Building a deck for your home can be a great means of enhancing your home’s curb appeal, as well as feature several benefits depending on aspects such as the design and upgrades involved with the construction. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this extension is properly erected when looking to enjoy these advantages, and any potential amateur mistakes can significantly lessen the impact of this fixture on your home.
If you have never undertaken a deck-building project before, hiring a professional contractor is highly recommended when looking to ensure chances of success. Familiarizing yourself with the primary stages of the construction process is also a good way to let you know what to expect at different points of the venture. Some of the primary stages involved with the services offered by Cambridge MA Deck Builders include:
Permit Application
Unless you’re working on a floating deck, you’ll need a permit before you can commence the construction of your extension. This is generally considered the first stage of the process, as such licenses must be acquired beforehand or could significantly derail the overall progress of the project. Different regions might have varying waiting times for the permits, as well as different requirements – so it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the permit prerequisites of every area. In Massachusetts, for example, any deck higher than 30” above the ground will need footers that are at least four feet deep. Failure to acquire a permit can lead to persecution with the homeowner paying a fine of up to $1000 or facing a prison sentence of up to one year – or both. The Massachusetts local authorities will either approve or deny your deck-building permit within 30 days after application.
Planning and Design
Another essential stage that needs to take place before construction even begins is the planning and design of the extension you have in mind. There are numerous aspects to consider when considering the best design for your deck as there is a wide array of options to choose from. However, it should be noted that certain aspects should be considered when browsing through the alternatives. If you live in a neighborhood that’s controlled by a Homeowners Association (HOA) there’s a chance that they will have a say on the type of deck you will be able to add to your home for the sake of uniformity. Scheduling the building project is also a major aspect of the construction process. Targeting sunny weather ensures you don’t suffer potential delays and prolonged timelines, for example, while aiming for the mid-mornings to afternoons is a good way to maintain relations with the neighbors. If you’re looking to avoid death stares and bad will from your next-door neighbors, giving them a heads up about the project a week or so before it commences is also recommendable.
The Building Process
Once you have acquired your permit and decided on a suitable design, you can finally get to the building stage. The length of the project will depend on several elements including the primary material in use and the design of the extension. Hiring established Cambridge MA Deck Builders is the best way to ensure quality results, so call us today! Dexksos, your top rated contractor!
