How much to build a deck?
 

My neibour asked me last Sept if I would be interested in rebuilding his back deck. I said sure but he wanted to wait till the spring (now). Well when I got feeling poorly he read about a government grant for fixing up homes in the area and decided to get a few quotes. The deck is 6' X 10' and two steps off the ground. I figure a day to make a new one exactly the same as they have and about $300-$400 for materials.

He has two quotes 1) $2,000.00 + taxes and 2) $1,380.00 + taxes





http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1461803483.jpg

Similar to my deck, under foundation/rails under was good but top wood was rotting. Total time was maybe 4 hours to rip up and nail down a new top on it...

Wow! My mom has a deck, probably 15-18'x12-15'. It's not in good shape. I just got back from there and we talked about making it a bit smaller (probably only 8-10' on the short side. I'm shocked by the cost. I wonder what she's going to get for a quote? I may end up making a trip back to rebuild hers at those prices.

I did a quick off-the-cuff estimate, just for materials. I came up with a budget of $500 (generous) for wood, $50 for hardware. That's for Redwood. Doug Fir would be a lot cheaper. I didn't factor in stain/paint or any fancy finishes

As a contractor myself...I never like to stand in the way of someone else's path to make a profit - so usually don't comment on other contractor's estimates, per se.

But I'm wondering about your mention of "grant".....how does that figure into the situation?

Government program. Depends on your income. The less you make the better it is for you. Live in a older area to qualify. Need windows, doors, paint ect they qualify to be replaced. Proof of income and quotes for the work to be preformed. Approval is granted and the government pays for part of the repairs. It keeps older neibourhoods from getting too rundown looking. Keeps the tax base up.

Housing and Community Development

Thanks.....so some of the work is funded by the government - but not all.

Almost how a deductible works in insurance, I guess.

Is your ticker up to carpentry work?

Bruce - pricing around town is typically $20-$50/ft2, depending on materials (cedar, Pressure Treated...) and complexity. In your case, including the railing and the steps I would figure about $25/ft2 for pressure treated timber... so about $1500 (CDN).

No, but it will be. :)

Do your cardiac rehab. Not sure if swinging a hammer is on that workout regimen...

Hammer? What's that? Now you pull a trigger. :)

Had 3 stints put in a week ago in my left artery. Full Metal Jacket as they called it. Back pain is almost gone and I feel great. They went thru both femoral artery's so I'm just waiting for the pain and swelling from those to go away and I can get active again. I'm signed up for cardiac rehab already. Just have to wait till I'm able to start.

Here's a list of projects waiting for me:

Metal roof and insulate a 24' X 8' cat house at my sisters
Paint 5 buildings at my sisters
Replace the facia on her garage and patch a hole in the outside wall
Paint 1/2 my house (got 1/2 done last year) then I got sick
Cut down a tree (about 40' tall) -customer
build a 20' X 10' deck -customer
build neighbours little deck
reset up my above ground pool
replace deck around 1/2 the pool
Build roof for front porch on my house (after I finish painting the trim on the 3rd floor)
Resod front yard
Replace front fence
Second floor bathroom remodel.
Replace roof on back shed

and so on.....

I have too much to do to be sick. :)