Tag Archives: Milledgeville GA deck builder

Archadeck of Central GA, Deck builder, Porch builder/contractor, Professional outdoor structure builder

Make 2019 The Year to Improve Your Macon or Warner Robins Backyard!

Out of all the questions homeowners ask us in regards to planning and building an anticipated outdoor living space addition, the most frequently asked is “WHEN is the best time to build?” Many factors can fall into play when answering this question, but in essence, if you are ready to pursue your addition then there is no time like the present to get the ball rolling!

Macon-GA-Screened-Porch

With a New Year in full swing — there is no time like the present!

While there is never really a wrong time to begin your outdoor living space project since we build structures year-round,  there are advantages to beginning your process early in the year, and while cooler weather is in the air!

screen porch-outdoor fireplace-macon Ga lr

Advantage — A good reason to begin your outdoor structure in the late fall and winter months is there may be less wait time to begin construction. Gaining approval through HOA’s and permitting will take less time because there is less backlog early in the season and this can often make the wait-time minimal in most cases. Making the decision to build now will ensure being able to enjoy the benefits of your new structure sooner and in plenty of time for the arrival of the outdoor living season in the months ahead. Keep in mind, when dealing with a quality builder wait times can be longer, especially during the warmer months. Moving ahead early in the year on your project can greatly reduce those wait times.

rustic-shed-roof-screen porch-Macon-GA

Advantage — If you are considering a structure built from wood, a cooler month project timeline will provide many benefits. Wood requires a time period of acclimation and curing. The laws of expansion and contraction always apply when it comes to working with wood. All wood is hygroscopic, meaning that when exposed to air, it will release or pick up moisture until it is level with the humidity and temperature of the air. Humid conditions, such as those in our humid Georgia summers, will cause more rapid expansion and contraction of wood that is not yet sealed for protection against the elements.

Redeck-Macon-Deck-Pressure Treated

A structure built from wood needs to cure for a period of time before the sealer will properly adhere to the wood and promote beneficial protection qualities. By choosing to build during the least humid times of the year, your new wooden deck, porch or other outdoor structure will have ample time to cure in order to properly accept the sealer you choose.

Advantage — Your lawn and landscape will incur less stress by choosing to build during the cooler months of the year — this is because most turf grasses, trees and shrubs are in their dormant period during the winter. During dormancy, these plantings are less likely to experience permanent damage from having to be trimmed or pruned to accommodate the addition of a backyard space. Aside from the landscape, construction during the winter will cause less of an interruption to your family’s day-to-day activities and lifestyle as the kids are in school and most people use their yards less during these months. This means the noises and materials will be less of an annoyance than they would be when you are using the yard a lot during the warmer months.

Milledgeville GA Deck Builder

Advantage — Last but not least, planning a new outdoor living space is a great way to curb the post-holiday blues. With a New Year underway, one way to curb the post-holiday blues is to look beyond the winter doldrums to warmer months ahead.  With this in mind, many Central Georgia homeowners may begin planning for the outdoor living season. These plans may involve a new addition to your landscape or outdoor living space.  Whether your aspirations include adding a new outdoor structure, or improving or adding to an existing structure,  winter is a good time to get the ball rolling before spring arrives.

TimberTech-deck-Macon GA

If you are on the fence about moving forward with a new or improved outdoor living space, now is the perfect time to get your project planned and on the schedule! Contact Archadeck of Central GA today at (478) 745-2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

 

Archadeck of Central GA, Deck builder, Redecking and Deck Resurfacing

A Redeck in Milledgeville, GA, That Never Goes Out Of Style!

If you visit our website you are likely impressed by the amount of brand new large-scale spaces we build.   Many homeowners thinking of renovating an existing space rule out the potential to bring their vision to life when they don’t have a large scale project in mind.

Milledgeville GA Redecking Project.

Here at Archadeck of Central GA, we realize that redecking projects have every opportunity to add as much enjoyment and benefit as new (from scratch) builds do.  Thus, is the case with our recent redecking project in Milledgeville, GA.

We can redeck using wood, hardwoods or composite materials. Many of our clients choose composites for their redecking projects because they have grown tired of routine deck maintenance. Synthetic materials can transform your Macon or Warner Robins deck from a chore that needs tackling to a place to relax.

When we inspected the existing wooden deck to see if it was a candidate for redecking, the first thing that was evident was the deck’s age — it was really old, wiggly and close to becoming a safety hazard.  Archadeck of Central GA deemed the deck structurally sound enough based the condition of the joists.

Before:

First, we needed to re-bolt the deck to the home. We also notice when the deck was originally installed with 4 x 4 posts, which was incorrect and not up-to-current code. We installed new beams and a new edge band.

Once the structural improvements were set in place we redecked with low-maintenance Timbertech composite decking in Antique Palm® for the decking floor, on the custom inset benches, and on the rail cap.  We accented the rich hue of the decking with Fortress steel powder-coated railings.

Milledgeville GA Redecking Experts

The nifty benches were constructed without backs in order to retain the view. The benches are also moveable so the homeowners can change the look of the deck any time they wish.

If you are ready to breathe new life into your tired backyard deck and add years of outdoor living enjoyment, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. You can reach us by phone at (478) 745 – 2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

Archadeck of Central GA

Buyer Beware: Archadeck of Central GA warns homeowners to be wary of the contractor who gives you a quote on the spot, and here is why…

Porch - Westchester - Macon GA
Part of choosing the right builder for your outdoor space is knowing the builder has your best interests in mind.

You have probably often heard the phrases “the early bird gets the worm”, or “Johnny on the spot”  in regard to being eager and motivated and getting things accomplished. While being the early bird is a plus in many aspects, being too eager and not factoring in important details can mean that being first in line can pan out last.  As an outdoor living space builder I get asked all the time during the first meeting to guess a ballpark figure of how much a project will cost. One of the worst things I can do is throw out a number. Here’s why.

Archadeck of Central Georgia does all of our pricing through a computer and innovative software that dictates price through pricing models. These pricing models take into account the width, depth, height off the ground, shape and various material needs in each project we do. It is a very sophisticated, yet accurate process, and I am constantly amazed at how bad my guesses are once I have compared them with the computer results. I have been designing and building outdoor structures since 1999, and even with my background and experience I guess too high on one out of three quotes, too low on one out of three and in the ballpark ( but not a home run), with one in three! With this in mind, the worst thing I can do is guess at a price or set a homeowner’s expectation on something I cannot deliver.

In our last story, we discussed how a design can dictate the price. The real question that needs to be addressed prior to throwing out any numbers is how much you want to spend on a project. Archadeck of Central GA ask three important  questions prior to giving any quote to ensure the customer gets the space they want at the price they can afford.

Before you go to any car lot, you know if you are looking for a Chevy or a Lexus. Before you go shop for homes, you know whether you are looking for houses priced at $250,000 or 500,000 just to name a couple examples. You don’t expect the Lexus dealer to give you a Chevy but you do need to know the range of investment and the level of quality you are seeking.

The three questions that any quality, experienced builder should ask their customer are:

#1) What do you want the project to look like?

#2) What function do you want to project to deliver?

#3) What is your economic investment? This ensures we can stay within the price range of what the homeowner is looking for.

North Macon GA Cypress covered porches
Deciding which primary aesthetics and function(s) you want in your intended outdoor space is just as important as knowing your budget.

In retrospect, if I am not able to get a homeowner to provide me with the answers to these three crucial questions, I typically do not get the work. It is however, not uncommon that there has to be some give and take on at least one of these areas. Archadeck of Central GA has built projects that are $4,000 and also projects in excess of $70,000, so we expect some grey areas.  The purpose of getting a customer to answer these questions is important because it gets clients to think about their situation which helps them determine how much money they are willing to budget for a their project because that is the question I cannot answer for them.

Archadeck of Central GA knows that the success of your project relies on the customer and builder working together towards a common goal.
Archadeck of Central GA knows that the success of your project relies on the customer and builder working together towards a common goal.

When you are comparing prices from one project to the next, unless you have written specifications and a drawing, or rendering, as well as methodology of the intended construction, then it is hard to only compare price. In the commercial world of building and design, architects design to certain specifications. These specifications are sent out to those bidding on the jobs and each contractor involved has to compile and deliver a quote based on the same specifications. This method ensures the purchaser knows that they comparing apples to apples and can make a well-informed decision based on the price supplied by those quoting the project. In residential outdoor design, the homeowner rarely if ever hires an architect. Therefore the customer and builder must work together towards a common goal and the builder must have ways to articulate exactly what their project includes.

Before you decide to go with the contractor who is the quickest to quote your project,take heed and proceed with caution because the ultimate success and happiness of your outdoor living space project is all about communication and details- something the “Johnny on the spot” builder is not prepared to deliver.

Remember that no two outdoor living spaces are created equal. Having an outdoor structure specialist designing your space can actually help keep the prices lower enabling a more suitable design for your individual needs. If you are ready to learn more about how we can enhance your outdoor living experience and stay within your budget, contact Archadeck of Central GA today(478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GAYou can see more examples of our versatile, high quality outdoor living spaces by visiting our decks photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

 

 

Archadeck of Central GA

Archadeck of Central GA discusses the complexity of the answer to the million dollar question of “just tell me how much it is going to be” when it comes to outdoor space designs

Deck project in St. Croix Macon GA
Archadeck of Central GA explores the complexity of throwing out a “ballpark” figure before we have carefully considered all the elements that go into a custom outdoor space design

One of the most common questions I get from homeowners is “how much will it be?” This usually occurs during the first few minutes of my initial consultation with a prospective client and I have even been asked the same type of question over the phone when setting up the appointment for the initial consultation. I’m asked questions like “what is the square foot price” or “can I have just a ballpark figure?” I have to say, it still surprises me that so many homeowners assume coming up with an accurate quote for their anticipated project is as cut and dry as determining a price before we have even had a chance to factor in many important elements. After all, you would never dream of going to see a real estate agent and telling them you want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home without first discussing your budget or the amenities you want the home to include, i.e.: neighborhood, one story, two-story, brick, or siding (just for starters). Asking what the price is before taking all details into consideration is nothing short of driving to the car lot and asking how much the car you have in mind costs per pound!

Proposed future design for Macon GA homeowners
As part of our design process, customers will get a 3D rendering of their intended outdoor space. This rendering helps customers better visualize how their space will look and function before construction even begins.

Archadeck of Central GA understands most homeowners want some idea of what they are getting into before getting too involved with the process, which is a reasonable request. The main thing to remember is, in most cases, the bottom line number for your quote usually comes in lower once we have input all the relevant information. There are many factors that come into play when putting together an accurate quote for a custom outdoor living space including materials, elevation, and the size of your space just to name a few.

Remodeling magazine puts out a cost/value report every year which covers a number of different remodeling projects. The report covers projects ranging from re-roofing your home to updating your kitchen and everything in between. The reports are specific to major metro areas. The Atlanta report is relevant to the Central GA region.  The report describes a typical 16  x 20 deck addition with standard construction of a simple style with a built-in bench and planter and assuming 3 steps to grade. The 2022 report indicates an average job of this status in Atlanta, GA will cost $16,558. The same report also contains pricing based on composite (low-maintenance) decking options at a cost of $23,259.

While you might expect that an experienced reputable custom builder might cost more, in both cases our price would likely beat the ones specified.

It is important to take all the factors of your project into consideration before throwing out a number, these factors include materials, elevation and size.

The design itself is what controls the price point. If you dramatically change the size of your intended space, that will influence the cost. However, project changes don’t always cause an increased price. Dimensional changes like making up some of the size in length rather than width can actually drive the price down instead of up. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of consulting with a professional outdoor structure builder. Here at Archadeck of Central GA we understand all the construction, design and material costs involved in a project. Taking advantage of our free design consultation will give you, and us,  a better grasp of the space that meets your needs and wants. It is always better to have a custom design that takes your functional needs, aesthetic needs and budget into account rather than opting for a “cookie cutter” outdoor design that could actually end up costing you more.

Remember that no two outdoor living spaces are created equal. Having an outdoor structure specialist designing your space can actually help keep the prices lower enabling a more suitable design for your individual needs. If you are ready to learn more about how we can enhance your outdoor living experience and stay within your budget, contact Archadeck of Central GA today (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GAYou can see more examples of our versatile, high quality outdoor living spaces by visiting our decks photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

Decks, Free deck safety inspection

Is your Central GA deck an accident waiting to happen?

Pressure treated deck Central GA
There is no place like a home with a quality built deck.

Decks are a staple of outdoor living. It’s important to ensure your deck is structurally sound in order to take advantage of all the ways it can benefit your home and lifestyle. In a six-year period there were an estimated 179 deck failures which resulted in 1,122 injuries and 33 deaths. These grim statistics may come as a surprise to many Central GA homeowners, but deck safety is no accident. In observance of May being Deck Safety Awareness month, Archadeck of Central Georgia wants to ensure you or a member of your family doesn’t become a casualty as a result of an unsafe deck.

buckhead deck collapse
This local deck collapse made headlines.

When you look at the big picture of deck safety, there are no deck… accidents. An accident is something that occurs unexpectedly. Deck failures are a result of shoddy workmanship or creating a deck that will not hold the capacity which it will be subjected.  Archadeck of Central Georgia feels that deck failures are very preventable occurrences and not accidents at all. A good example of placing your safety on the line is hiring a cut rate builder to construct your deck. If you choose this route to save a few bucks, you are taking a chance that really isn’t worth the savings you gained. If a deck is built by a seasoned, reputable builder, it is built correctly meeting or exceeding building codes. Unfortunately, in the world of outdoor structures there are no police force for bad builders.

As part of Archadeck’s “Be Safer” deck safety program, Archadeck of Central GA was featured on NBC 41 WMGT to talk about the importance of making sure your Central GA deck is safe in time for the debut of the outdoor living season.

As a recap of this informative interview, here is a handy checklist of things homeowners can do to prevent having a deck safety issue:

Be safer with a deck inspection by Archadeck of Central GA
Be safer with a deck inspection by Archadeck of Central GA

1) Get your deck inspected by a professional. Archadeck of Central GA offers a free deck safety inspection for those who contact us. We also urge homeowners to be an active participant in the safety of their deck. Gain a sense of the basic components of your deck’s construction.

2) If you are adding-on or re-doing, make sure you use a qualified builder. If you choose Archadeck, remember that the builder will always have Archadeck clearly visible on their shirt. If you choose another builder make sure they have a contractor’s license. You can verify this by visiting the Georgia Professional Licensing website at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/. It is also important to make sure your builder pulls all the necessary permits to build your deck. Check their references thoroughly! If a builder does not provide this up-front, ask for them. In many cases a cut rate builder will not offer references to avoid the homeowner learning the truth. That may be proof they have something to hide.

There is no better deck for safety than one built by Archadeck. We don’t believe in cutting any corners, especially where our clients are concerned. Let Archadeck of Central Georgia build your dream deck with maximum safety in mind. That’s what we do. Contact us today to schedule your deck safety inspection, and to schedule a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 • email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Please visit our website to view our wide selection of quality deck designs, including our wooden deck photo gallery, and our composite and PVC deck photo gallery.

AZEK, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks, TimberTech composite decks

Archadeck of Central Georgia explores the differences and similarities in TimberTech XLM and Earthwood Evolutions decking

Archadeck Central GA round deck
This stunning rounded deck in Central Ga., was built with TimberTech decking and adds a worry -free, durable material to the already long list of positives in regards to this deck.

Many of our customers here are Archadeck of Central GA look for low-maintenance materials. Low-maintenance materials are available in decking boards, railing, trim, and many of the other building materials for decks, porches, pergolas and other outdoor structures. Of the low-maintenance materials, many customers are familiar with and request composite or synthetic decking. We work with a couple different brands including AZEK, Fiberon and TimberTech.

This week we are focusing on two of TimberTech’s heavy hitters; Earthwood Evolutions and TimberTech XLM. Each of these lines have a lot to offer when you are looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance decking materials.

TimberTech deck Hawkinsville GA Archadeck
This TimberTech deck by Archadeck of Central GA is located in beautiful Hawkinsville, GA.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions is what is referred to as a “capstock”composite decking material. This means that the boards have a composite core which is derived from plastic and wood fibers. This core is then wrapped, or capped, with a fully protected poly shell that protects the plank from everyday accidents endured by most decks.  This line comes with a 25-year stain and fade warranty. One drawback to this product is since it is softer than a solid PVC product it can scratch more easily. Over time, these scratches will fade and TimberTech also recommends using a Minwax product on any scratches since capstock is neither harder nor softer than wood. A general rule of thumb to consider when dealing with capstock is if an outside influence is capable of scratching a wood decking board, then it is also capable of scratching your wrapped synthetic product too.

The Earthwood Evolutions line includes realistic looking planks in an array of hues with streaking and shading that mimic the look of exotic hardwoods. The colors include Brick, Brownstone, Slate, Pacific Rosewood, Pacific Teak, and Pacific Walnut. Although all of the colors are available some are easily found in stock and some must be special ordered. The special ordered materials are going to be slightly higher in cost. Be sure to ask

Color swatch for TimberTech earthwood evolutions
Color swatches for TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions
xlm-colors
TimberTech XLM colors

TimberTech XLM is another popular synthetic decking board. It is made of solid PVC, which means it doesn’t contain any natural wood fibers. This makes it harder and denser than regular composites or capped composite. Along with added strength and durability, XLM is also backed by one of the strongest stain and fade warranties in the industry. TimberTech XLM decking has a flat-grain surface which aids in being slip resistant which is a huge plus when used next to pools and spas.  XLM colors include Mountain Cedar, River Rock, Sand Ridge, Rustic Bark, Harvest Bronze, Harbor Stone and Walnut Grove. This palette includes colors from white, to gray and many shades of brown offering enough diversity to suit any taste and match any color needs you may have.

Hawkinsville-GA round deck Archadeck
Another view of this stunning TimberTech rounded deck in Hawkinsville, Ga.

From a performance standpoint, the solid PVC attributes of XLM gives it the advantage. From a budgetary standpoint, XLM is heavier and a little more costly to ship from point A to point B than it’s lighter counterparts. To ensure you make the best decision for your individual needs and circumstances it is important to discuss your options with your outdoor structure professional.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are looking for a low-maintenance decking plank that delivers on its promises, TimberTech is definitely leading the pack. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about this and other synthetic decking choices that will best suit your lifestyle. We can help you decide which product is the right fit for your outdoor living needs. Call us for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000.
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more example of synthetic decks including TimberTech and many others reputable brands by visiting our composite and PVC decking gallery located on our website.

Deck builder

Pictures of decks in Macon, Warner Robins, and the Central GA area

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At Archadeck of Central GA, we build decks, porches, patios, pergolas, custom fire features and so much more. Take a look at a variety of porches we’ve built in the area.

AZEK, Composite, Deck builder, Free deck safety inspection, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

Archadeck of Central Georgia looks at the many faces of synthetic decking

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Warner Robins GA composite deck
This composite deck in Warner Robins, GA exemplifies the beauty of composites.

Among the many options available when choosing the materials for your new deck or re-deck, synthetic decking is often one of the top choices. Within synthetic decking, there are quite a range of choices and all are not the same. Synthetic decking comes in many colors, finishes, dimensional designs and brands. Synthetic decking includes composite decking, solid PVC and capstock  decking, each one of which has certain similarities as well as differences. We have outlined each of  of the three below.

Composite decking

Your traditional wood/plastic composite material, such as TimberTech, Trex ,  and Fiberon composites, have a combination of  wood fiber and resin. This pairing of wood and plastic sets the stage for durability that wood  has never been able to provide. TimberTech’s Reliaboard for example, resists splintering and rotting and never requires staining or painting. These 1st generation composites are very economical as well. The downside is that since there is the presence of wood, stains can occur. Wine, oil and grease can stain the deck because of the wood, the board is porous. High traffic areas are also a concern and are prone to mark over time . Making sure your deck builder uses a high-quality composite decking material, such as the ones mentioned above is critical. These products are covered by warranties that exceed those of any wooden deck on the market, so rest assured composite itself is a solid choice for decking.

Fiberon deck in Macon GA
This Fiberon deck in Macon, GA includes a custom pergola in the design.

Solid PVC decking

Solid PVC decking such as AZEK is impervious to just about anything you can dish out. From red wine, to grease from your grill and even the kid’s fruit punch. This cellular PVC product offers superior stain resistance, scratch resistance, fade resistance,  and split resistance. It is also insect, and mold/mildew resistant. There is never a worry from your patio furniture or your pet scratching your deck with solid PVC. The only downfall is that since it is solid PVC (plastic) it may not look as authentic as natural wood. We use a large amount of AZEK decking and our customers love it. AZEK even offers a line of railing to compliment their large color selection.

Capstock decking

Capstock is what we also refer to as a wrapped or covered product. This takes the benefits of composite as the core and wraps it with a PVC covering. This product can be seen in the Fiberon Horizon line. Capstock uses the best of both worlds through superior stain, fade, scratch,  and insect resistance and still giving you the beauty of real wood. The veining and colorations  used in the Trex Transcends line are so realistic and beautiful it will leave you having to lean in a little closer to see whether or not the product is real wood with hues that even mimic the look of exotic Ipe, and other tropical hardwoods.

Composite deck Chippendale pattern Milledgeville GA
We installed this Milledgeville, GA composite deck using a unique Chippendale pattern.

No matter which of these synthetics you choose to build your dream deck,  each one is packed with versatility and beauty. Choosing a synthetic doesn’t need to be incredibly expensive. Archadeck of Central Georgia is a trusted and respected leader in the community. We have the experience to consult effectively with our customers on material selections. We are well-versed and really know the business of synthetics top to bottom. We can help you select and choose the right material to suit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget.

Contact us today to learn more about synthetic and other outdoor living material options. Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautiful images of synthetic decks by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery located on our website.