Category: Decks

Deck or Patio?

As the weather warms up, it is natural to want to create an outdoor space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Patios and decks are both fantastic options for extending the home outside. So which is right for you and your home?

Decks

Decks are raised to be at floor level with the home. Because of this, they are great for uneven ground. They are highly customizable with a variety of shapes, designs, and materials at your disposal. While decks have traditionally been made from wood, composite decking boards are becoming increasingly popular. Composite decking does not require regular staining or maintenance, comes with warranties against rot and wear, and is offered in a variety of grain textures and colors. Companies like Azek and Trex offer deck boards in different lines for different budgets, making a composite deck an attractive option for homeowners. Along with decking material, homeowners can also customize their railings. Instead of traditional wood railing, composite decking is matched with vinyl rail systems that can be pure vinyl or include baluster styles made from vinyl or aluminum. Cable railings are also gaining popularity. The latest creation in the decking world is aluminum decking boards by Nexan Building Products. Aluminum deck boards still come in a selection of colors and have the benefits of composite decking, however, boards do not hold heat and therefore are not hot to the touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The deck above was built by Lundberg Builders,  Inc. and includes Nexan Light gray aluminum decking, Nexan powder coated white aluminum framing, and a Nexan cable rail system with white aluminum posts.]

Patios

In contrast to decks, patios are ground level and therefore do not require railings. They are often less expensive than decks and have a quicker install time. Patios, too, can be customized in a variety of shapes and designs. When choosing materials for a patio, the main decision is on the type of hardscapes used to create the area. Choices include gravel, pavers, concrete, stamped concrete, stone, flagstone, and even wood. Most patios also incorporate landscaping. Patios can be used as an outdoor space that is an extension of the home or can be a standalone space in the yard. Patios are also great for finishing off areas around pools as seen in this picture below. Pavers can connect the pool area to the home, deck, and pool house providing a stunning frame for the inground pool. Porcelain pavers, like selections from Belgard,  are a great choice because they look like real stone but are not hot to the touch.

[Patio courtesy of Lundberg Builders]

Both decks and patios can incorporate added features like outdoor kitchens or fireplaces. Rain and sun cover can be added to through pergolas and roofs. Decks and patios can be custom designed by Lundberg Builders, Inc. to meet your needs and bring your vision to life.

Return on Investment

When creating your outdoor space, it is important to consider the return on the investment you are making. According to HomeAdvisor, decks have a return of investment between 60-80% while patios return of investment is slightly under 50%. Either choice will add some value to your home’s resale value and, most importantly, will add to your quality of life.

If you are thinking of building a deck or installing a patio, contact Lundberg Builders, Inc. so we can begin the design process and get you out enjoying your custom outdoor space.

 

The Home Improvement Process

 

Jesse Goodroe, Lundberg Builders’ Project Consultant

Given we are all staying home a lot more these days, you may have decided it’s time to make some home improvements. Maybe you want to expand or open up your living space, create a more functional kitchen or update a bathroom, build a dedicated office, or add a workshop, guest house or outdoor space. Whatever your project, you will likely need assistance from a professional on the design and construction. But where to start? Below we outline our system in working with a client to familiarize you with the process, help you begin to plan, and to highlight some important tips on how to ensure success: on time, on budget and on goal with the project you had imagined. 

The first step is to call and schedule an appointment with us to tell us about your project.  Typically clients have some general ideas in mind as to style or selections that will help us understand your overall vision for the project and help us to guide you to achieve it. 

After our initial meeting, we will develop a rough budget for the project. Once approved, we move to our construction agreement. 

Lundberg Builders’ screened in porch for a client on the Eastern Shore

If the project requires drawings, Lundberg Builder’s in-house designer will visit your home to take on-site measurements ‘, and then draft the design. Once the drawings are approved, we will develop a detailed 23 division estimate.

Once the final estimate is approved, the permitting process begins, if required. Permitting typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and can take longer in certain circumstances. This is why we advise to get your project started as early as possible. In other words, if you are looking forward to enjoying a new porch or deck in the spring, it’s time to get started today! 

Lundberg Builders’ new deck and railing for a client on the Eastern Shore

 

Our supervisor will then provide a tentative schedule for all construction divisions. He will handle all of the scheduling of contractors, ordering of the materials and every other aspect of project management. This makes the process smooth and consistent for you to have one main point of contact with us no matter what subcontractor is onsite working.

At all phases you can expect a very transparent and collaborative process. You can expect weekly on-site meetings with our supervisor for job progress reports, making selections, and addressing any changes or unforeseen issues. We have a wealth of community-based vendors we can suggest to help you source the right materials. For any kitchen and bath design needs, we suggest working with our award-winning affiliate company, 314 Design Studio. 

314 Design Studio and Lundberg Builders collaborated on this stunning kitchen remodel for a client on the Eastern Shore

The supervisor will tightly manage the timeline of when materials should be ordered for on-time delivery for each phase of the construction. This is important for you to keep in mind as selection choices ideally should be made in a prompt fashion. As many of the selections that can be made in advance, the better and more efficiently a project will be completed. Selections like cabinets, for instance, have to be custom built, requiring 4-10 weeks for delivery.

Once your project has been completed, we will have a final review to ensure your complete satisfaction. We want you to  know that our services and relationship with you extend beyond the completion of any single project. We hope to continue our relationship as part of the Lundberg family of happy customers. We’re here for you should any needs arise – from handyman work to remodels to designing and building your next custom home, we sincerely look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your next dream home project.

 

Small Projects to Improve Life at Home

Though we are known for our full custom homes, you may be surprised to learn that we do quite a lot of smaller projects as well.  Small projects are often the ones that make the biggest impact on the measure of joy we experience living at home.

Some of the most popular small projects right now increase the practical use of our home. Perhaps you want an outdoor shower for when you return from trips to the pool, boat or beach, or a garage addition to keep your car out of the weather? What about a shed to corale yard equipment? Or maybe with the mountains of laundry you have to tackle, you dream of expanding your laundry room? How about a dedicated home office so you can take conference calls in peace!

Other small projects may increase the enjoyment of relaxing at home such as a sunroom or family room addition, or creating an porch or patio for outdoor entertaining.  Now that we are spending more time at home, your needs have likely changed somewhat. Below are some photos to get your home improvement juices flowing. Just imagine what your home could be and let us do the rest!

Your custom built outdoor shower awaits you. Ahhhh!
Screened in porch to capture amazing water views.
How about a screened in patio that’s perfect to enjoy a summer rain and some evening cocktails around the fire!
What about a guest bedroom oasis or in-law suite?
And don’t forget about a home spa. I know a lot of you are missing going to the salon and spa right now. Create one at home!
Home office with custom built-in shelving. And, also windows galore to capture those Bay views
Maybe your deck railings are spoiling the view because they are in need of repair? Don’t despair! Lundberg Builders to the rescue and we care!

What project are you dreaming about that would make your life at home even better? We’d love to hear from you. No project is too big or too small. Call us at 410-643-3334 and tell us about it!