These Byron GA homeowners had a lovely home with a beautiful wrap-around porch. What could be better than spending hot GA afternoons under cover or enjoying the day fading into night with a couple of rockers outside your own front door?

In many cases, an open porch is all you need. But, depending on how you want to live outside, you may want the sort of protection that an enclosed space provides. An enclosed space can provide some additional sun protection but can also provide protection from strong wind, rain, and more extreme temperatures. While screened porches are very popular, here in Central GA, many customers are opting for Eze-Breeze windows on their screened porch. The Eze-Breeze window system is the best of both having a screened porch and having a porch enclosed with vinyl windows. The 4-track window system allows you to open your vinyl windows up to 75% allowing your 3-season room to function as a screened porch. However, this family opted for insulated sliding glass windows for more protection from the elements. These horizontal sliding windows provide the same option to open up to 75% and function as a screened porch but they also are insulated. When they are closed the temperature inside the room can be heated or cooled just like your interior spaces. This particular family wanted to not only provide a little protection from the elements for themselves but also for their plants.

Can you convert part of a sun porch into a 3-season room?

Take a look!

Utilizing the existing room, we enclosed a portion of the covered wrap-around porch converting it to a sunroom. Take a look at the large window areas ensuring the family still gets a sunny space. But, when the mosquitoes come out or the temperature becomes more severe, this family can head for the comfort and protection of their enclosed porch area.

In order to enclose this portion of the porch, we had to remove the columns and railing and then re-install them inside the porch. We worked to find siding to compliment the existing home’s siding since that one is no longer available. The family will soon paint this siding for a great match to the home.

When searching for a solution to enclose this porch area, the family spoke with a contractor who suggested using aluminum. For the same price, we were able to custom build the space using matching high-quality materials.

If you are considering adding a deck, porch, pergola or other outdoor living space to your home give Archadeck of Central GA a call for a free consultation. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock-solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. We are happy to provide you with references for any kind of job you are considering. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net. Or visit our website http://central-georgia.archadeck.com/

Porch builder/contractor

Blissful Macon outdoor living

December 29, 2015 admin

Take a look at this incredible custom pool pavilion in Macon. This custom built pavilion was designed specifically for how this Macon family wanted to live outside.

The family had a lovely pool and patio but knew they wanted to do a lot more living outside. They wanted to cook outside, prepare food in a smoker, watch TV, and lounge in style. They also had a specific need for storage. This Macon pool pavilion was built to suit all their needs and wants.

In the picture above, you likely noticed the beautiful hip roof. From within the porch, the roof creates a cathedral ceiling. This provides cover for the space but still creates a very bright and airy feel. The ceiling is finished with recessed can lights and large ceiling fans to keep air circulating within the space.

Inside the pavilion you’ll see tons of counter top area creating space for everything from grilling to food prep to using the smoker, and more.

The 2 bar areas also house food storage areas and an outdoor refrigerator.

One important part of this project that you won’t notice by looking at the space is the approval we needed to secure from the Architectural Review Board in this lovely Madison community in Macon. While we always take care of all permitting, we also meet with other review boards as necessary before beginning our projects.

Porch builder/contractor, Screened porches

Take a look at this historic Macon home screened porch addition

December 14, 2015 admin

In Macon, our city is rich in history and rich in charm. The homes in our historic districts are prized and their authenticity is preserved under careful watch. A few of the wrong changes can take all the character and historic value out of these prized pieces of our city’s rich history.

If we’re being honest, when we receive a call to do work in a historic district we fear that the necessary restrictions and approvals will hamper our ability to build the best structure within the time frame the family wants.

With this particular screen porch project we had even more reason to worry because the family needed it done in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The good news was that the structure was on the back of the home so we didn’t have the same restrictions we would have if the addition was visible at the street.

We had a very short window of time to build the project in time for Thanksgiving and Mother Nature wasn’t helping our case. She dumped a lot of rain just at the time we needed to be building so we created a plan that would allow us to keep building in the rain. Normally we will build out the porch walls before the roof but we built enough of the walls to get the roof up so we could work under cover of the roof to finish building out the screened porch. I must admit that it was the first time I’ve ever seen my team working in rain coats!

In addition to the screened porch, we also built a deck with decorative lattice skirting. Although you can’t see it in this picture, we added a wheelchair ramp for one of the aging family members.

Let’s not forget under the deck. First, we built a door in the lattice skirting to allow access for storage. We also screened under the porch and deck area inbetween the joists and decking boards. This keeps bugs from coming up through the deck boards. The family is considering also screening in the deck area in the future so we added the screening under that area to prepare for future growth.

Deck builder, Decks

New, but true to this Macon home’s historic heritage

November 3, 2015 admin

When we work with clients who are lucky enough to have one of the beautiful homes in downtown Macon’s historic district, we know there will be a few extra items on our “to-do” list. Building or restoring the Macon deck may be the same from a plank and nails perspective, but there are additional considerations. First, the design has to be in line with the area’s building restrictions. Second, when you are tieing in with bricks or wood that is hundreds of years old, you need to tread carefully to avoid damage and to ensure safety and structural integrity. We have extensive experience in both of these areas.

One of our customers had a brick staircase at the side of their home that was crumbling and in need of repair. As long as they were tackling that problem, they thought they would use the opportunity to add some space in the form of a small raised deck. The house is on a corner lot, so the plans required architectural control committee approval before we broke ground. You can see the railings, skirting and stairs from the street, so we needed to use wood to meet the required covenants. The floor isn’t visible from the street, so we were able to build with Fiberon Pro-Tect, a longer lasting, synthetic product that has a classic look.

Another interesting wrinkle in this project was that this is a home where the extended family gathers for holidays and special events. It isn’t in use on a daily basis. This meant that we needed to put in a little extra effort to maintain strong communication with the various family members. When clients aren’t on site to have short, regular discussions, it is important to use other tools like emails with photos to stay in agreement on all of the details of a project. It’s a service we are happy to provide to guarantee that the customers are getting what they want.

The new deck blends seamlessly with the area’s other historic properties. More importantly, the steps down from the kitchen are no longer a hazard. The synthetic decking’s classic gray color works well with the property and gives the owners the easy maintenance they need.

Archadeck of Central Georgia is proud to have been serving Macon and Warner Robins homeowners for more than a dozen years. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. We are happy to provide you with references for any kind of job you are considering. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Uncategorized

There’s not too much that could make your Lake Tobosofkee lake view better but…

October 19, 2015 admin

If your home were perched up above Lake Tobosofkee and you had the perfect view of the lake, could anything be better? Let’s add a pool to that equation. Now you can take a dip in the pool and enjoy the lake view when you come up for air. But… what if you actually had some room to sit poolside where you could also enjoy the view of the lake?

Take a look!

Building a deck on the side of a steep hill is not without its challenges. Pouring deck footings is fairly straight forward while on flat land but on a steep slope, there are factors such as keeping the concrete from sliding down the hill until it sets. For this we used Sono tubes.

Another factor in setting footings on the side of a hill is they need to be dug deeper to support the weight of the elevated deck. At Archadeck, we have a national drafting team that designs the architecture of all of our structures to exceed that of local building codes.

As Archadeck of Central GA is a design and build firm, we take every detail into account. These include design details, materials details and most importantly, making sure your space supports how you want to live.

Looking at the photo above, you can see the stairs that descend from deck level. Below you can see that the stairs help create a safe walking path down the sleep slope that leads to the lake.

In terms of material selection, a popular alternative option to pressure-treated pine is composite or synthetic wood. This lovely yard is filled with mature trees. The trees ensure that the deck does not have a high level of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight ages natural wood at a rapid pace. Because that will not be a factor here, we were able to use pressure-treated southern yellow pine for the decking material and it came out beautifully.

Paver patios & hardscapes

The best project for your budget

September 24, 2015 admin

I won’t say that the relationship you have with your contractor before and during the building process for your new outdoor living space is more important than the end result, but it’s darned close. It’s critical that any builder you work with will listen and respond to your needs and your plans for how you want to use your Macon or Warner Robins deck or patio. They should also educate you about some design options and materials in a way that doesn’t make you feel pressured to out-spend your budget.

On a recent patio project, we worked with the owner of a new home to create a patio to complement her existing Kathleen screened porch. We discussed the possibility of using pavers but we also made sure to make sure she knew that she had other options. Cement is an affordable option and was perfect for this Kathleen patio.

Our customer had a short wish list of requirements for the space and this design met them all. She has a place to stretch out on her lawn chair. It’s perfect for her portable fire pit and gas grill. There is ample room for several chairs and a table if she wants to eat outside with friends. And, several times a day, it gives her two active dogs a path in and out of the house, keeping them from wearing a trench in her grass.

We also gave her a great construction experience. We took down two sections of fence to allow access for the cement truck using a path that minimized potential damage to her lawn. When the truck was gone, the fence went back up– good as new. Anyone who wasn’t there that day would never know it had been moved. Archadeck made sure she knew when to expect our crew each day and our team cleaned up before leaving each night. We pride ourselves on disrupting our customers lives and homes as little as possible. We are also careful to be respectful of any surrounding neighbors.

We can’t promise that every aspect of every job will go perfectly, but we will always do everything in our power to get it right the first time and to fix it fast if we don’t. That includes each contact from our initial site visit to assess your property and discuss your project to the successful completion and walk through. Your satisfaction with both the project and the process are our top priority.

Archadeck of Central Georgia is proud to have been serving Macon and Warner Robins homeowners for more than a dozen years. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock-solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. We are happy to provide you with references for any kind of job you are considering. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net. Or visit our website for more great patio pictures in the Macon, Warner Robins and Central GA area.

Paver patios & hardscapes

Even concrete isn’t forever…so what’s next?

September 21, 2015 admin

There is nothing that says permanent like a good, solid slab of concrete. But even well-laid concrete starts to crack and deteriorate over time. It also can leave much to be desired when it comes to aesthetics. You don’t often hear people bragging about how you should stop by and see what a beautiful rectangle of gray concrete they have in their yard. So, if you have an aging concrete patio in your backyard and you are ready for an upgrade, what’s the next step? Archadeck of Central GA just refurbished an old concrete patio and we literally gave it a lift.

Part of the problem with the original patio was that it had considerably settled over time to create a significant enough gap that you could see the aggregate underneath. Slab concrete requires more maintenance than the pavers we installed and it’s easy to see that the Belgard look is far superior. Belgard also has an industry-leading warranty on its materials, something concrete can’t offer.

For these Gray paver patio clients, the answer was Belgard Lafitt™ pavers from their natural collection. This engineered stone combines the look and feel of a patio with a similar strength and durability to the concrete that previously served the home for so long. The modular pavers can be laid out in a variety of patterns and the blocks from this line come from a color palette selection that includes Amaretto, Bella, Danville Blend, and Sable Blend. All of them fit in beautifully with natural earth and stone tones in the surrounding home environment.

We built Weston Wall blocks around the perimeter. Once we had that level where we wanted it and mortared into place, we put in a layer of aggregate and got everything tamped, leveled and prepared for the pavers. By the time the process was complete, we actually eliminated a whole step coming down from the house. The combination of the site preparation and the thickness of the pavers brought the patio up by that much.

We also added Fortress powder coated aluminum railings to create an attractive and safer access path between the patio and the house. Even though icy days are few and far between in Georgia, it’s never fun to take a spill on a concrete stairway. We replaced railroad ties that had been used as a transition from the old patio to the driveway with Weston stone as well. These last two details are the kind of finishing touches that really make a project stand head and shoulders above other makeover jobs.

Porches, Professional outdoor structure builder

A long awaited pool pavilion comes to fruition for these Macon GA homeowners

September 1, 2015 admin

When Macon area residents call about adding a new outdoor space to their yard, sometimes they know exactly what they want and sometimes they have an idea but look forward to the process of seeing that idea translated to the perfect outdoor space.

These Macon homeowners not only knew what they wanted but they knew several years ago. In fact, they even secured approval from the HOA several years prior. Now they were ready to have their pool pavilion built. Many pool owners want a shaded area near their pool. But, they wouldn’t be pool owners if they didn’t enjoy a huge splash of direct sunlight. That’s why an open pavilion or open porch is the perfect space for them. The roof allows for sun protection but the open gable still allows plenty of light under their covered space.

When we originally met with the homeowners, there was only one thing we suggested changing about their original building plan. The plan called for the open gable end facing away from the pool. Based on the sun’s direction and the beauty of the open gable, it made the most sense to have the open gable addressing the pool. Note the additional braces on the open gable. These were not required structurally but really gave that added design detail the homeowners were looking for.

From an aesthetic standpoint, we encased the footers of each of the columns with paver stones to create pedestals for each post. For the posts, we used Cox laminated timber columns. These wide columns allow plenty of space to thread wire through bringing electricity to the structure for lighting, ceiling fans, and to create electrical outlets as desired.

This Macon family couldn’t be happier with their new pavilion. It took a few years to be ready to build but it was well worth it.

If you have a great new outdoor space in mind, give us a call. We’re glad to provide a free consultation to determine the best structures and design to meet your outdoor living needs and desires. Call us at (478) 745 – 2000, email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net or visit our website at central-georgia.archadeck.com.

Eze-Breeze Windows, Porch builder/contractor, Porches, Screened porches

Can you turn your deck into a porch? Can you turn your screened porch into a 3-season room? Archadeck of Central GA explains how.

August 31, 2015 admin

One common question we receive is about converting an existing space to a better space. Let’s say you have a deck that’s not too old and is in great shape but you want to get more use out of the space. Do you have to scrap a perfectly good deck to convert it to a porch? You shouldn’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

If you have a deck that’s in good condition, you should not need to scrap it to convert it into either an open porch or a screened porch. The caveat here is the interpretation of “good condition”. How is the substructure. How sound is it? Most often we will find deck substructures that are well built and, even when aged, are still capable of supporting growth (with some assistance). Here’s what we mean. A roof is tremendously heavy. Deck substructures are not built to accommodate the addition of a roof unless you had the substructure built to support a future roof addition. But, we can most often design and implement support enhancements which then allow the addition of a roof to your deck.

Can you turn a porch into a room?

There are many variations of outdoor rooms ranging anywhere from an open porch to a screened porch to a porch with 3-season windows to a fully insulated room with heating and cooling. Here in Central GA, the addition of a vinyl window system such as Eze-Breeze will help you turn your screened porch into a 3-season room making the room usable for most of the year. Today’s vinyl windows are nothing like they used to be. The vinyl is super clear, very strong, and integrated into a track window system making it a permanent addition to your room. Eze-Breeze windows are built to suit your existing or new room. Their track system allows you to expose from 25% up to 75% of the window area. Better yet, you can open the windows from the top or bottom. Depending on the weather conditions, this flexibility is a great plus.

If you have a great outdoor space and want to add some sun protection, rain protection, or weather protection, give us a call. We’re glad to provide a free consultation to determine if your space can be converted or upgraded. Call us at (478) 745 – 2000, email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net or visit our website at http://central-georgia.archadeck.com.

Porch builder/contractor, Porches

A porch for all seasons for your Macon Warner Robins area home

August 18, 2015 admin

Close your eyes. Conjure up a mental image of your porch. Open your eyes. What season is it? Likely your mental image was of a porch in the warmer months be it late spring or summer. The porch is a great getaway from the heat during that time of year. But, our long time customers tell us they use their porch literally year round. Not only is it their favorite room in the house during the hot weather months, but through different seasons used in different ways.

Fall

Let’s face it. Fall is a wonderful season. We are able to enjoy watching leaves turn colors and fall. We begin to get some relief from our hot Georgia summers. But the last thing we want to do is move inside. We will go kicking and screaming if we have to take it all indoors during the fall.

Your porch is the perfect place. Whether it’s those hot days that are holding on or those surprisingly cool fall days, your porch is the perfect day to enjoy those days. Keep one or two of your favorite throws out on the porch or bring a warm cup of hot cocoa out. Your screened porch will still be your bridge between creature comforts and outdoor living throughout the season.

Winter

One of the porch amenities that continues to rise in popularity is a fireplace built into your screened porch. You’ve certainly heard about the popular trend toward outdoor fireplaces. While you certainly can have a stand alone outdoor fireplace, your porch is the best place for your outdoor fireplace. There’s nothing like the mixing of scents of fall breeze and fireplace logs. And there’s nothing like a great big breath of fresh air regardless of the time of year. We may have a difficult time convincing you that you can use your porch throughout the winter with a porch fireplace. And, there will be some periods of true winter weather that will keep you indoors. But, with the addition of Eze-Breeze windows, one or two ceiling fans, and a throw, you should be able to enjoy your porch throughout the winter. Why go through all this trouble to spend winter leisure time in your porch when you could spend your time inside? Often your porch is the brightest and sunniest room in the house. That natural sun is a pick me up on any day of the year.

Spring

Pollen! Need we say more? That yellow film that covers literally everything during pollen season is torturous for many of us. Even if you’re not allergic to pollen, how many of us can escape without sneezing and coughing while wiping the pollen off our cars or or outdoor tables? With a screened porch, your screen will not keep all the pollen out, but it will certainly keep a good amount of it out. In addition, if you have Eze-Breeze vinyl windows on your Macon Warner Robins area porch, you can keep the vinyl windows closed during pollen season to make your outdoor room more pollen proof.

Let’s think of the positive aspect of spring – spending more time outside. After spending the winter indoors, we all anxiously await the rising temperatures that Spring. Here in Central GA, while much of the summer may be considered too hot, Spring is the time to enjoy milder temperatures, some spring breeze and some spring rain. Your back porch is the best place to enjoy spring rain.

Summer

Georgia is the deep south. Our temperatures soar in the summer forcing many of us to take it indoors. Air conditioning serves a very functional purpose of making spending time in the soaring temperatures an “option”. But, with air conditioning, you can’t smell the rain, feel the breeze and enjoy the other benefits of living outdoors.

Regardless of what time of year you’re reading this blog, it’s time to give us a call for a free consultation on adding a new screened room to your Central GA area home.

Archadeck of Central Georgia is proud to have been serving Macon and Warner Robins homeowners for more than a dozen years. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock-solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. We are happy to provide you with references for any kind of job you are considering. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Central GA

Could there be anything better than a wrap around porch for your Central GA area home?