Are you looking for a place to relax and entertain and you have the perfect spot outdoors for a new deck or patio? Today, more and more are creating their own retreat by using a San Mateo County deck and patio contractor to build a new deck or patio.
There are many choices available. Deck and patio materials come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the ones that best fit your taste and your budget. Choosing a deck or patio to blend with your home's style is also important.
Many San Mateo County deck and patio contractors offer deck design services or patio designs, and will design your deck or patio just the way you want it by including the exact features you are looking for. They have helped many homeowners design creative outdoor areas and they can help you through the process. They will consider the size of your outdoor space and how it fits with your home along with which colors to choose and the location. 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 will allow you to find and hire the best deck and patio contractors in San Mateo County, including those in the cities of Pacifica, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Foster City and Burlingame and in the smaller areas of El Granada, Emerald Hills, Half Moon Bay and Hillsborough.
Most homeowners donit even know where to begin when it comes to hiring a good San Mateo County deck and patio contractor. How do you know that the great looking finished deck or patio is really built to last? The process is easier than you expect.
You need to make an informed decision that will save you not only time but money. Research is available to you. You just need to know how to you begin this search for a San Mateo County deck and patio contractor in the cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Bruno?
Do You Want a Deck or a Patio?
First, you need to determine whether you want a deck or a 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. Decks and patios are both quite popular because they add extra living space to your home.
When you are ready to build a new deck or patio, you will make the right choice by choosing a San Mateo County deck and patio contractor in the cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Bruno and the smaller areas of La Honda, Loma Mar, Millbrae and Montara. A San Mateo County deck and patio contractor will work with you in designing a deck or patio that fits your needs. Be sure you have your budget planned so the contractor can work within your parameters.
Are you trying to decide between a patio and a deck? There are differences between the two that you need to research. 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. One down side to patios is they may collect dust which is then 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.
The Facts About Building New Decks
There are many materials to choose from for your new deck. You can choose from specialty woods to pressure treated or composite woods. One of the most popular choices for decks is composite materials.
There are other factors to consider when you are considering a wooden deck. A wooden deck with a solid stain will show wear very quickly. 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. Maintenance every year or two should keep it looking good for years to come.
There are many other decking materials made from man-made products. Most are made of wood bits or sawdust mixed with recycled plastic. These man-made products 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.
Types of Patios
You may prefer to build a patio. They are typically sloped to allow water to run off and you may not be required to get a city permit if you are building one. Since patios are not attached to your house, the permit requirements are different. 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. Weeds can be a maintenance issue with your slate patio.
Patios stand up under extreme weather. Another good feature is that, for the most part, they 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 common 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.
Looking For a Deck and Patio Contractor in San Mateo County
Once you decide to build a deck or patio, you may be in a hurry to hire a San Mateo County deck and patio contractor to get the work started. But don't rush. Take the time to research some local contractors and 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 San Mateo County in the cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Bruno and the smaller areas of Moss Beach, Palomar Park, Pescadero and Portola Valley, then check out the contractors listed on the Contractors State License Board website.
The website will verify which 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.
Be sure to verify the company's credentials. 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. This information will enable you to make good choices when choosing a San Mateo County deck and patio contractor.
Researching Deck and Patio Contractors in San Mateo County
After you have done your research, talk with a few local contractors. Keep a list of written questions ready when you interview these contractors and write down the contractor's answers. Before you get an estimate, the contractor will need to see the site of the job.
A good 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 from those contractors that you feel meet your expectations and can answer your questions.
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