledger placements and footings. You can do this with the proverbial “X marks the spot” approach.
ii. Install the Ledger
The ledger is the board that’s anchored to the side of your house to provide structural support for the deck against the house. The ledger must be firmly fit to avoid potential future calamities.
iii. Install the Footings and Posts
This involves digging the holes with precise measurements and inserting the footing posts which will support the beams. You have to ensure that the posts fit perfectly when pouring the concrete, as there’s no room for error.
iv. Inserting the Support Beams
These beams hold the whole deck in place and represent the primary structural support of the entire structure. The number of beams will depend on the size of your deck.
v. Installing the Joists
The joists are laid in a parallel manner to offer the principal framework of the deck. The spacing and number of joists will depend on the size of the deck and the design involved.
vi. Lay the Decking
You can choose a variety of decking materials including fabricated lumber or composite alternatives. Once you lay the deck the next step at this stage involves adding railings and stairs.
For high-end deck-building services, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Building a Deck on a Budget
The cost of building a deck will depend on various aspects, including the style and design implemented. When working with a budget, it’s essential to maintain an all-round awareness of these factors to help you mitigate potential expenses. Some strategies you can implement to keep costs down include:
Scale Down your Design
While building a multi-level deck with luxury features is a great idea, it also represents a significant investment. A traditional design, on the other hand, is unlikely to cost an arm and a leg, especially when the porch design doesn’t cover a significant surface area.
Avoid Luxury Items
While you might be able to cut costs in several areas by opting for more affordable options, it’s important to ensure that your purchases represent good value for money. The saying cheap is expensive is a good way to highlight the potential risk involved with choosing the lowest-priced materials in the market.
Mitigating Square Footage
If you want a large deck area you should be prepared to spend more on materials and labor. Having a smaller deck can save you quite a lot of money, whether it’s a DIY project or a professional project. For reasonable deck-building rates, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Planning for a Deck-building Project
Renovating your deck is a great way to enhance your summer experience. You can enhance the comfort and style available with your home’s exterior depending on the design and blueprint you implement. Some elements to consider when planning a deck-building project include:
DIY or Contractors?
A deck may be too ambitious for an amateur DIY enthusiast, but if you have some experience in doing remodeling jobs, you might be able to pull it off. Hiring professional Newton MA Deck Builders, however, is the best option for anyone insistent on quality. Contracting a professional will also shorten the potential timeline involved.
Develop a Blueprint
You could take it upon yourself to develop a design for your deck or hire a professional to draw up a suitable plan. Some elements to consider at this stage include the type of deck you want, as well as the various specifications involved with the construction. This can serve as a template for contractors to follow when bringing your vision to life.
Calculate the Cost
After coming up with a plan, the next step involves estimating the total cost involved. It’s essential to research suitable materials for your needs, as well as compare prices from different suppliers. For a seamless deck-building project, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Latest Deck Appliance Upgrades
Your deck can offer an excellent location to spend time with friends and loved ones during holidays and sunny weekends. If you’re looking to enhance these experiences, upgrading the area with a variety of appliances is a straightforward means of accomplishing this objective.
Some of the latest appliance upgrades you can add after Deck Builders are through with construction include:
In-Built Grills
If you’re thinking about using your deck as a space to host small gatherings for friends and family, installing a grill is a great solution for your plans. Hosing weekend barbeques or weekend luncheons can be quite attractive with this option at hand. You can also opt for portable alternatives when looking to mitigate costs.
Outdoor Entertainment
One of the more popular upgrades included with decks is exterior audiovisual systems. This allows you to listen to your favorite artists when enjoying the cool breeze, watch a movie or even play some video games when looking to relax. You’ll likely need to enhance the security of your deck with this addition.
Firepits
Fire pits are a great way to enhance aesthetics and offer a warming solution during chilly periods when you would rather not stay indoors. Integrating safety railings around this area is recommendable for households with children. For quality deck upgrade appliance solutions, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.
Deck Roofing Designs
Your deck can be a great spot to relax and while away the time during your day off. However, this opportunity can be disrupted during the hotter season if your deck happens to be positioned in direct sunlight. Roofing solutions are a great way of addressing this problem.
Some great solutions recommended by Newton MA Deck Builders include:
Retractable Awnings
If you’re looking for a flexible option, retractable awnings offer a great solution for your needs. This adjustable extension allows you to instigate overhead cover during hotter days or when it’s raining, and remove this coverage when looking to enjoy the sun on your face.
Gazebo Roofing
If your deck has adequate space, you can install a gazebo roofing design with the structure. This is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of this space as well as enhance functionality. There are also multiple designs available with this option, allowing you to integrate a look that suits your personal style.
Louvered Roofs
Louvered roofs are roofs constructed with horizontal slats slanted at an angle that can be closed or open with the touch of a button. Pricewise it’s a bit on the high-end, but it also represents one of the best solutions on the market. For quality deck roofing solutions, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Great Pergola Designs for your Deck
Pergolas represent an excellent shading solution for residential decks and can greatly enhance the overall curb appeal of your residence. The simplicity of its structural framework means that a Porch Builder will not charge you an arm and a leg to construct.
Some excellent ideas you can implement when seeking to enhance your pergola’s design include:
Growing Vines
If you’re a fan of nature, growing vines around the pergola’s structure is a great way to enhance aesthetics and improve the shade available with this addition. Vines can offer an organic canopy across the beams and rafters, mitigating the level of sunlight that reaches the surface without blocking all available light.
Integrating Lighting Fixtures
Another great way to enhance the overall aesthetics of this structure while improving functionality is the inclusion of lighting fixtures around the framework. Simple solutions such as string lights or lanterns can greatly change the ambiance of this section. They’re also quite easy to install.
Installing Ceiling Panels
If you’re looking for a more effective means of blocking the sun’s rays you can opt for ceiling panels that stretch halfway or across the entirety of the beams and rafters. This is also a great solution to protect against elements such as rain and falling debris. If you’re seeking reliable deck upgrade services, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
How to Get a Deck Building Permit
Many people aren’t aware that most regions require homeowners to acquire a permit before they can add a deck to their home. Most professional Deck Builders will happily take over this responsibility, but if you’re planning on a DIY, the primary stages involved with this acquisition include:
Applying for the Permit
Applying for a building permit is a straightforward process and generally involves a document detailing the structural plans of your deck. You’ll also need to submit a scaled drawing of your deck as well as highlight the location of your deck on the property involved.
The submission of these drawings is to ensure that your plans meet all the requirements related to building codes and zoning department regulations. If your house is located on a corner, for instance, you might need to adhere to rules regulating the appropriate distance between the deck and the street.
Approval and Inspection
Once you have submitted your application, your local building department will go through the details and if it meets all the requirements, they will approve the application. It can take between one and three weeks in most cases to receive approval for a permit. After construction, a certified inspector will go through the construction to ensure it meets all required standards.
If you would rather not handle the permit application process on your own, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Choosing the Best Deck Railing for your Needs
Deck railings are a feature that’s highlighted as a requirement by building codes in most regions. Failure to integrate this aspect into your deck-building project can lead to hefty fines and in some cases might even result in a demolition notice.
Some railing elements you should consider when working with Newton MA Deck Builders include:
Height
In general, most building codes require your railing to be at least 36 inches in height from the deck’s surface to the top of the rails. Anything below this isn’t up to code. You might opt for increased height when looking to improve safety levels in a house with children or are looking to enhance the privacy around this area.
Style
There are multiple styles available with this fixture as it’s quite flexible. You can choose to go for railings with horizontal balusters, for instance, instead of the traditional vertical alternatives. If you’re keen on privacy you can forgo the space between verticals and implement a closed fence design instead.
Material
The materials you choose for your deck can have a significant impact on the aesthetics, functionality, and longevity of this feature. Wooden railings are the most popular option and can last for decades with the right treatment. If you’re looking for a more modern alternative you can go for stainless steel. For deck railing ideas, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
Is Home Remodeling Worthwhile?
When doing any form of renovation, you should expect a decent return on investment. Many people tend to be a bit hesitant when it comes to such ventures because of the cost and energy required for good results. If you’re still not sure about the benefits of a remodel, familiarizing yourself with such projects can be a good way to make a final decision.
Quick Remodeling Numbers
The kitchen is one of the most popular places to remodel, as most buyers pay special attention to this area when inspecting potential purchases. You can invest in a full kitchen remodel, with the ROI currently at around 59%. You may want to focus on this area to get a better selling price when looking to put your house on the market.
The master ensuite is also another area that works best for homeowners looking to sell, as they have a 50% ROI.
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood is a great option regarding materials as it has the highest ROI capped at 106%. Incorporating this option guarantees an enhanced resale value, but it’s essential to ensure that its installation is properly conducted.
Insulation and heating
Replacing the heating and cooling system will have an 85% ROI, while an insulation upgrade will have an 84% ROI. Hiring a Remodeling Contractor to address these areas is recommendable as they require a proper level of expertise to set up appropriately.
For the best remodeling services in the industry, call us today! Exponential Construction is your preferred contractor.…
