Ready for a new deck? Awesome!
A great deck can totally change your backyard, giving you a perfect spot to hang out, grill, or just enjoy those beautiful Colorado evenings. But before you start picking out stain colors, it's smart to understand the whole process. Building a deck isn't like buying a new couch; there are a lot of moving parts. I've been doing this for years here in Lakewood, and I've seen what makes a project go smoothly – and what can cause headaches. So, let's talk about what you need to know.
Setting Your Project Timeline
The first thing people usually ask is, "How long is this going to take?" And honestly, that's a tough one to nail down precisely without knowing the specifics. Still, I can give you a general idea of the stages involved.
Initial Planning & Design (2-4 weeks): This is where you figure out what you want, how big, what materials you'd like, and get some quotes. You'll meet with a few contractors, discuss your ideas, and get designs drawn up. Don't rush this part; it really sets the stage for everything else.
Permitting (4-8 weeks, sometimes more): This is often the biggest wild card. Lakewood, like most cities, requires permits for deck construction. The city needs to review plans to make sure they meet building codes. Sometimes it's quick, sometimes they're swamped – what can you do? We handle this for our clients at Superior Decks & Pergolas, but it's important to understand it's a necessary step that just takes time.
Material Ordering & Delivery (2-6 weeks): Once we have those permits in hand, we order materials. Lumber, composite decking, railings – lead times can vary, especially for specialized items. Supply chain stuff has been pretty wild lately, so we always factor in a buffer.
Construction (2-6 weeks): This is the actual build time. A small, simple deck might be done in a couple of weeks. A large, multi-level deck with lots of custom features? That'll take longer. Weather plays a role here too, of course; we can't pour concrete in a blizzard, for example.
So, from your first call to enjoying your new deck, you're generally looking at anywhere from 3 to 6 months, sometimes more. It's a marathon, not a sprint, right?
What to Expect During the Build
Once we break ground, here's what you can usually count on:
Noise and Dust: We're building something! There will be saws, drills, hammers, and general construction sounds. We do our best to keep things tidy, but there will be some dust and debris around.
Workers on Site: You'll have a crew at your house during work hours. We're professionals, and we respect your property. We'll set up clear communication channels so you know who to talk to if you have questions.
Material Deliveries: Large trucks will deliver lumber and other materials. We'll need space to store these safely and efficiently, usually in your driveway or a designated area in your yard.
Inspections: The city will send inspectors at various stages – foundation, framing, and final. These are crucial for making sure everything is up to code and safe. We coordinate these, but they're definitely part of the process.
Temporary Disruptions: Access to certain parts of your yard might be limited, and you might have some temporary utility disconnections if we're running power or gas lines. We always try to keep these to a minimum.
How to Prepare Your Home and Yard
You can help make the process smoother for everyone involved:
Clear the Area: Move any patio furniture, grills, planters, or anything else from the existing deck or the area where the new deck will go. This includes items under the deck if it's elevated.
Protect Valuables: If you have delicate plants, garden ornaments, or anything you don't want getting dusty or accidentally bumped, move it away from the construction zone.
Secure Pets: Keep your furry friends safely inside or in a secure, separate part of the yard during work hours. We don't want them getting underfoot or stressed out by the activity.
Access for Utilities: Make sure we have clear access to power outlets if needed, and let us know if there are any underground sprinkler lines or other utilities we need to be aware of. We always call 811 before digging, but extra info really helps.
Communicate: If you have specific concerns or requests, talk to us! We're here to build your dream deck, and good communication is key.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
This is a big investment, so don't be shy. You need to feel comfortable with your contractor. Here are some questions I think are important:
What's included in the price? Get a detailed breakdown. Does it cover permits, demolition of an old deck, material delivery, clean-up? You don't want surprises later.
What's the payment schedule? Reputable contractors usually ask for an initial deposit, then progress payments as milestones are met. Be wary of anyone asking for a huge upfront payment.
Who pulls the permits? It should always be the contractor. That means they're responsible for making sure the work meets code.
What kind of warranty do you offer? Both on the materials and on the workmanship. A good contractor stands behind their work.
How do you handle changes or unforeseen issues? Sometimes things come up – maybe we hit an old sprinkler line or you decide you want a different railing style. Understand how those changes will be documented and priced.
What's your estimated start and completion date? I know I said it's hard to be exact, but they should be able to give you a reasonable window.
Can I see some of your previous work? Photos are great, but if they can point you to a deck they built in a neighborhood like Belmar or Green Mountain, that's even better.
Planning a deck project can feel like a lot, but breaking it down into these steps makes it manageable. When you're ready to talk specifics for your Lakewood home, give us a shout. We're here to help you build something you'll love for years.