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Don’t Settle for Any Contractor, Hire the Best for your Deck Project

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As we get further into the summer and we are looking forward to hot days and warm nights, spending time in the backyard with family and close friends is at the top of the to-do list! Lounging on the deck by the pool or overlooking the colorful, blooming landscape while enjoying a soft breeze is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing weekend at home! So, what to do if you do not have a deck yet! This time of the season, it may be difficult to find a suitable contractor who can build for you right away, but it is best to wait for the right contractor than to hire “Chuck in a Truck”! Chuck will swoop in make all of the right promises, but can he truly deliver the product that you are paying for? Do not risk it! It is always better to wait for the qualified contractor.Know how to spot Chuck! So how do you spot a “Chuck in a Truck”? Watch for these warning signs! Extend your living space into the outdoors! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Planning & Budgeting in the Fall Months Allows Time for Proper Design With Quality Decking Materials

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Fall is here and Winter will be here before you know it! Now is a great time to start thinking about a new deck for Spring! Take into consideration factors such as deck material, size, style, and upgrades when you start planning. Planning and budgeting now and over the winter months will allow time to save for your project so that you can achieve the quality and design that you are looking for when Spring arrives. Your new deck can be a significant investment and well worth it to do it right!The main determining factors when it comes to budgeting for your new deck are the deck design and the materials that you choose to build with. Getting an estimate from a few reputable contractors during the budgeting stage will help keep expectations realistic and may reveal additional expenses that you may not have considered.The main cost drivers for your deck project will be the material that you choose and the size of the deck. Choosing pressure treated deck boards will cost less than composite deck boards. On the installation side, a smaller deck will actually cost more per square foot to install than a larger deck. This is because it does not take much additional labor to install a longer board than a shorter one, bringing the overall cost of installation down. Because square foot pricing can vary so much on the installation portion of an estimate, it would be wise to get estimates from contractors rather than assume a standard square foot price will stay the same from project to project. Installation costs will vary dependent on the scope of the project and how much time the contractor estimates it will take to complete. A smaller deck may cost less to install per square foot than a larger deck. This is simply because there is very little time variance in installing a shorter board vs. a longer one, so installation time does not change exponentially. Other considerations that can drive your deck’s price are upgrades! A flat, single level deck is easier to build and therefore less expensive than a multi-level deck. Prices will vary depending on the railing that you select. A composite railing will cost less than an aluminum railing. Adding lighting is an obvious way to upgrade the look of your deck, but also comes with cost! The season that you decide to purchase and build your deck can also affect your contract price. Some contractors will increase prices during the busy Spring and Summer months, and discount during the fall if they need to stretch work further into the year.Working with a contractor now, while the weather is cool and less people are thinking of installing a new deck, will help you be prepared to be one of the first installed in the Spring! Being prepared now will also allow time to save for the deck that you really want! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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How to Properly Care and Maintain Your Trex Composite Decking and Extend the Life of Your Dream Deck

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Protect your investment by learning to properly care for your Trex deck. Below are the recommended cleaning methods provided by Trex to keep your deck looking beautiful! Dirt & Debris: Spray your deck with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and grime from the embossed pattern on the deck boards. Hard Water Staining: Hard water can leave deposits on your deck boards and railings, including lime, silica, and calcium. Keep on top of these unsightly spots by cleaning with white vinegar on the decking surfaces or a Magic Eraser on the railing surfaces. Rinsing your deck is required as basic care for your Trex deck, so if possible, avoid using hard water for this purpose. If hard water cannot be avoided, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. Tannins Due to Debris: Allowing leaves and other yard debris to sit on the deck for a prolonged length of time can result in staining of the deck boards due to natural tannins in the debris. Remove the debris from the deck using a hose or broom. Apply a “brightener” to the deck, once it is dry, as specified by the manufacturer. Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which removes tannins. Oil / Food / Grease: Food spills should be removed from the deck as soon as possible. The surface must be cleaned within seven days to maintain the stain warranty. Spray with a hose, then use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the embossed wood pattern. Mold & Mildew: Pollen and dirt that is allowed to sit on the deck surface, biofilm is created, and mold can feed on the biofilm. Use a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush to remove biofilm and mold. Pressure Washing: A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove dirt. Spray deck with soap, then gently scrub each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8″ from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, this will cause a film to remain on the decking surface. Be sure to follow the recommendations given by Trex to ensure your warranty remains valid and your investment is protected. Taking care to properly clean and maintain your Trex deck will keep it looking great for years of enjoyment! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Why Winter is a Great Time to Upgrade Your Existing Deck to Low Maintenance Trex Composite Decking

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Deck building is typically considered a Spring through Fall type of project in the Midwest, where low temperatures and frozen ground can keep a contractor from agreeing to complete your project during the cold winter months. This is certainly true if you need a new deck to be built from scratch which involves digging holes 42” deep into the ground for the pouring of concrete piers to ensure that your deck doesn’t heave with the freeze / thaw cycles that we experience in our area of the country. Digging to this depth is difficult to impossible when the ground is frozen and building inspection cannot be passed without completing this step. However, if you are looking to have your existing deck resurfaced with a composite decking material such as Trex, you may be in luck if your contractor will agree to work in the cold temperatures! Deck resurfacing requires the demolition of your existing deck boards and railings, and possibly some framing repairs before installing new deck boards and railings. Since the deck sub-structure is remaining in place, there is no need to wait for warmer weather which would be required to dig holes and pour the concrete piers that support your deck. If you plan to increase the size of your deck or change the deck layout by, for example, moving the stairs, you may need to wait until Spring as new concrete support piers may be required. A winter deck resurfacing project is most often going to be a deck which will remain the same size and layout as it is currently built. The hardest part will be finding a contractor who will agree to work outside during the cold months! As long as the temperature is safe to work in and no snow is accumulating on the work area, and you have a willing contractor, a deck resurface can be completed during the winter and your deck will be ready to use come Spring! Weather is a major factor in determining if your deck resurfacing project can be completed during the winter months and the length of time it will require to do so. Snow accumulation can cause delays as the work area needs to be clear in order to properly install the materials. Snow can also cause a safety hazard for the contractor and crew. Your contractor may prefer to wait until the work area is clear before proceeding with your project. Air temperature will also be a factor, again for the safety of the contractor and crew. Check with your contractor to see what temperature they may consider to be too cold to have their crew working outdoors. Should you decide to hire a contractor who has agreed to complete your project in winter, be sure to allow for patience with the time required to complete your project, as weather related delays are common and safety is paramount. Show your appreciation with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Tax Season Refund, a Great Way to Start Your Deck Project With the Upgrades and Materials You Want

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Tax Refund Season is here! There are many worthy uses for that much anticipated check, and home improvements are usually a contender for that top spot on the list! With Spring in the not-so-distant future, many homeowners are looking to outdoor projects while contractors still have room in their schedules! Focusing your attention on your outdoor living space now can help to ensure that your backyard is ready when the sun comes out, the snow melts, and warm temperatures invite people to gather outdoors! Now is the time to get deck estimates and lock in your place in your contractor’s schedule! Here are 3 ways to use your tax refund towards your deck! Build Your Dream Deck! – Building the deck of your dreams for your backyard can be a sizable investment. Getting an estimate now will help you plan financially and also give you an idea of when your project will be feasible. Be sure to include everything that you may want when you have the estimate created such as lighting packages and deck skirting. Using your tax refund to help fund a large home improvement project, such as building a deck, is a great way to ensure your project can start as soon as weather allows and your contractor has availability. The extra financial boost of a tax refund may allow you to transform a basic deck idea to an extraordinary outdoor living space! Resurface Your Existing Deck! – If you already have a wooden deck that is in need of stripping, sanding, repairing, and repainting, you may opt to forego all of that maintenance, and resurface your existing substructure with composite deck boards and railings such as Trex! As long as your existing substructure is sound and meet current code requirements, it can be transformed into a composite deck with a few minor changes! Using Trex as an example, staircases may need to be rebuilt, as Trex requires stringers to be 12” on center which is closer together than what is required with a pressure treated deck. Blocking may need to be installed around the perimeter to accommodate square edge perimeter boards since Trex fascia is installed below the deck boards rather than flush with them. If the substructure needs repair or modification to meet local code, these repairs will take place prior to installing the new deck boards giving years of additional life to your existing deck! Upgrade Your Deck Plans! – If you were already planning to build a new deck for this year, your tax refund could allow you to upgrade your plans to include extras such as a lighting package, deck skirting, and custom curves! Lighting packages add safety, security, and visual appeal! Deck skirting hides your substructure from view and also helps deter critters from making their homes under your deck! Adding custom curves to your deck can help define spaces, help your deck flow with backyard landscaping, and also make your deck stand out in your neighborhood! Not all deck builders have the capability or equipment to bend deck boards, so be sure to qualify the builder you choose to ensure that you get the dream deck that you really want! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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