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…

September 22, 2013 admin

: 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.

: 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.

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

You 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 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

September 5, 2013 admin

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.

Ipe deck in Fortsyth GA with wooden rail and metal pickets with basket motif and Ipe cap — 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.

You 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.

AZEK, Low maintenace decks

Little things mean a whole lot on this AZEK deck and pergola in Macon GA

August 20, 2013 admin

Take a look at this deck and pergola in Macon GA. The stairs that flank either side of the deck previously went across the entire deck. That didn’t provide enough room for the family to fit their furniture and move comfortably around it. By splitting the stairs and extending the deck over that area provided the right amount of space for the eating area. Two feet doesn’t seem like a lot but it makes a huge difference when expanding an outdoor area to better fit the furniture and traffic on the space.

The next thing the family wanted was some shade on the area. Pergolas are unique in that their designs can vary to allow a small amount of sun protection to providing a good deal of sun protection. The orientation of the pergola to the sun is one way to provide sun protection. In addition, the orientation of the joists and the distance of the lathes helps determine the amount of sun protection.

This family decided to use a product called SunScreen by Phifer. This screen provides visibility while providing UV protection at the same time. The area covered with SunScreen can truly feel 5-10 degrees cooler. In addition, we installed a fan under the pergola to keep the air moving.

The surface of the project was re-decked using AZEK low-maintenance decking. AZEK is a solid PVC that provides ultra low maintenance. Since the existing deck was structurally sound, we were able to re-surface or re-deck the existing deck.

With this Macon-area deck, 2 extra feet of deck space and a thin cover over the pergola made a huge difference.

If you are considering adding a new deck, porch, pergola, patio or other outdoor living structure to your Macon-area home, give us a call for a free consultation at (478) 745 – 2000 or send us an email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net. Please take a look at our website for more pictures and to fill out a contact form. To see more Macon area pergolas, take a look at the photo gallery on our website.

Deck builder, Decks

The charm of this front of house deck picks up right where the dirt road ends!

August 19, 2013 admin

: Take a peek at this Macon, GA entrance deck which we are currently working on.

Today we revisit these former clients in Macon, GA. Archadeck of Central GA completed a backyard deck addition for these homeowners when they lived at a previous home. Since moving, the homeowners are ready to build a front-of-house entrance deck addition. Since the homeowners enjoy entertaining a lot, they had found themselves using the front yard often. Since their traditional ranch style home is located on a charming country gravel road, and exudes a country charm, the front yard seems a natural spot to linger while friends, family and neighbors would drop by to visit. With this in mind, Archadeck of Central GA set out to build a front-of-house deck that mimics the same “slow down and stay awhile” approach to outdoor living so prevalent in this area of Macon.

: This is the front of the house before we started the deck addition.

Adding to the charm of the new deck, the home already has a little covered area that is just wide enough to serve as a hallway to the front door of the home. They also have a door that comes out at the opposite end of the home. With the home’s unique features and existing traffic flow in mind, we designed the deck to run from the covered walkway area to the other side of the home where the door is located. The classic ranch style dimensions of this home make the perfect candidate for a front of house deck, as the design of a ranch home lends itself to longer dimensions than other house styles.

Since the house is built with a slab foundation, the existing walkway is still present under the deck. The new deck addition is built with pressure treated pine and features steps on the front that are built all the way across so they can be used as bench seating. We installed the decking on an angle to add visual interest. The deck also steps down to gain access to the door located at the opposite end of the entrance.

: Notice how the new deck addition changes the whole look of this residence into a welcoming outdoor oasis.

This deck is still an in-progress project, but the homeowners were so excited with the deck they have already began moving their outdoor furnishings onto the completed portion of the new space. They are ecstatic about being able to use the new deck in the coming weeks as they have company coming into town to visit.

Archadeck of Central GA wants to remind you to think outside the box when it comes to inspiration for your new outdoor living space. Promoting your individual taste and ideals is often the key to the success and enjoyment of your new space. There are no stringent rules of design when it comes to an outdoor living space addition. If you have a specific style or placement location in mind for your anticipated deck or porch, don’t be afraid to go with it. Remember that your individual living space needs and taste is what makes your new space original.

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

To learn more about our unique custom outdoor living space designs, contact Archadeck of Central GA today, the consultation is free, but the results are priceless – (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Porch builder/contractor, Porches, Screened porches

Archadeck of Central Georgia puts porch perfection to the test as one of Macon and Warner Robins area best porch builders

August 12, 2013 admin

: Screen porch in Milledgeville, GA by Archadeck of Central GA

The role of the porch in outdoor structure design has evolved. Whether the porch is being used as a singular outdoor living space or as the base of an outdoor living combination series of structures, the popularity of the porch is growing by leaps and bounds. We are seeing more open porch, screened porch and deck to porch upgrade requests throughout the Macon and Warner Robins area. With this in mind, it is important to remember that a proper porch construction includes many more components than just building a roof over a deck. The groundwork and substructure that are used to build a porch are much more involved and in order to have a space that is structurally sound, it is important to seek the expertise of a professional porch builder.

Just because a contractor claims they can build you the perfect porch doesn’t mean they can deliver. We put together a checklist of the important points of porch building and why you need to be wary if the only communication you are getting from your contractor is “yeah, I can build it”.

Buyer Beware Porch Checklist – what are the 6 things to be most cognizant about when interviewing a porch contractor?

As with any porch addition, roof tie-in is the first consideration. You need to become familiar with your tie-in options and which area of your home makes the best candidate(s) for the job. Whether the porch is tied into an existing roof or wall, there’s almost always one optimal solution. You don’t want someone to just take your gutters down and attach a fascia board, this is rarely if ever the best way to tie-in your porch addition.
When Archadeck of Central GA builds a porch roof we use traditional framing methods and we always match the shingles to the existing shingles of your home. We never use aluminum pre-fab roof panels and as a homeowner you need to make sure the structural and aesthetic qualities of your existing home will be adhered to during your porch addition. A well-designed and built porch should appear original to your existing home once completed, as with any quality outdoor living addition.
If your project involves transforming an existing deck into a porch your builder needs to ensure that the structure for the existing deck is strong enough, or even capable of supporting a roof. Decks are rarely built to hold up structurally to the weight of porch walls and a porch roof. Beware of a builder that tells you your deck doesn’t need any additional support to facilitate a porch addition. Almost every circumstance of skipping out on installing additional strongholds will result in posts and footings that are typically not strong enough to do the job.

This covered porch in Macon, GA is built at a height that is too difficult for many insects to travel. This means less mosquitoes and other insects when enjoying your covered porch.
Make sure your builder goes over all your porch flooring options with you including adding screening under the deck boards to keep bugs from coming into your porch from the underneath. Make sure you are consulted with about the best flooring options including tongue and groove, cement, pavers, and pressure treated decking. Having a complete list of choices available at your fingertips will enable you to make a more informed choice and will make you happier with your space.
Your builder should also discuss the importance of traffic patterns within your porch. Traffic pattern will minimize surprises in how your outdoor furnishings will fit realistically within your porch and also how doors will impact your flow to and from your porch. Consider the door(s) that lead from your house into the porch, and also the door that leads you from the porch into the yard. Your builder should go over how each will affect your space and placement needs. Making sure your doors are in the right place to minimize the impact of traffic flow within the living area of your porch will ensure your porch is dedicated to outdoor living rather than just a way to access your yard from your house.
Additional space may be needed outside your porch, grill, smoker or even an outdoor kitchen. This is especially important with screened porch additions. An experienced builder will ask questions regarding your individual desires and needs to help your consider spaces to place these items.

You know the old rule regarding a one-way conversation, questions indicate interest. Make sure your builder is listening to your specific needs and is interested in providing you the best porch addition he/she can. When selecting a contractor, pay close attention at the questions they ask you which will quickly help indicate the amount of experience they have and if they are even qualified to build your porch.

Archadeck of Central GA has been specializing in quality, upscale outdoor additions since 1991, including many, many open porch and screened porch projects in the Macon and Warner Robins area. When we meet with you to discuss a porch addition for you and your family we actually listen to your wants and needs in order to provide a porch that will not only meet, but exceed your expectations. Contact Archadeck of Central GA today to learn more about building your perfect porch (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of past porch projects by Archadeck of Central GA by visiting our screened porch photo gallery and our three and four-season room photo gallery located on our website.

Deck builder, Professional outdoor structure builder

Archadeck of Central GA explores the reason you might not want to embark on doing your own deck expansion

July 23, 2013 admin

: Archadeck of Central GA has restructured the deck so the screened porch they anticipate can be easily added in the future.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with some Macon homeowners who lived in the lovely St. Croix subdivision right here in Macon. When the homeowners initially called me to inquire about adding an outdoor living space to their backyard, they were looking to add a pergola and then a screened porch addition a little later. The pergola was to be built on their existing deck. They wanted the pergola added after making some alterations to their existing deck which included having the deck flooring re-done, some steps moved and a new updated railing.

When I arrived to inspect the homeowner’s existing deck, the deck was actually two decks. The 1st deck was built on cement columns and was built really well structurally. The 2nd deck was another story; the previous homeowner had completed a deck expansion himself. He had added three feet onto the side of the 2nd deck which was out of level and leaning. The structural issues had to first be fixed for the safety and integrity of the entire space before the pergola addition and other reparations completed.

: These Macon homeowners now have a safe deck to enjoy complete with a new floor and rails.

In order to proceed with their anticipated project, we had to first do a lot of repairs. Unfortunately, repairing the existing deck ate up the budget for the next phase. This instance is a good example of why choosing to embark on a backyard project of this magnitude as a do-it-yourself backyard project is not a wise idea.

Deck safety is not to be taken lightly. In a six year period in the US there were over 179 deck failures and 1,122 people were injured as a result of deck failures, of which 33 people were killed. To ensure your deck is safe we recommend using an experienced outdoor structure builder to inspect, design and install your deck. This will allow for carefree function of your outdoor living space, and confidence in knowing your family and friends are safe enjoying the space!

Some of the amendments that were necessary to ensure the deck was safe and sound for the homeowners to use included adding a beam, adding new posts underneath the deck, doubling up on joists and installing a new deck band. We also had to rebuild the stairs because they were ready to fall off the structure. There was a large seam where the two decks met that had to be repaired. The homeowners had hoped that this installation would be the first phase of a two-part outdoor living project, which unfortunately turned into a three-part project to get everything up to speed. Archadeck of Central GA was not able to complete the pergola addition because the budget was exhausted to fix the deck so it would be ready to accommodate both the pergola and screened porch.

: This design rendering shows what the space will look like once the porch and pergola are completed.

These Macon homeowners now have a safe deck to enjoy complete with a new floor and rails. We re-decked the area with pressure treated pine with a matching rail. Archadeck of Central GA has restructured the deck so the screened porch they anticipate can be easily added in the future. We even installed screen under the floor of the future porch area to ensure no bugs will enter the future screened porch.

The lesson learned here is that in order to reinforce an outdoor living space you really cannot afford to cut corners because it will end up costing more in the long run – in time and money. When considering a deck or other outdoor living space expansion it is crucial to have it completed by a licensed outdoor structure builder to ensure the safety and welfare of you, your family and all who plan to utilize your outdoor space.

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are thinking of taking on the task of amending or expanding your existing outdoor space on your own, we urge you to leave it to the pros at Archadeck of Central GA. Remember that a deck is only as strong as its weakest point and we build all of our structures with strength, safety and longevity in mind. Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more examples of out craftsmanship and quality by visiting our wooden deck photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

Paver patios & hardscapes, Porch builder/contractor, Screened porches

A revised design plan that includes a patio and screened porch opens up a world of outdoor living possibilities for these Macon, GA homeowners

July 23, 2013 admin

: Our recently completed screened porch and patio addtion in Macon, GA gives this family the backyard space of their dreams.

I always love to watch the homeowner’s reaction when they realize that Archadeck of Central GA is able to make their vision of the backyard they dream about a reality. This aspect of my job is part of what makes it all worthwhile. In the case of these Macon, GA homeowners that is exactly what happened. They had an existing small deck which sat about 12′ above a raised patio that was about 3′ off the ground. The existing outdoor living space was too small to use it the way they wanted to because the sun beat down into all the time, making it cramped and unbearable under the Georgia sun. Their present deck was also in close proximity to a creek that ran through their backyard. Although soothing to listen to, the creek brought an exorbitant amount of mosquitoes into the backyard. When the homeowners contacted us they were ready for a change for the better. Since their previous home had a porch, and they really missed it, they made the decision to add one, they called us to make it happen.

: Here is the original deck before we began the project.

In order to put together a design that would give the homeowners the most benefit, we had some specific lifestyle needs to consider. The homeowner’s share their home with their children’s family who frequent the home on a regular basis and stay for extended periods of time in the lower level of the home. With this in mind, we needed to design a space that provided separation as well providing a space that could be shared.

Archadeck of Central Georgia designed a space that made all parties involved happy. The project consisted of building a screened porch on the upper level that was much larger than their original space. We designed the porch with ample room for a seating area that would comfortably facilitate a table and 6 chairs, and is still roomy enough for both families to gather in harmony. The screen porch provides a shaded area to escape from the heat and gives the homeowners relief from the mosquitoes coming up from the creek. We installed tongue and groove flooring in the floor of the porch so when you are in the lower level of the updated space you will see the charming flooring used on the porch when you look up. The porch floor serves as the ceiling for the patio below.

: View of the new upper level screened porch addition from the backyard – majestic.

The lower portion of the space includes a patio with railing since it sits 3′ off the ground. We also poured a secondary patio adjacent to the initial patio space that leads out into the entry stair to the porch above. This patio is 16″ lower than the other patio which makes the perfect spot to hold the homeowner’s hot tub now located at the lowest end of this patio. The placement of the hot tub makes it easier to get in and out of. We placed the stairs up to the screened porch between the patios which connect to a landing large enough to hold a grill both families can utilize. Archadeck of Central GA only screened in the upper porch but built the patio screen ready if the homeowners ever decide they want to add it. We also added ceiling fans, electrical outlets and flood lighting to both level of the project for added security and comfort.

: The new lower patio makes the perfect spot for the family’s hot tub.

The finished space fulfilled the homeowner’s vision of what they had in mind and they are elated with their new outdoor living areas. Their extended family were up visiting just this past week and were just as excited about getting a chance to try out the new space for the very first time. Another job well done!

If you have a master plan for your backyard Archadeck of Central GA can design and build the backyard of your dreams sooner than you ever imagined. Contact us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

You can see more backyard transformations by visiting our porches photo gallery and our patio and hardscapes gallery located on our website.

Vinyl window for porches

Archadeck of Central GA takes the screen porch through the looking glass with a more versatile enclosure system – vinyl windows!

July 8, 2013 admin

: This 3-season room in Forsyth, GA was enahnced with the addition of Eze-Breeze vinyl windows.

Screened porches are a wonderful asset to your backyard enjoyment. They offer protection from nuisance insects like mosquitoes. Screened porches also offer protection from the sun’s harsh rays, and can be used during times of inclement weather where other outdoor spaces cannot. Just when you thought the benefits of screened porch living couldn’t get any better along comes another way to extend and enhance your screen porch experience – vinyl window enclosures!

The vinyl window enclosure system we use the most often here at Archadeck of Central GA is the Eze-Breeze vinyl window porch enclosure system. This system provides floor to ceiling visibility for panoramic viewing. The windows are safe when installed in dimensions of over 10 ft. and provide shatterproof enjoyment because they bounce back from backyard collisions such as the occasional pop fly ball when playing backyard baseball. These vinyl windows are extremely durable and rugged 10-mil vinyl glaze panels. This flexible material is transparent but is not breakable and will not shatter like glass. If distorted in some way, the vinyl returns to its original shape in minutes. If the vinyl is cut or severely damaged it can be easily replaced, unlike glass which is more difficult and costly to replace.

: Eze-Breeze is strong and durable.

The panels come in two versions, vertical four-track that glide up and down for that screen porch feel and horizontal for full view. This system is easy to use; with just a touch of your finger they will open from the side and gently roll on corrosion free nylon rollers. They can be used on almost any size opening making them one of the most versatile vinyl windows for screen porch makeover products on the market. Maintaining your porch using these windows is also a breeze, with powder coated aluminum framing they are lightweight, durable and nearly maintenance free. Just simply clean with mild dishwashing detergent and clear water rinse and the panels tilt in for easy cleaning.

Eze-Breeze vinyl window enclosures can be used on almost any size opening giving your screen porch makeover a customized look. The system consists of special designed panels that allow for 75% air flow versus standard window which allows for only 50%.If you choose to use horizontal panels, these will provide full air flow.

: Archadeck three season room with Eze-Breeze windows.

Another benefit all Central Georgia homeowners can relate to is the amount dirt, debris and especially pollen that enters your screen porch space each season. Having to deal with the constant chore of cleaning your porch in order to use it can become a headache. With an Eze-Breeze vinyl window enclosure system, these issues become a thing of the past because these particles cannot penetrate the window system. An added bonus is that they offer some protection against high allergy pollen counts to allow you to enjoy the outdoors. Even if you sometimes suffer from allergies caused by oak pollen, pine tree pollen, cedar pollen, or others, these screen porch windows may help to reduce the pollen count so you can breathe easier enjoying a pollen free porch!

Contact Archadeck of Central GA to learn more about our screen porch makeovers, it doesn’t get any easier than adding vinyl windows such as the Eze-Breeze enclosure system to create your own versatile screened porch or three season room. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

See more vinyl window screen porch makeovers by visiting our screened porch photo gallery and our three and four season room photo gallery located on our website.

AZEK, Composite, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks, TimberTech composite decks

AZEK vs. Fiberon vs. TimberTech for your Macon Warner Robins deck or porch?

July 8, 2013 admin

: Avoiding splinters and low maintenance were the two major requirements in picking composite for this deck in Warner Robins.

Which line is the best? AZEK? Fiberon? TimberTech? You probably guessed that the answer starts with… it depends. When synthetic woods first came out, they only had composite materials which combined wood fibers with plastic – hence the word composite. Some of the composite woods had problems based on the formulation and the materials that were used. Since then, the composites on the market today have the benefit of many years out on the market, product improvement, and enhanced designs.

Not only do low-maintenance composite products last longer but they are easier to clean. And, they provide a great warranty. TimberTech composite products are guaranteed against termites, checking, splitting, decay, rot and splintering for 25 years. Most synthetics are installed with a hidden fastener system to provide an outdoor space with a flawless finish.

: TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line of Capstock decking.

Fiberon’s Horizon line’s warranty indicates it will not check, splinter, de-laminate, rot or suffer structural damage from fungal decay when installed and maintained correctly. Fiberon also comes in a wide range of colors and various realistic wood finishes complete with graining and undulation which rivals the look of real wood!

Since then, the synthetic wood products have evolved to include a higher end solid PVC and then a composite with a PVC coating. Solid PVC products are a bit more expensive than traditional composite. Many synthetic manufacturers offer solid PVC products, but the first to do solid PVC was AZEK. Solid PVC’s are stain, scratch and split resistant and are impervious to mold, mildew and damage associated with insects.

The greatest benefit is having the PVC on the outside. So, a capped product which consists of a composite core which is wrapped in a PVC coating, can really give you the best of composite and PVC all in one. TimberTech has an excellent capped product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which comes in three distinct product colors; Tropical, Natural and Terrain.

: This stunning pool deck in Macon GA, was built using a combination of AZEK Morado and AZEK Acacia.

When it comes to choosing the best material for your anticipated deck or porch addition, what is best for you is dependent on your needs, your personal taste and your budget. Traditional composites work great in a myriad of applications and provide low maintenance qualities with less investment. Higher end, solid PVC materials deliver optimum results in a low maintenance material and perform especially well around backyard locales exposed to constant moisture, such as pool decks, and even docks.

Keep in mind that all synthetic materials are in it for the “long haul” as they are going to last 25 – 30 years or more – warrantied. So making an informed decision is crucial, and that is where Archadeck of Central GA can help. We can meet with you to discuss the benefits of choosing TimberTech, Fiberon or AZEK for your intended outdoor living space needs. I will provide samples for you to see and feel to help narrow down your choices to make the daunting task of choosing a synthetic an enjoyable experience. I can help you with deciding what type of outdoor living structure is the best fit for you and your family. I can give you guidance for making your choice on the materials, and Archadeck of Central GA stands behind what we do with our own warranty.

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today to learn more about the many low maintenance outdoor living space material options available for your upcoming project. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

To see more examples of the versatility and beauty of owning your own Central GA low maintenance deck or porch, visit our composite and PVC deck photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

Outdoor rooms builder/contractor, Professional outdoor structure builder

Archadeck of Central GA points out that you don’t need a home builder to do a remodeling project nor do you want one

June 21, 2013 admin

If you are considering remodeling, and especially if the remodel you have in mind includes the addition of an outdoor space, calling a home builder is probably not the best idea. Home builders are just that; home builders. They specialize in the aspects that go into building a home and the specialized components involved in getting the house to closing. Yes, builders do take care of the electrical work, HVAC system, interior finishing and other elements that make a new home complete. But the specialized details and spaces are completed by the builders’ subcontractors. A good comparative example of how this works is when you visit your general practitioner (family doctor) complaining of joint pain. Your doctor will run generalized tests in an effort to determine what is causing your pain. Once the doctor feels he is looking in the right direction, he or she may then refer you to a specialist. The world of construction works much like the referral network of a doctor’s office; once the project reaches a point beyond the specialty of the builder, the builder then uses his network of subs to complete the next phase. What this means is that even though a home builder has knowledge of remodeling doesn’t make them the best choice for the job. Choosing a professional that specializes in remodeling is the wisest decision.

Living a nightmare in your own home

: This job site is typical of many new home constructions

The type of crew that you typically see on the site of new home construction is another reason for turning the other cheek when considering a home builder for your remodel. The crews that work for the subcontractors of home builders are totally different than those that work for remodelers and outdoor structure specialists. Your run of the mill new construction crew is used to working with no homeowners around. This means they frequently play loud music to pass the time & cussing and yelling is not uncommon on new home construction sites. The worst case scenario involves spent soda cans being tossed from second story windows and cigarette butts extinguished all over the yard. This is not exactly the type of ambiance you want to expose yourself or your children to for even a short period of time. This type of behavior can quickly turn your outdoor living dreams into a daily nightmare waiting for the completion of your new outdoor space.

: Our crew keeps the workspace clean, organized and are respectful of you and your family.

Home building crews also often have their eye on the bottom line, which means if another job pays quicker or better and they are already knee-deep into your project, they will pull off of your job for days or even weeks to reach a deadline. Inconsistencies in scheduling are commonplace among crews that cater to new home construction. How would you like to stare at your unfinished remodel left for days, and even weeks with no progress and possible damage from the elements if the space is not properly “dried in” prior to their unexpected departure?

Along with a lack of consideration for homeowners, and timely delays, home building crews are notorious for letting the work site get really dirty. A remodeling crew cleans up at the end of each work day to ensure the safety of you and your family as well as consideration for your home. This means there is no danger of your child stepping on a nail or your family dog trying to ingest a spent hamburger wrapper leftover from lunchtime. An outdoor living remodeling contractor keeps the safety and sanctity of your home and family in mind during each phase of your remodeling project. Here is a testimonial from one of the many Archadeck of Central GA customers we have that is just one example of how we place professionalism first on all of our projects.

It has been a little over a month since my Archadeck project was completed. I have lost count of how many times I have walked out on it, around it and perused the various angles. I think it is one of the most outstanding, beautiful, attractive, and well-built decks I have had the pleasure of observing. To say I am thrilled and pleased is an understatement! There are not enough words to describe how professional and efficient the whole crew and process were. The whole project was on time and on budget. How refreshing! I have personally told many of my friends, “If you ever want a deck added onto your home or anything else that Archadeck does… here’s the phone number.” Thank you, Archadeck!

De Fluker from Macon, GA

Archadeck of Central Georgia feels remodeling should be an effortless experience for you from start to finish. We stay on each of our jobs until they are finished with no exceptions. We provide you with a level of professionalism that reflects respect for all parties involved. If you are poised to remodel your home or add an outdoor living space, contact us today. Call for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000 Email : centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see many examples of our quality craftsmanship and high standards by visiting our deck photo galleries and our outdoor room photo galleries located on our website.

Macon Warner Robins Decks, Patios, Porches, Pergolas, Gazebos and more