You are probably thinking about a new Composite Deck for your Bloomington home. This is a good choice. Composite Decks are very good for our Minnesota weather. They stand up to those harsh winters as well as humid summers much better than traditional wood. They also look great while doing it. Getting from your dream to a finished Deck Construction project involves a few steps. Knowing what to expect makes the whole process smoother. We will walk you through it.
The Project Timeline: What to Expect
Building a Composite Deck is not an overnight job. It is also not a year-long project. Generally, you are looking at a total timeline of anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. This is from your first call to the final walkthrough in Bloomington.
- Initial Consultation & Design (1-2 weeks): This is where your vision starts to take shape. We will talk about the size of your Deck Construction, the layout, colors, as well as different features. This stage can be quicker if you have a clear idea already. It might take a bit longer if you want to explore custom designs with built-in seating as well as multi-level layouts.
- Permitting Process (2-6 weeks): This is often the longest part of a Deck Construction project. It is mostly waiting for approvals. In Bloomington, if your Deck Construction is attached to your house or more than 30 inches above the ground, you will definitely need a permit. Your contractor should handle this permitting process. The City of Bloomington's Building Inspections Department needs time to review plans. Sometimes, things like zoning, setbacks, or even conservation approvals can add to this wait. This is especially true if you are near one of our beautiful parks or lakes in Bloomington.
- Material Ordering & Delivery (1-2 weeks): Once the permits are in hand, we order your chosen Composite Decking as well as other materials for your Bloomington home. Standard Composite Decking options usually have shorter lead times. If you picked a specialty color or a premium line, it might take a bit longer for the materials to arrive.
- Construction (1-3 weeks): This is the exciting part where your Composite Deck actually comes to life. For a standard-sized Deck Construction project, the actual build can often be done in 3 to 5 days. Larger or more complex designs, like multi-level decks or those with intricate railings, might take up to 2 weeks or more. Things like excavating for footings happen during this phase. These footings need to go at least 42 inches deep here in Minnesota to get below the frost line. Framing, laying the Composite Decking boards, and installing railings all happen during this phase as well.
- Final Touches & Inspections (a few days): We will do a final cleanup of your property. Our team will also do a walkthrough of the new Deck Construction. There will also be final inspections by the city to make sure everything meets code in Bloomington.
What to Expect During the Process
Once the Deck Construction starts, you will see a crew on your property. Our team usually works Monday through Friday, weather permitting. We will be digging, cutting, and building. You should expect some noise as well as activity. Skyline Deck Builders always aims to keep the work area tidy. We also work to minimize disruption to your daily life. You will have a dedicated project manager or foreman on-site. This person can answer your questions as well as keep you updated on progress.
One thing to remember is that Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. Rain, snow, or extreme cold can sometimes cause delays for a Deck Construction project. We will always communicate any weather-related schedule changes with you promptly.
How to Prepare Your Home and Yard
Getting ready for your Deck Construction project is pretty straightforward:
- Clear the Area: Move any patio furniture, grills, planters, or other items from where the new Deck Construction will be built. This includes anything under the deck area too.
- Access: Make sure we have clear access to the work site. If we need to bring in equipment or materials, we will need space.
- Pets & Kids: For their safety, keep pets and children away from the construction zone during working hours.
- Utilities: Before we even break ground, we will make sure all underground utilities are marked. You should also call 811 to make sure this is done.
- Communication: Keep lines of communication open with your contractor. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Before you commit to a contractor, you need to feel confident in your choice for a Deck Construction project. Here are some important questions to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured? Do not just take their word for it. Ask for proof of their license as well as general liability insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or damage.
- Who handles the permits and inspections? A reputable contractor, like us at Skyline Deck Builders, will handle all the necessary permits as well as schedule inspections. You want this clearly stated in your contract.
- What exactly is included in the framing and materials? Get specifics on joist size, beam layout, post bases, and the exact brand and line of Composite Decking, railing, as well as trim. This helps you compare quotes accurately.
- What's the payment schedule? A reasonable deposit is normal. Be careful of anyone asking for a huge upfront payment. The schedule should have clear milestones.
- How are change orders handled? Sometimes, you might want to change something mid-project. Ask how those changes are documented. Also ask how they will affect the cost as well as the timeline.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship? A good contractor stands by their work. Ask about the warranty on their labor. This is in addition to the manufacturer's warranty on the Composite Decking materials.
- Can you provide references or a portfolio of similar projects? Seeing their past work as well as hearing from previous clients can give you a lot of confidence for your Deck Construction.
- What's the estimated start and completion date? Get a clear understanding of the Deck Construction project timeline. This includes potential factors that could cause delays.
Asking these questions will help make sure you pick the right team for your Composite Deck project in Bloomington. It will also make sure you are well-informed every step of the way. We are here to help make your outdoor living dreams a reality.