How do I find a good carpenter in D.C.?
Perform an online search to find top-rated carpenters in Washington, D.C. You can narrow your search by looking for a custom cabinet maker, a framing contractor, a trim or finish carpenter or even a general contractor, depending on the scope of your project.
Make sure the carpenter you hire has positive reviews from customers and a good work history. And don’t be afraid to contact three or five carpenters to request free estimates, talk about timelines and ask questions.
How do I hire the best deck contractor in DC?
To find the best deck contractors in DC, conduct an online search of local professionals. Start by comparing the pros’ ratings, as well as any Top Pro badges. You can also see details about some of the contractors’ specialties and how many times they’ve been hired.
You should also click on a few pros’ profiles so you can learn more about each contractor. For example, you might find details about their pricing, their credentials and even more information about their specialties. This is also where you have an opportunity to read all of their customer reviews and view photos of their completed projects.
Next, it’s time to look up their credentials. You might be able to see what licenses or certifications that contractors have obtained on their profiles. If not, try searching online. For example, visit DC’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website to look up professional licenses.
After you’ve come up with a shortlist of deck contractors, ask them to send you free estimates. Hire a deck contractor you believe offers a fair estimate, has experience building decks for DC homes, is qualified for the job and received mostly positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Does adding a porch increase home value?
A porch may increase your home’s value and boost its curb appeal. However, you’ll need to do your research to understand what types of home upgrades can attract potential buyers.
How much is a porch?
It costs about $5,000-$10,000 to build a small, basic porch, according to HGTV. Prefabricated porches typically cost around $10,000-$30,000. Larger, custom-made porches can cost as much as $50,000.
To find out exactly how much your porch will cost, request a cost estimate from a porch builder near you.
Does a porch need foundations?
Yes, your porch should have a foundation that adheres to your local building codes. You can often find this information online. You can also consult your porch builder and ask for their help when navigating building codes.
What is a sleeping porch?
A sleeping porch is a screened balcony or deck that contains sleep furnishings and cool breezes. If you live in a region that experiences warm weather at night, these porches can provide a way to escape the heat and get a good night’s sleep.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
The cost of building a new deck or porch is $1,500. However, this price can vary depending on a few different factors. The square footage of the space, the type of materials to be used, the intricacy of the project and your specific region can cause the price to fluctuate. To find out how much your new deck will cost, get free estimates from the best deck contractors near you.
For more information, read “How much does it cost to build a deck or porch?”
Does a deck increase home value?
A back deck may (or may not) increase your home’s value or attract potential buyers if you’re looking to sell. According to the Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, a new wood deck with an estimated construction cost of $10,000 recovered $8,000 for the overall recovery of 80%. Still, 9% of realtors suggested that home sellers should add a new wood deck before putting their home on the market, and 4% said this project has helped closed deals.
The impact of adding a new deck will likely depend on its material (wood, composite, etc.) and where you live. For example, if you live in an area where people rarely spend time outside because of the weather, it’s reasonable to predict that prospective home buyers might not rate a deck highly on their list of must-haves when looking for a new home.
When in doubt, consult with your realtor or a real estate expert to figure out if adding a new deck to your home is the right move to increase your home’s value. If it is, contact the best deck contractors near you to get free estimates and start planning your project.
Who is a carpenter and what do they do?
Carpenters are skilled craftsmen who build things out of wood. Depending on what the carpenter builds, they may be referred to by various names. A framer is a carpenter who puts up the framing on a house. A trim or finish carpenter installs the finishing touches of prefabricated or custom trim and detail work once a house has been built and the walls are up. A furniture maker or woodworker builds furniture — such as tables, beds and dressers — out of wood. A cabinetmaker is a carpenter who builds custom and semi-custom wood cabinets. If you’re having a home built or remodeled, your general contractor will either provide or subcontract the carpentry work for the framing, cabinets and trim. You can hire a carpenter directly to update the trim in your home, build you a piece of custom furniture, or repair or replace your wood cabinets.
Is it hard to build a deck yourself?
If you don’t have the skills, experience and qualifications, building a deck may be difficult for you to do on your own.
Structural integrity is key when constructing anything, but especially something you plan to have your family and friends use regularly. The safety of the structure takes careful planning and experience.
Professional contractors have the knowledge to make a safe, beautiful deck for you. They also know the proper permits and insurance required to legally build a new deck or remodel a porch in your city.
When in doubt, contact the best deck contractors near you and start getting free estimates today.
