Who would you call to get quotes on a new deck?

[Scott R]

I've approached two contractors that I use regularly for projects, neither has any interest or time in building a new deck for me. Before I start "cold calling" what type of contractor do I want? A GC? A carpenter? Landscape company?

(this is for a rental so I'm not looking for artistry, just safe and functional)

Thanks in advance.

[VINMAN]

A contractor that specializes in decks....


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[Scott R]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

A contractor that specializes in decks....


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So far those are the guys that want to get "artistic" when I call them.

[GWN7]

Ask at your local lumber store.

Or your local fire hall.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by Scott R

So far those are the guys that want to get "artistic" when I call them.

That's understandable.

Decks used to encompass about half of my construction business. I've been getting away from doing them. The new decks codes are making them a total PITA to build.

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[rusnak]

I just rebuilt mine myself with 3 guys. It helps that 2 of them do construction though.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

That's understandable.

Decks used to encompass about half of my construction business. I've been getting away from doing them. The new decks codes are making them a total PITA to build.

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Oh no, in your part of your country too?

I turned down two good size ones due to the engineering BS just to extend it (well, a little more then that). Beside getting artistic and stupid high price, both are hill side and both wanted an outdoor kitchen on it. One happens to be my neighbor 5-6 houses away. I hated to have to give him the bad news or the price.

[Jim Richards]

So you don't want to build us a deck?

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by look 171

Oh no, in your part of your country too?

I turned down two good size ones due to the engineering BS just to extend it (well, a little more then that). Beside getting artistic and stupid high price, both are hill side and both wanted an outdoor kitchen on it. One happens to be my neighbor 5-6 houses away. I hated to have to give him the bad news or the price.

Yeah the 2012 IRC DCA 6, is enforced pretty strong around here. ( the 2015 is already in the works..) The new ledger connection requirements make some retrofits to older houses almost impossible without doing major demo to the existing house. Its cost prohibitive for a lot of people.

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[sc_rufctr]

And for good reason.

[Scott R]

So I've spoken to three companies today, and like mentioned above no one wants to deal with the new amended codes in this city.

[Don Ro]

How complicated/extravagant of a deck do you want?
Ground floor or elevated?
Maybe you don't need a contractor. Look into Craigslist, maybe.
I built this simple deck at my CA home several years prior to sale...no permit.
16' redwood planks x 30'.
About as simple as you can get.
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[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

And for good reason.

That came very close to happening at a previous house I owned and it wan't cheap to make it right. The county had changed the code since the house was built, but it didn't mean the gigantic corp. builder had to go back and redo anything.

[Scott R]

The deck in the picture above is where I'm heading if I don't get something done soon. This will be an elevated deck to the second story of a three story house. The main issue with it today is the long staircase that's about to fall off.

I think even if I had the time I could not build a suitable deck due to my complete lack of woodworking skills. This particular property is a major headache for me, the builder did a terrible job and everything has been a replacement nightmare.

I think once I finish this project, (it just got a new roof last week) I'm going to sell it when this current lease is up.


BTW, Don, that is a stunningly beautiful deck that you built, I wish I had one tenth of your skill.

[MRM]

A small general contractor would do it, but is probably too busy this late into the construction season.

The trade you are looking for is a framing contractor or rough carpenter. Anyone who does framing will be able to do a deck for you. A finish carpenter probably could but will charge too much, take too long and will make everything too perfect. Search the Internet in the area for a reputable company that holds itself out as a framing subcontractor to residential general contractors. That's who does decks when they're new.

[Scott R]

A HA! I know a framer actually, will drop him a line tomorrow.

[rusnak]

With all due respect, you started a thread why then? A pro framer will have it knocked out easy. Its a repair, not remodel.

[Scott R]

I never equated a framer with deck building I suppose.

[rusnak]

Well I'm with MRM on this. That's the right call.

[porsche4life]

Too much lesbian lovin on the deck wear it out?