Category Archives: Deck builder Kansas City

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?

Enhanced outdoor living is at the top of many local homeowners’ lists of home improvement projects.

If you are thinking about upgrading your deck, you are likely wondering whether you should invest in a completely new build. Is it much cheaper to repair or replace a deck, though? It all depends. Are you talking about replacing one or two boards on your deck, or undertaking a full redecking project? If your deck structure is built to code, properly attached to your home, and still has usable life left in it, replacing a few damaged decking boards will be less costly than building all new. The problem is, many homeowners are not sure of the age of their deck structure. They are unsure of whether the structure is properly attached to the home. They too, are unaware of whether the deck structure has damage, such as that caused by termites.

Carpenter ant damage at the deck connection on the home.

If you are considering redecking, the money you would save on keeping your existing structure is minimal. Your money would be better invested in an all-new deck.

We always recommend building a new deck, rather than redecking or extensive deck repairs.

It is not only because of the potential damage or poor deck structure construction that Archadeck of Kansas City recommends building new instead of major deck repairs or redecking. Redecking an aged wood structure with premium composite decking materials puts each element of the deck on a different timeline. The structure is well-aged already and the composite, all-weather decking is manufactured to last for decades. Owner, Dan Hall, says, “You wouldn’t purchase a new luxury car and put your old car’s tires on it.”

Deck collapse due to poor deck-to-home connections

While Archadeck of Kansas City does not repair decks, if you require only a small amount of repairs, we recommend reaching out to a company that does. Such a company will be able to inspect your deck structure to determine whether it is worthy of a simple repair or if it requires replacing.

Olathe Kansas deck with cable railing

We build premium heartland decks, but we are not just deck builders.

Archadeck of Kansas City doesn’t simply build heartland decks, we custom-design each deck to suit the specific needs of each client. Our custom deck design process ensures that the deck you wish for is the one you receive in the end. During your in-home design consultation, you will be shown various materials options, as well as past projects that are similar to what you have in mind. This consultation also allows our Design Consultant to see your property, noting any potential problems with your intended size and layout. Don’t have ideas about size and layout? That’s okay! We can help with that too.

Parkville MO TimberTech deck design with lighted stair

Choose Archadeck of Kansas City as your deck builder. We are locally owned deck contractors in the Kansas City area, who have been designing and building custom decks since 2001! Call to schedule your deck design consultation at (913) 851-3325 or email us at kansas-city@archadeck.net.

Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners
Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners

Why do I have to pay a deposit for my Kansas City porch or deck project?

We have been deck builders in Kansas City since 2001. A trusted name in custom decks and porches!

screen porch builder Leawood KSAlmost as soon as the ink is dry on your contract with Archadeck of Kansas City for your new porch, deck or sunroom, the work will begin on your project. Not the actual building, but all of the extensive preparation that has to take place before ground can be broken. Some of this work is an investment of our time and expertise, but some of it goes well beyond that.

What are some upfront costs for your outdoor project?

We would be remiss to not say that there are no set costs.  Your initial investment will be based on your location and the type of project you intend to build with us.  You can expect to invest about 20% of the total cost of your project ahead of building.  These fees are not to fund our business – our good standing with suppliers is what will allow us to build your project before you have paid in full.  You might expect a variety of costs ahead of your project.

Based upon site conditions, there could be a need for surveying.  This cost will be incurred by the client.  The project must also be insured.  And the days of building a deck without a permit are gone if you hire a reputable contractor.  Depending on your locale, permitting could be costly, but it is absolutely necessary for every Archadeck project.  After we complete the permit-ready plans for your outdoor living space, we submit them to the appropriate local government authority for approval, and the fee will be required upfront.  Additionally, any outdoor space, which has a roof must go through engineering.  This will require an additional investment.

Here is a short list of what might require an upfront investment for your project:

  1. Surveying, if required per site conditions
  2. Insurance for your project
  3. Permitting from your local government authority
  4. Engineering, if required per your project type

Some outdoor living amenities could cost a bit more upfront, as well.

If you are installing a Kansas City outdoor gas fireplace, for example, we may need to make arrangements to run a gas line. Or perhaps there are utilities in the way that need to be rerouted or an existing structure that must be demolished. Sometimes we have to pay subcontractors, dumpster operators or other agencies to help get the pre-work done so that the “real” work can commence.

Paying your deposit is a good faith agreement with Archadeck of Kansas City.  It solidifies our partnership with you in your outdoor living design-build journey.

It means that you have committed to build your project and we have committed our time and attention to you, securing your project on our building schedule.  As you may have seen during your research, reputable builders often plan their jobs several months in advance. This includes scheduling both their own crews and the work of trusted subcontractors. Having a deposit in hand is an important guarantee that they will be able to make good on their commitments to their partners when the time comes. A client deposit is the industry’s standard indicator that plans are finalized and building will take place.

Ready to discuss your new custom porch, deck, or sunroom with Archadeck of Kansas City?

Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners

Bonnie and Dan Hall, Archadeck of Kansas City Owners

If you’re considering adding a porch, deck, or any outdoor living structure, give us a ring. Our consultation is free. We can discuss options, provide design ideas and of course give you a price quote to consider. Give us a call or send us an email. (913) 851 – 3325 or kansascity@archadeck.net.