Are you looking for a place to relax and entertain and you have the perfect spot outdoors? People used to occasionally eat outside at a picnic table which had been set up in the grass, but today more and more are creating their own retreat by using an Alameda deck and patio contractor to build a new deck or patio. The choices of deck and patio materials is limitless. You can choose according to your taste and your budget. Choosing a deck or patio to blend with your homeis style is also important. Other considerations are the colors you want and the location.
An Alameda County deck and patio contractor will design your deck or patio to include all of the features that you want. They have helped many homeowners design creative outdoor areas and they will take many things into consideration. The size of your outdoor space and making it fit with your home will be thought out.
You need to know that you are hiring true professionals who will give you the high-quality results and good customer service that you want. That is why research is so important. Research is the key to finding and hiring the best deck and patio contractors in Alameda County, including those in the larger cities of Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin and in the smaller areas of Albany, Ashland and Castro Valley.
Most homeowners donit even know where to begin when it comes to hiring a good Alameda County deck and patio contractor. How do you know that the great looking finished deck or patio is really built to last?
You need to make an informed decision that will save you time and money. How do you begin this search for an Alameda County deck and patio contractor in the cities of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley and San Leandro?
Understand the Difference Between New Decks and Patios
First, you need to determine whether you want a deck or a patio. This may appear to be a simple decision but a deck isnit the same thing as a patio. The preparation and materials are very different. Decks and patios are both quite popular because they add extra living space to your home.
If you are ready to build a new deck or patio, you will make the right choice by choosing an Alameda County deck and patio contractor in the cities of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley and San Leandro and the smaller areas of Livermore, Mount Eden and Piedmont. An Alameda County deck and patio contractor will work with you in designing an deck or patio that fits your budget and your needs.
Are you trying to decide between a patio and a deck? There really is not a perfect answer. You may be looking for little or no maintenance. Or your back yard may not be level. For uneven yards, a deck is probably the best choice. You can build on a level deck by putting in piers. Patios* may not be as house-friendly as they do collect dust which can be tracked into the house. If you have a level yard, then it is up to you. What is your personal preference? There are positive and negatives to either choice.
Facts About New Deck Construction in Alameda County
There are several materials to choose from when you are building a deck. You can choose from specialty woods to pressure treated or composite. Probably the most popular choice for decks is composite materials.
If you are thinking about a wooden deck, a solid stain will show its wear first. On the other hand, patios that are built on a base that is 8-12 inches will probably look like new for many years and hold up without much maintenance. Pressure treated wood is the most common wood used for decking. It is lower in cost than other woods and whereas it used to be treated with a preservative* that contained arsenic, todayis wood is arsenic free. Any type of wood will have to be maintained or it will not last. Unmaintained wood looks old and is also liable to splintering. Plan on doing maintenance every year or two.
There are many other decking materials made from man-made products. Most are made of wood bits or sawdust mixed with recycled plastic. These are gaining in popularity simply because they require no maintenance other than power washing every two years or so. The problem with man-made decking material is that it tends to get very hot in the sun so you wonit be walking barefoot on it if you have tender feet. The other downside is that the color choices, while many, arenit as plentiful as the wood deck stains that are available.
New Patios
Patios are typically sloped to allow water to run off. You may not be required to get a city permit if you are building a one as patios are not attached to your house. If you have chosen to build a patio, slate and concrete are the most common choices. Slate is very durable, however it isnit maintenance free. You will need to keep weeds from becoming an issue with your slate patio.
Patios stand up under extreme weather and for the most part require little maintenance. You can choose from a variety of materials for your patio including concrete, stamped concrete and brick.
There are many choices when you choose concrete. You can get the gray look or there is a variety of colors available. Although a bit more costly, colored stamped concrete is a great choice. It adds a pattern and even can look similar to slate, stone or brick. Color can also be added to this.
The Value of Researching Alameda County Deck and Patio Contractors in the Larger Cities of Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin
Once you decide to build a deck or patio, you will be anxious to hire an Alameda County deck and patio contractor to get the work started. However, you will want to take the time to research some local contractors to find the one that can do you the best job for you.
It is always best to choose a Diamond Certified deck and patio contractor, sometimes it isnit possible. If you are unable to choose a Diamond Certified contractor in your area of Alameda County in the cities of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley and San Leandro and the smaller areas of Russell City, San Lorenzo and Sunol, then check out the contractors listed on the Contractors State License Board website. Only those listed have an active license and workersi compensation insurance. This website also shows any grievances or complaints that have been filed with the state. The contractoris license record also shows any violations that may have occurred.
Company credentials will need to be verified. This will be easier to do if your contractor is a member of local organizations and associations. This will show their past records and if any complaints or legal action has been filed.
More Research on Good Deck and Patio Contractors in Alameda County
Talk with a few local contractors after you have done some research. Keep a list of written questions ready when you interview these contractors. Write down the contractoris answers. A contractor will have to see the job before an estimate can be given. A good contractor wonit give an estimate over the phone until they see the job. It is not necessary to have every contractor you interview give you an in-home estimate. Get estimates only from those contractors you feel meet your expectations and can answer your questions.
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