Deck Contractor: “a day in the life…”
Morning is office time for me, unless I have a temperature restricted deck coating or such to apply. Office time involves contacts with clients and potential clients, setting appointments and such. Proposal and plans work is the biggest part of my office time as a deck contractor. I revisit the information from recent client meetings, create the materials lists necessary for the particular projects and submit those lists for quotes from my suppliers. I also work up the time/hours I expect to spend on the various tasks involved in each projects, so I can combine that information with the materials quotes and come up with a project proposal. If a project demands permitting, office time also involves drafting the appropriately detailed plans necessary for the permitting process.
Then, onto the jobsite, sometimes with a stop for some supplies.
Jobsite Day: This part of a deck contractors day is like an inchworm, sometimes it looks like I/we aren’t doing much, then whamo, a whole bunch of progress is made. Concrete work is the necessary starting spot, not too glamorous but integral to the structure of your deck. Concrete needs to set before I can proceed with the deck structure. Often , I can cut out the siding, install flashing and attach the deck ledger-board at this time, then when the concrete is ready it’s full speed ahead.
Deck structure is fun for all, posts, beams, joists, joists-blocking, all of a sudden your new deck takes shape. A good deck contractor will pay attention to all the current local building codes. Lag bolts, hangers, blocking, knee-bracing, gussets, lateral bracing, etc. If your curious,, ask what’s what and why? Decking and railings are next up, sometimes the railing posts(and blocking) go in first, other times their attached after the decking is installed. For this deck contractor, all decking, wood, PVC or composites, are installed with hidden fasteners. You don’t need or want to see decking fasteners anymore. Railing, stairs, cleanup, inspections…..the list of different on the jobsite tasks is extensive.
Evenings and weekends, as necessary, are the other part of a deck contractors day. This is when most people are available so we can meet and discuss what you have in mind for your new deck or decks. I listen, take notes, measure, make sketches and take pictures so I can help you design and then build for you the deck you will thoroughly enjoy.
Deck contractor: “a day in the life….”.
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