Are you looking for a place to relax and entertain? Do you have the perfect spot outdoors for a new deck or patio? Today more and more are creating their own retreat by using a Marin County deck and patio contractor to build a new deck or patio.
The choices of deck and patio materials is limitless and you can choose according to your taste and your budget. Choosing a deck or patio to blend with your home’s style is also important. Other considerations are the colors you want and the location.
A Marin County deck and patio contractor will design your deck or patio to include the many features you are looking for. They have helped many homeowners design creative outdoor areas and they will take many things into consideration. The will consider the size of your outdoor space and how it fits with your home. The end result will be the perfect deck for you.
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 Marin County.
Most homeowners donit even know where to begin when it comes to hiring a good Marin County deck and patio contractor. How do you know that the great looking finished deck or patio is really built to last? It isn’t as difficult as it might seem.
You need to make an informed decision that will save you time and money. Research is available to you so how do you begin this search for a Marin County deck and patio contractor in the cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Larkspur?
The Differences Between Decks and Patios
First, determine whether you want a new deck or patio. This may appear to be a simple decision but a deck isn’t the same thing as a patio. The preparation and materials are very different. However, 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 a Marin County deck and patio contractor in the cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Larkspur and the smaller areas of Ignacio, Iverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield and Lagunitas. A Marin County deck and patio contractor will work with you in designing a deck or patio that fits your needs and your budget.
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.
Deck Construction
There are many materials to choose from when you are building a deck. You can choose from specialty woods to pressure treated or composite woods. 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, today’s wood is arsenic free. Any type of wood will have to be maintained or it will not last. Unmaintained wood ages quickly and is also liable to splintering. You need to 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 won’t be walking barefoot on it if you have tender feet. The other downside is that the color choices, while many, aren’t as plentiful as the wood deck stains that are available.
Patio Construction
Patios are typically sloped to allow water to run off. You may not be required to get a city permit if you are building 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 isn’t maintenance free. You will need to keep weeds from becoming an issue with your slate patio.
Patios stand up under extreme weather. They, 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 concrete for a different effect.
Researching Deck and Patio Contractors in Marin County in the Larger Cities of Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Fairfax, Ross and Belvedere
Once you decide to build a deck or patio, you may be in a hurry to hire a Marin 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, but sometimes it isn’t possible. If you are unable to choose a Diamond Certified contractor in your area of Marin County, then check out the contractors listed on the Contractors State License Board website. Only those contractors listed have an active license and workers’ compensation insurance. This website also shows any grievances or complaints that have been filed with the state. Violations that may have occurred show on the contractor’s license record.
Company credentials will need to be verified. This will be easier to do if your contractor is a member of local organizations and associations. You will be able to see their past records and if any complaints or legal action has been filed.
More Knowledge About Good Deck and Patio Contractors in Marin 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 and write down the contractor’s answers. A contractor will have to see the job before an estimate can be given.
A good patio and deck contractor won’t 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 satisfactorily.
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