Tag Archives: How to select a great contractor
A custom outdoor fireplace for Woodstock, GA homeowners that has it all.
Our outdoor fireplace designs are as unique and individual as you are.
No one wants to settle for less than what they want or deserve. This includes the ideal image of what your anticipated outdoor structure will look like, and also how it will function. This custom designed and built outdoor fireplace and patio surround in Woodstock is a fine specimen of what entails a totally custom solution to your outdoor endeavor.
This outdoor fireplace is full of custom features such as the eyebrow and key hearth opening and custom mantel
When these Woodstock homeowners approached us they had been in search of a patio builder that could deliver a quality built outdoor structure that complimented their home and landscape, provided functionality and beauty. Together, with the input of the homeowner, we were able to come up with a magnificent well-rounded design of a custom outdoor fireplace built from superior Belgard stack stone, as well as a custom paver patio surround that flanks the fireplace. The entire structure has custom characteristics, from the unique shape of the fireplace to the custom mantel. The use of the patio surround creates the feel of an “outdoor living room” and invites you to cozy up around the fire in much the same way a comfy, relaxed family room on the interior of the home does.
This image shows the beautiful shading an details evident through the use of stack stone
When you make the decision to use Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to design and construct any facet of their outdoor oasis, you can rest assured the silver lining comes with owning a quality built, well planned, structurally above average, and above all truly custom outdoor living structure.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
To learn more about all of our custom outdoor structures, including outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and patio designs contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta today. Call us at (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see more stunning patio designs please visit our patio and hardscapes gallery located on our website. Check out our outdoor fireplace and fire pit designs, by visiting our outdoor fireplace and fire pit gallery also located on our website.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Creates a Stunning Outdoor Structure with Heart and Soul.
The area under this second story deck utilizes a dry roof to create a full patio complete with custom ceiling including all of the electrical
Many times it is difficult for a homeowner to find a contractor whose strength is both in building outdoor structures and in the art of outdoor design. It is an even rarer occurrence when you find an expert tradesman that can do both and be able to go the extra mile by translating the homeowner’s character and personality into the design itself. For this homeowner, we were able to translate not only the customer’s mental image of what he desired but also the heartfelt emotions and fond memories that he wanted to convey and enjoy through the design.
The covered patio is the perfect place to reflect and relax.
This homeowner’s beloved father was an avid outdoors-man whom recently passed away. As a tribute to his father he wanted to create a backyard that would reflect who he was as well as tie in things that his father would have enjoyed within the space. This structure is meant to serve the homeowner’s love of entertaining but also to pay homage to his late father. As simple as this task may seem, there were obstacles that had to be overcome before we could break ground.
The situation was that the homeowner had a small existing 10×12 “basic” deck, as well as a 10′ slope across the backyard from left to right making it hard to access. This lack of accessibility, plus the slope would entail adding stone work to gain better access to the area and to better utilize the space, but be able to work with the existing slope of the backyard. He was looking for a contractor that could provide both facets of the construction by building a new deck and installing stonework. We really enjoy doing it all, from decks, patios, outdoor rooms, porches and stone and hardscapes. We were able to design an outdoor area that harmonizes with his existing house and the special circumstances present in the slope of the lot.
We took down the homeowner’s existing deck and replaced it with a water-tight deck that is about three times the size of the old one. We also created a stunning stone staircase to gain access around the 10′ hill. The stone staircase also descends into a beautiful flagstone patio and stone wall. The finished space underneath the water tight deck created a breathtaking room downstairs offering privacy and a place of sanctuary. We finished the structure with can lights, two ceiling fans for those warm summer days, sconces on the deck posts and lighting going up the stairwell for safety and ambiance.
The homeowner was quite pleased that we had incorporated so many facets into the design and posted a review on Kudzu.
“Creative and detail-oriented professionals. I am very pleased with the challenging project that Archadeck just completed for me. They took down my existing deck, and built a much larger deck (15′ x 28′) with a complete under deck system and beautiful flagstone patio underneath. The project was complicated by the steep grade of the hillside in my backyard, which they overcame by incorporating heavy stepping-stones and garden lights seamlessly tying in both functionality and aesthetics. While the project did take a few weeks longer than anticipated, I feel the results were more than worth it. Sol and his team went out of their way to block off time with me for material selection and creative dialogue regarding my project vision. If you are looking for professionals that don’t take short cuts and strive for perfection, I highly recommend Archadeck to you.”
By overcoming all the obstacles at hand, we were able to work with the individual characteristics of the “lay of the land” so to speak, to create an unforgettable structure for this homeowner that encompasses everything he wanted and more, and everything his father would have wanted as well.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
We plan, design and build beautiful custom outdoor structures that are as individual as you are, contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to learn more. You can call us at (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
What Questions You Should Ask Deck Contractors
Questions to ask contractors:
How long have you been in business?
Many home builders “framers” that build porch and deck projects, are in the market now because of the total absence of home construction. They will go back to home construction when the market returns. At that point you will not have any warranty on your project.
Are you members of the Better Business Bureau?
Why not?
Do you have a Georgia Contractor’s License?
Over 70% of the contractors building construction in Georgia do not have this license. They cannot pull permits and if caught working without permits, significant fines go to the homeowners.
What materials do you construct your projects with?
The materials that contractors buy at lumber yards are frame grade lumber because the preferred market for the lumber yards is home builders. Ask your contractor if he uses Paraffin Enhanced Kiln Dried After Treatment #1 clear boards. We believe that customers prefer superior lumber because of its looks and longevity. For the installation of composite decking or railing, the project must be built by a contractor certified and approved by the manufacturer or material warranties will be void. Archadeck is an approved contractor for every composite company.
Do you use 2×6 decking or 5/4 decking boards?
5/4 costs less and cracks and warps without the structural integrity of the 2×6 board.
How do you connect the deck to the house?
If they are going to carriage bolt through the band, will they have to cut through the drywall, redo the drywall, and repaint the entire wall in the room below the porch. Is this price figured in their estimate?
What fasteners will be used on my deck? (Screws, staples, or nails? Will they rust?)
Premium materials matter. Even the small ones!
Do you have any customers who you’ve built for that I could call?
Someone other than his mother or girlfriend.
Do you have projects that we could go see?
Again no relatives.
What are your Warranties?
Has the company been around long enough for you to believe the warranty to be of value? What is covered, how long, and who will be responsible for fulfillment of warranties or contracts if something happens to their business? If they ain’t around it ain’t happenin’.
On materials, warranties need to come from the contractor not the lumber yard. Manufacturers don’t have the man power or the inclination to recognize you to fulfill warranties, but they will recognize a large company like Archadeck.
Will you handle all of my building permits?
Have it put into the contract.
Will you give me copies of material liens?
This proves that the materials have been paid for and protects you against having a material lien placed on your home because of slow or non-payment by the contractor.
Do you carry insurance? Would you provide me with a copy of your general liability and workman’s compensation policies for my project?
Call the insurance company and they will fax you a copy to make sure that the coverage is in effect during your project. Many contractors have dropped their insurance to lower prices, lower costs, or because they can no longer afford it.
How strong is your floor structure?
Georgia code is 40 pounds per square foot live load capacity. Archadeck builds to 60 pounds per square foot live load capacity which is code in 48 states. This is another reason our projects will not need to be replaced and will last longer.
How long will my project take to build? Will you work every business day until completion of the project except for bad weather?
Many contractors will work on more than one project at a time to receive more draw payments, leaving you with gaps in the completion of your project. Archadeck will work from the beginning to the completion of your project with out break except for foul weather.
Are you cutting through my concrete patio to add support for the tremendous weight of the new project?
If not, the patio below may crack!!!
Now for the lightning round:
How are you finishing the house to block the view of the existing roof at the interior gable?
Do you use custom screen inserts?
Do you place rolled screen above the joists and below the decking to seal the deck off from insects?
The information above is intended to educate and help you make a better informed decision regarding your decking and porch contractor.
To find out more, please visit us at Archadeck of Greater Atlanta.