How do I find a good carpenter in Boston?
Search online for professional carpenters in the Boston area. You can further narrow your search by looking for a framing contractor, trim or finish carpenter or cabinet maker, depending on your project. Review a handful of online profiles, paying close attention to customer reviews and past project photos.
When you’re almost ready to hire, verify that the carpenter holds the proper credentials for your project in Massachusetts. This might include a home improvement license (for small projects) or a construction supervisor license for large, structural projects.
Your last step is to compare prices. Choose at least three to five carpenters and ask them to send you free cost estimates before you hire anyone.
How do I hire the best deck contractor in Boston?
You can find the best deck contractors in Boston by looking online. This way, you can quickly compare local professionals’ ratings and other details, including their specialties, responsiveness and how many times they’ve been hired.
Click on the pros’ profiles so you can read the reviews and view their photos. If customers have uploaded photos of work done by the deck contractor, inspect them closely to see the pro’s craftsmanship. And when you’re reading the reviews, pay attention to the feedback that addresses the pros’ workmanship, punctuality, personality, communication and pricing.
Another important step: check their credentials. Sometimes, you’ll see whether the contractor is licensed on their profile. But, you might need to do a little digging on your own. For example, you can go online to check if a pro has a license from the state’s Division of Professional Licensure.
And finally, you need to gather free estimates from deck contractors in Boston. Once you get quotes from several pros, make your decision based on all of the information you’ve gathered.
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.