Decks, Fences and Porches: Can You Do It Yourself?
By Kathy Wilson
Sooner or later, most homeowners are confronted with building a new deck, fence or porch for their home. Is this a project to do on your own? Or should you hire a contractor?
The short answer: maybe, maybe not. (Sorry! You were probably hoping for something more definitive.) Here are the in and outs to give you some guidance.
Many homeowners have the skills necessary to roll up their sleeves and make this a successful do-it-yourself project. "Homeowners who have some carpentry experience, or are good with their hands and want to create some sweat equity might want to consider building themselves," says Andy Merz of Frontier Deck Builders of Finksburg, Maryland. "If they think they want to, but aren't sure, it may be worth paying for a professional to come out for a few hours and consult with them, to make sure they aren't getting in over their heads."
Homeowners should make sure they know exactly what they are getting into. "If they opt to do it themselves, they should be aware that working a regular job and then coming home to work on house projects can be a daunting task,” says Merz. Be sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with a task you regret taking on; there are times when hiring a professional is the best course of action.
What do you look for in a professional?
When looking for a contractor to build a deck, fence or porch, you want to take the same precautions you would with any other building project. "Look for experience, great references that span at least 4-5 years, no lawsuits, no complaints with any counties or building commissions, and a complete level of emotional comfort with the person you hire," says Merz.
Make sure you interview several different contractors, and check the written contract carefully for a warranty.
What should you look for in materials?
Cheap materials are the No. 1 thing to avoid. "Most people these days are opting for composites and vinyl, which are way more expensive then wood, but require much less maintenance," says Merz. "With composites and vinyl railings, you get what you pay for, and the cheaper the cost, the cheaper the material."
You also want to take appearance into account, of course. Merz advises, "The best way to start is to go to a major composite supplier in your area, look at all the various materials, and pick two or three that you like the appearance of. After selecting a few you like, go online and research the products: positives, negatives, complaints, etc."
What are some pitfalls for building a deck, porch or fence, and how can you avoid them?
If you use quality materials and a trustworthy contractor, the entire process should go smoothly -- it is the homeowner’s responsibility to choose the contractor wisely. "Contractors are responsible for acquiring the permit and doing the whole job, including complete clean-up of the job site every day, all necessary inspections, and doing a perfect job," says Merz.
Doing a thorough interview with your contractor and having an iron clad contract will assure they do exactly that.
Building a deck, fence or a porch is a common home improvement project that can make your home more enjoyable and comfortable for your family. Take the time to do it right!
Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at TheBudgetDecorator.com and TheGardenGlove.com
Sooner or later, most homeowners are confronted with building a new deck, fence or porch for their home. Is this a project to do on your own? Or should you hire a contractor?
The short answer: maybe, maybe not. (Sorry! You were probably hoping for something more definitive.) Here are the in and outs to give you some guidance.
Many homeowners have the skills necessary to roll up their sleeves and make this a successful do-it-yourself project. "Homeowners who have some carpentry experience, or are good with their hands and want to create some sweat equity might want to consider building themselves," says Andy Merz of Frontier Deck Builders of Finksburg, Maryland. "If they think they want to, but aren't sure, it may be worth paying for a professional to come out for a few hours and consult with them, to make sure they aren't getting in over their heads."
Homeowners should make sure they know exactly what they are getting into. "If they opt to do it themselves, they should be aware that working a regular job and then coming home to work on house projects can be a daunting task,” says Merz. Be sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with a task you regret taking on; there are times when hiring a professional is the best course of action.
What do you look for in a professional?
When looking for a contractor to build a deck, fence or porch, you want to take the same precautions you would with any other building project. "Look for experience, great references that span at least 4-5 years, no lawsuits, no complaints with any counties or building commissions, and a complete level of emotional comfort with the person you hire," says Merz.
Make sure you interview several different contractors, and check the written contract carefully for a warranty.
What should you look for in materials?
Cheap materials are the No. 1 thing to avoid. "Most people these days are opting for composites and vinyl, which are way more expensive then wood, but require much less maintenance," says Merz. "With composites and vinyl railings, you get what you pay for, and the cheaper the cost, the cheaper the material."
You also want to take appearance into account, of course. Merz advises, "The best way to start is to go to a major composite supplier in your area, look at all the various materials, and pick two or three that you like the appearance of. After selecting a few you like, go online and research the products: positives, negatives, complaints, etc."
What are some pitfalls for building a deck, porch or fence, and how can you avoid them?
If you use quality materials and a trustworthy contractor, the entire process should go smoothly -- it is the homeowner’s responsibility to choose the contractor wisely. "Contractors are responsible for acquiring the permit and doing the whole job, including complete clean-up of the job site every day, all necessary inspections, and doing a perfect job," says Merz.
Doing a thorough interview with your contractor and having an iron clad contract will assure they do exactly that.
Building a deck, fence or a porch is a common home improvement project that can make your home more enjoyable and comfortable for your family. Take the time to do it right!
Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at TheBudgetDecorator.com and TheGardenGlove.com