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.

Building an Environmentally Friendly Deck

Recommendations for Building a Green Deck

Building Decks in Potomac, Maryland and Northern Virginia can be difficult with all of the different available decking products.  As if thinking about the deck design wasn't enough to worry about there are hundreds of brands and color to choose from.  You need to decide if you want a natural wood deck or a low maintenance options.  If you have decided to go with a low maintenance option you then need to narrow down your choices between a view top products.



If your goal is to minimize your carbon footprint but maximize your outdoor living space, there are environmentally friendly decking materials that will allow you to enjoy your deck while also protecting the earth.

For clients who want a true green construction, we recommend Trex Transcend, a high-performance decking made with a unique combination of materials that are 95 percent recycled or reclaimed from wood and plastic and contain no toxic chemicals or preservatives. In fact, Trex Company created the composite decking category, revolutionizing the decking industry.

As for Transcend, it could be said that this composite blends with nature because it isn’t negatively affected by sunlight, harsh weather, or insect damage – some of a deck-owner’s biggest concerns. The two components of the composite itself – plastic and wood – work in conjunction to shield each other from the elements, UV rays, and pests, therefore preventing rotting, warping, cracking, fading, staining, and scratching.

If your outdoor space includes a pool, spa, or hot tub, Trex decking resists moisture and mold, making it an ideal counterpart to your H2O pursuits. And you can feel safe relaxing in your bare feet as the smooth, slip-resistant composition of this decking eliminates worries about splinters or falls.

Often, using green products limits your ability to be creative with your design. But Trex offers natural-looking, rich earth tones in a wide range of colors and finishes – from tan to dark brown, you can create a realistic hardwood appearance or go for subtle elegance with shades of gray. The distinctive wood grain patterns can be mixed and matched to create a truly unique design and matching rail and trim options are available. Another advantage: The decking, though very strong, can be bent to create patterns and curves that are not possible with wood.

Ultimately, everyone wants a quality deck that is going to have longevity – though wood products have a lower upfront cost, Trex wood-alternative products pay for themselves in less than six years because there is minimal maintenance required. Using this weather-resistant decking, you will be free from having to sand, stain, or paint your deck. Only periodic cleanings are recommended to keep this material looking fresh.

So your biggest job? Get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy your beautiful, environmentally responsible deck.

Design Builders, Inc.

8315 North Brook Ln. #205 Bethesda, MD 20814

(301)875-2781

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

Round Deck, Paver Patio, and Low Maintenance Screen Room in Potomac, MD

Custom Round Deck, Paver Patio, and Low Maintenance Screen Room located in Potomac, Maryland. This project was built in Two Phases. First we created the screen room. One year later we came back to build the round Azek deck and the Belgard brick patio. The patio provides ample space to entertain and the sitting wall allows multiple guests to sit while enjoying a meal outside. The screen room, which is is 20x16, has enough space for a large table, chairs, and additional sofa seating. The deck, brick, and trim color match well with the existing house.

Maryland and Virginia Rainfall Calls for a Covered Deck

Maryland and Virginia Rainfall Calls for a Covered Deck

In Maryland and Virginia we get tons of rain every year during every season. Building a deck is a great addition to your home but it doesn't protect you from the weather.

There are two additions to your home that bring with them solutions to weather problems: a covered deck and a screened-in porch. Both of these options allow you to use your outdoor space during rainy days as well as snowy days, if you’re happy to bundle up in the bitter cold.

Nearly every part of Maryland and Virginia receives approximately four inches of rain per month, while the annual rainfall in our state ranges from 35 to 45 inches. The average winter snowfall for our area exceeds 20 inches. If you’re a resident of this region, this isn’t news to you.

All of this precipitation can lead to potential damage on your home. Not to mention it can be downright depressing to be cooped up in your house day after day while rain and snow take their toll and hamper your ability to breathe in some fresh air.

There are many advantages to the roof addition to your deck – you won’t have to cancel a gathering or move it indoors because of rain. You can read, relax, work, or play with your kids on your screened-in porch, rain or no rain. A deck roof also protects you from the sun.

As for wintertime, you know those snow piles that look so soft and fluffy white at first can turn into a slushy, melting mess. A deck roof keeps snow that could have built up on your deck away from doors, minimizing any chances of interior water damage.

Want to know more about how to protect your home from water damage? Watch our video about how to waterproof your Maryland deck.

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 Porch in Potomac, MD

This is a view of the interior of a custom screen room built in Potomac, Maryland.  Cathedral ceilings are accented with two open gables, trimmed beams, and a decorative ceiling fan.  Pine bead board is installed and stained.  We do not recommend staining pine as it is difficult to take, but that was the mandate of our client.  Oversized columns and decorative circles are installed for an extra detail.  Brazilian IPE flooring in installed inside and out.