Deck and Porch Builders in Oakland, CA

Oakland Deck Installation

With summers that are hot but not unbearably so and winters that are cold but not frigid, Oakland is a perfect place to spend time outdoors for many months out of the year. As anyone who already owns one will tell you, it's hard to find a finer place to enjoy pleasant temperatures than on your own, private deck. Bay Area residents are not in the dark about the high cost of living, and getting the most for your money is extremely important when you have to shell out so much of it. When considering deck installation, Oakland homeowners need to be more diligent than most to get both a good price and a durable addition, too.

Hiring Deck Builders
Though sometimes considered one of the best do-it-yourself projects around, there are many benefits that come with hiring a professional deck builder in Oakland. Deck installation is by no means the most complex home improvement project in the world, but that doesn't mean that it is a simple as you might think. Oakland deck installations must, of course, comply with the codes and restrictions of the area, but that's not the only thing a professional can help you with.

Local companies that do this kind of work are not only likely to be faster and more efficient than a DIY crew, they are also going to have a lot more experience than your average homeowner when it comes to creating a deck that will last. Professional Oakland deck builders are well aware of which materials will perform well and which ones to avoid; they'll also be familiar with many of the techniques and features that tend to increase longevity and even property value in the area. Of course, if you feel confident enough to go the DIY route you're likely to save some considerable cash, but even if you build your deck yourself, consulting with a professional who's worked in your area for any length of time can quickly increase the chances of having a successful project.

Planning an Installation
Durable, attractive decks don't happen by accident; the best deck projects begin with a solid, well thought out plan. Miscommunications between homeowners and contractors are one of the biggest reasons why some projects aren't as satisfying as they might be. To avoid miscommunication with your contractor, it is very important to work with them and solidify your deck design before any actual construction takes place. Bringing in a picture of what you want is fine and may give your deck builder a better idea of what you are looking for, but don't expect that picture to magically reproduce itself in your backyard. Take the time to talk with your contractor about the specific features that you need to have as well as the ones that you'd like to have if budget and logistics allow. Oakland deck installations might be restricted by logistics, building codes, and/or budgets; by discussing in detail what your deck can't be without and what compromises must be made, you're a lot more likely to be happy with the end results.

Prices
Here at HomeAdvisor we keep records of every job we process nationwide. Across the country, we've seen a wide range of prices for deck installation; Oakland figures seem to be (not surprisingly) a bit higher than figures in some other areas. While the national average to install a deck is somewhere in the neighborhood of $7,500, we've seen Oakland jobs go for as much as twice that amount. Certainly, some of the difference is due to the size of the project and the cost of different materials, but since we've also seen some Bay Area deck installations for less than the national average, there's good reason to talk to several different contractors and get multiple quotes before you settle on one.