Patio Construction in Rockville, Maryland

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In depth look at a design build patio project located in Rockville, Maryland.

Custom Addition in Bethesda

I like to call this design the 'Screen Porch Sandwich'.  This Bethesda Maryland home owner contacted Design Builders to create a design that featured a garage on the lower level, a deck/screen porch combination on the second level, and a master bathroom addition on the third level.  Parking in downtown Bethesda is hard to come by and having a garage space is a luxury as well as a wonderful way to add value to your home.  This 800 sqft deck will provide ample space to entertain friends and family for numerous occasions.  The screen porch area connects to their kitchen and will provide a bug free zone to enjoy meals and morning coffee.  The master bathroom additional allows the client to make a larger bedroom, add a larger walk-in closet, and add a much larger updated bathroom.  No matter what the challenge, Design Builders can help you build a project that adds value to your home and helps you get more enjoyment our of your home.

Custom Screen Porch Potomac Maryland

Screen Porch construction is a great way to avoid insections in the area.  Screen rooms can be built on both decks and patios.  Add a fireplace and you've got yourself a luxurious outdoor living space!

 

Deck and Screen Porch Design Process

Understanding the Design Process

You want a new deck, screened-in porch, upgraded outdoor space, or interior renovation. You can visualize your final project. Wanting and envisioning – they’re the easy part. But now you need to determine the reality of your daydreams. That’s where Design Builders come in.

Once you’ve contacted us to get an estimate for your project, how do you convey your wishes? And how long does it take to receive a visual representation of your proposed project?

Our initial meeting with you to discuss your project hopes and needs can be done in one of two ways: in your home, or online via the web conferencing software GoToMeeting. During this meeting, we can actually work on-the-spot to design your proposed project, getting your direct and immediate feedback. If time doesn’t allow us to develop the design in the initial meeting, we will have it to you within 48 hours.

That’s when the magic really happens – through our 3D color renderings, our clients get the first true look at what their project will become and how it will enhance their home. All of our customers have the option to purchase a set of permit-ready building plans for 5 percent of the final project estimate. If you choose to build with Design Builders, that 5 percent is credited to your deposit.

Now… are you fantasizing about soaking up the summer sun on a new deck, or relaxing away from the evening pests in your new screened-in porch? All you have to do is get your meeting scheduled and we can take it from there.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.

Screen Porches Don't Need To Have Railings

This screened enclosure located in Chevy Chase, MD features 6'' vinyl columns, Azek porch board, and a bronze standing seam metal roof.  One thing it does not feature are handrails.  Like anything in life there are pros and cons to excluding handrails on your screen porch project.  The pros being that the lack of rails makes the room look more spacious, allows for better views, and make the space feel less like a 'deck' and more like a patio.  The cons are that you need to keep an eye on your rowdy friends during wild parties.  

Deck and Screen Porch Construction Adds Value To Your Home

Building a Deck Can Be Your Best Home Investment

Reluctant to make any exterior home improvements in this less-than-stable housing market? Don’t be. Even a poor economy can’t disprove the fact that adding a wood deck to your home offers over a 70 percent return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazine's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2011-2012. Building a deck is still one of the most worthwhile home improvement projects.

Why is building a deck better than upgrading your master bath or remodeling your basement? Adding a deck to your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your living area. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the national average for new construction costs of a two-story, 2,000-square-foot home is about $85 per square foot. The construction costs for a wood deck are less than $35 per square foot.

Thrift-conscious consumers should find a deck appealing, as they are the demographic looking to save money by spending more time at home, according to Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports. These cost-conscious folks want a new way to enjoy the outdoors while adding value to their property.

Other outlets rank deck building positively as well. U.S. News and World Report claims building a wood deck is among the five best home improvement projects for your money. And Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, says, “These days the latest trend is all about outdoor living. Decks are a great investment if you’re looking to add some exterior space to your living area.”

Hicks goes on to say that investing in quality is one of the most important elements of opting for this exterior home improvement. “When it comes to building a deck it all comes down to how well it’s installed. We all too often hear stories of a deck being improperly installed and potentially collapsing. You want to have someone who knows what they are doing.” Plus, a good, reliable, knowledgeable contractor will work with you to keep costs under control, making your new deck a completely worthwhile investment on all fronts.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.

Understanding the Deck Building Process

Understanding the Deck Building Process

There are several steps in the Design Builder’s building process – we pride ourselves on being thorough and carefully monitor each of our projects to ensure top-quality work and craftsmanship. Here’s a breakdown of how you can expect your renovation to go from start to finish:

• It’s in the details – You already have the 3D color renderings of the proposed design per the Design Builders Deck design process, but now we take two to three weeks to create a detailed plan of the project.

• Getting the green light – After the detailed plans have been completed, we have a review meeting with our client and receive your sign-off to move forward with building.

• Abiding by the law – We take care of all necessary building permits for your project according to your county’s regulations – this can take one to two weeks.

• Logistics – We hold a pre-construction meeting to discuss the logistics of the project such as where to park on your property, where to store materials and equipment, and so on.

• Getting the goods – We aim to prevent delays at all costs. All of the building materials arrive and are inventoried on Day 1 of your building project.

• Breaking ground – As your project commences, we conduct excavation for footings and foundation.

• Staying on top of things – If you wish, a weekly meeting can be arranged with your project manager so you can be informed about every detail of your building project.

• Taking a closer look – Inspections are crucial. We conduct them for everything including footing, framing, roof close-in, rough-in electrical, and final building and final electrical inspections.

• Wrapping up – Once building has been completed, we conduct a project walk-through and compile a punch list. Once this to-do list has been checked off, there is project clean-up and your project warranty officially begins.

• Enjoy! – Now it’s time for you to sit back and relax in your beautiful new living space.

• Checking in – Once a client, always a client – the final component of our building process includes a one-year check-up to make sure you’re satisfied.

At Design Builders, we’re meticulous, but we’re also efficient. It is our goal to provide you with the building project that you envision for your home in a timely manner. Read and watch what some of our clients have had to say about their experience with our firm.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.

Deck Railing Options

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Deck handrails come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Designer rails made from composite material, vinyl,aluminum, and wrought iron are all possibilities. Deckorators balusters, made of powder coated aluminum, are a great option and provide a lot of design options and flexibility. The deckorators balusters come in a variety of colors and shapes. There are also customizable add on options such as the Fleur de Lis and Basket weave. Not only do these balusters look great, but they make your deck space more spacious by blending in with the environment and not blocking sight lines. Best of all deckorators balusters are very affordable. For a minimal upgrade you can enhance and customize your door living space.

Custom Screen Porch and Patio

This large screen porch and patio are designed for an Annapolis Maryland home owner looking to add a large exterior living space to their home.  The plan is to entertain their large family and hold social business gatherings.  Being close to the water, mosquitoes and other bugs are an issue with this property.  The home owner is a fan of large open spaces and doesn't like being confined by a three sided screen room at all times.  To accommodate their needs we designed this project that has two levels of mosquito protection.  1. The screened in porch allows the client to use the deck area without being bother by pesky insects.  2. An insect misting system allows the home owners to entertain in the open air without being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

 The screened in porch area has fixed screens on both the left and right sides.  Both sides feature a storm door, landing and stairs for access to the two sides of the yard.  The front wall features a custom retractable screen system.  Two retractable screens are installed in the left and right bays on the front of the screen porch.  Stairs that extend the length of the screen porch allow for open access to the patio.  When entertaining the home owners can open the entire front wall of the porch creating a massive open air entertaining area.  If they prefer a smaller more intimate gathering, they can keep the screens closed and enjoy the comfort of a their screened enclosure.

 

The mosquito repelent sytem MistAway is a great way to create a bug free environment in the open air without any screens.  MistAway mosquito control system automatically sprays a very fine mist of botanical insecticide through a series of mosquito misting nozzles installed on the property. Once installed, the system virtually disappears into the landscape. 

Deck Styles in Maryland and Virginia

Outside-of-the-Box Building

Too hip to be square? Good news – you don’t have to go traditionally square with your deck or screened room. In fact, you can get downright musical with your outdoor living space if that’s your taste. Just take a look at this piano deck we created:



Smooth, curved decking can make you feel like you and your outdoor living space are even more in line (no pun intended) with nature. We use a variety of deck materials that feature curves, which means you can have the style and color of decking that you want without being forced into a straight-line deck shape. The only limit is your (and our) imagination.

Creativity comes from above as well, in the form of screen porch roofs. The shapes and sizes of the roof on your outdoor living space can vary considerably. Your roof choice can be influenced by the design of your house roof, whether or not you want skylights or fans, and, simply enough, your personal taste. Choose from an A-frame gable roof, a lean-to shed roof, a hip roof (with or without gable build-up), or a hexagon or octagon roof, illustrated in the photos below:



Finally, special trim and railing details truly put a lid on your outside-of-the-box thinking, making your one-of-a-kind deck that much more unique and true to your character and style of living. We welcome your creative ideas!

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

http://www.DesignBuildersMD.com Decks in Maryland by Design Builders Inc.