If you’re looking to create an inviting outdoor space and increase your home’s value, adding a deck is an ideal option. However, if you’re like most homeowners before you fully commit to this decision, you need a few questions answered. And one of those questions is probably: How long will my deck construction take? Blue Sky Decks specializes in deck construction–in fact, building new decks and refurbishing old decks is all we do. So we hope the following information can help you.
Like so many things, the answer is, “It depends.” But keep reading, and we’ll help you understand why there’s no one set answer. Several factors can affect how long a deck project will take, and when you take these factors into account, you can get an idea of what the timeframe will be on the deck you would like to build.
Without knowing anything about the type of deck project you envision, let’s start with something simple. While there is never a one-size-fits-all formula, a very simply designed deck that is not delayed by permit hold-ups, bad weather, or material scarcity can usually be completed in one to three weeks from the time of actual ground-breaking. Now, let’s get into some of the things that can affect that timeframe.
Permits
When you decide to build a deck in Idaho or Washington, you’ll need a permit for most residential builds. The permitting stage is, unfortunately, one of the more time-consuming steps in the process, since you have to submit your deck plans to your local building and planning department, and then wait for approval before you can pull your permit and have your deck builders begin work.
Dealing with permit paperwork can be tedious, so it is extremely helpful to work with a professional deck installation company that will take care of the permitting process for you. At Blue Sky Decks, we handle the entire permitting process. We will ensure that your permit application contains all the required information and documentation, that construction will meet all applicable building codes, and that the deck will pass inspection at every stage.
Materials Used
When deciding on what material to use for your deck, we will provide you with a recommendation based on your build and budget, what their relative advantages and disadvantages are, their availability, and their preparation and maintenance requirements.
While some decking materials are readily in stock, some more unusual or exotic materials may take a while to obtain. In addition, some materials may require treatment before or after installation or may need some time to acclimate before installation, so that you don’t have to deal with warpage, contraction, or expansion.
Taking all of this information into account, you’ll be able to find out upfront whether and how much your choice of materials will impact your construction timeframe.
Weather Conditions
Deck installation is always out in the weather, which means the construction timeframe is at risk of being derailed by the elements. If you face inclement weather such as rain or snow, your deck will take longer to complete. Consequently, the time of year will also factor into how long your deck build takes.
Design Complexity and Size
Finally, the amount of time it takes to build your deck will depend on the size and complexity of the deck itself. If your deck has a pretty basic shape and size, it will be completed much more quickly than if your design is very large, or has a lot of custom features, such as rails, multi-levels, unusual angles and cuts, built-in benches, stairs, and so on.
While adding these types of special touches can give your deck extra flair, they do take longer because the construction is more involved. In addition, if your deck is built on a hillside or very uneven terrain, or if it is difficult to access the area where the deck is to be built and to get workers and materials in, you will have to build additional time into your construction schedule.
Even though these factors help you to understand the process, we know that being unfamiliar with permit processes or material supply issues, you still cannot predict precisely how long it will take to get a particular deck built. To get an accurate estimate, you’ll need to discuss your deck plans with us to get a more detailed cost and time estimate.
If you have a dream deck in mind, we can help make it a reality. Give Blue Sky Decks a call today and let us build you the perfect outdoor addition to your home.