Can some contractors build decks without licenses?
Tony
last year
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Seabornman
last yearkudzu9
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I need help with my back deck and pool house roof! Do I start with an architect or contractor?
Comments (5)Either way you go, your contractor will need drawings to build and have an accurate bid. You can interview and talk to a contractor first. We recommend our clients get drawings. Some firms are design build and can do both for you. A good place to start is for you to understand and determine what you want, what your budget is (or what you are willing to spend on a project of this nature) and what your needs are. This will allow both architect and contractor to tune your scope to your budget and to tell you what is and what is not possible based on that budget. If talking to an architect alone, they have an idea of construction costs but might not be able to get you an accurate number. You'll need to speak to a GC for that. We provide a ROM or rough order of magnitude as a first step for our clients to see if what they want and their budget is on par with the cost of the project. If this is a green light, we detail the pricing with all specific materials and subcontractors required. One thing to keep in mind, if you have a rough idea of what you want, you'll get a rough idea of price. The more info you can get to your contractor on what you want, the more specific pricing he/she can get to you. Also, if you pick a good GC, you can bet he has strong relationships with Subcontractors and architects. If you start with your architect, see if he recommends a GC and vice versa. In the industry when you find a good company, you provide repeat business. We use the same subs and architects that align with our customer service and quality of work specifications over and over again. I hope this helps! Good luck!...See MoreNeed some opinions out there from anyone who builds decks
Comments (30)@lemi - Thanks to Fred S. for providing the link to Kentucky code info. In answer to your questions...Not every state has adopted the latest codes issued by the International Code Council. Kentucky is working with IRC 2006. My state of CT is working with IRC 2009 anticipating another change soon to 2012. Cities and Counties can add to the codes but not diminish or ignore the IRC the state has adopted. It is always good to talk to your local building official to confirm what codes they are following. As far as your steps are concerned, here's what the code states. R311.4.3 Landings at doors. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. Exceptions: 1. Where a stairway of two or fewer risers (YOU HAVE 3 RISERS) is located on the exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the stairway. 2. The exterior landing at an exterior doorway shall not be more than 7¾ inches (196 mm) below the top of the threshold, provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the landing. The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. As far as finishing...treated lumber typically has a higher moisture content due to the chemical treatment. In the past, you would have to wait months before putting a finish on the wood. Now there are treated products with much lower moisture content that can be finished in a shorter time frame. I suggest you ask the lumber yard what they recommend for timing and finish....See MoreShould i use licensed contractor for Popocorn Ceiling removal
Comments (19)My husband is certified in this through his hazmat training at the fire department. The reason I mention this is because we have a popcorn ceiling that we've debated knocking down but have never gotten around to it. I've brought up the issue of abestos several times, and according to what he was taught, it's only dangerous when the particles become airborne in a fine dust like if you decided to scrap it off. If you dampen it, it will break off in chunks without creating dust, and should be fine. That's our plan should we ever get all our other projects done, and get around to it--the popcorn ceiling doesn't bother me so it isn't a priority....See MoreWould you build a cottage without a dining room?
Comments (30)I love the temporary table idea from above. Rearrange your living area and pull out the temporary table and set it beautifully. NO ONE will know or care. I think this is an issue you really do not have. I love your setup as it is, and I am sure you can probably even find a temporary table that is not the plastic with metal legs ugly ones most people think of. Idea #2: I have a huge handscraped farmhouse table that seats 8-10 with a deep apron and four huge turned legs. If and when I downsize, I plan to remove the legs, secure the tabletop flat up against a blank wall as a focal point with the legs stored behind, and I will pull it down and rebolt the legs to the top (it literally takes 5 minutes) for the 2 or 3 times a year I need it. Its a consideration at least!...See MoreJim Mat
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last yearBruce in Northern Virginia
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last yearlast modified: last yearCharles Ross Homes
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