Our Process
How we work
Learn more about working with Peachtree Decks and Porches for your outdoor project.
Our Process
How a project with Peachtree Decks & Porches works
Explore our step-by-step guide to working with our team of experts.
Get in contact with us
Fill out the contact form via our web form or you can call by phone. You can upload photos of your existing space on our web form if you have them handy. If not—no worries you can come back later and use this form or follow the instructions we’ll email you automatically after you submit your information via our website or phone.
Start a Phone Consultation
You will be able to book a time chat on the phone to discuss your vision for the project—its scale, scope and budget.
On-Site Design Consultation
If all lights are green during the phone consultation, we will set up an appointment at your home to discuss the project further with you, collect measurements, photos and any information we’ll need to prepare a Preliminary Proposal. There is a $199.00 On-site Design Consultation Fee.
Preliminary Deposit
Once you have received your Preliminary Proposal and have decided that you would like to move forward in the process with us, we will collect a small deposit and set-up an in-person meeting at our office in Alpharetta to finalize the details of the project together, walk through our showroom to select materials and iron out all of the details to create a Final Agreement.
Sign Final Agreement
With every “I” dotted, and every “t” crossed, you will have an extremely detailed and thorough Final Agreement to sign so we can start working on the preparatory aspects of your project for permitting. We will collect a 5% downpayment (less the preliminary deposit you already paid in step 4) at this time.
Plans & Permitting
With an Agreement in place, we will begin working on the structural drawings and other documents required to obtain a building permit for your project. We will then file for your building permit and work through the process (which can be daunting) to get your permit approved.
Pre-Construction Meeting
Most times, our team will do a virtual online meeting with you to review the details of your project one last time before we break ground. Sometimes we do this meeting on-site, but we have found it more efficient to conduct this meeting online.
Building
The day has finally come! Our team arrives to build your project. Some materials and items like dumpster and porta potties may have be already been delivered by now. We will work diligently to get your project out of the ground as efficiently as possible.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
We will arrange to have your final inspection completed to close out your permit so you can enjoy your new space. We will make sure the work site is clean and safe for you to enjoy.
Warranty Processing
We will file all the necessary warranty registrations with the relevant manufacturers so you don’t have to worry about it. You will also receive a warranty packet from us in the mail with our 5-year warranty.
Is there a fee?
Is there a fee to get a project price?
We do not charge a fee for developing a project price if you already have a turnkey design that includes a full design, elevations, project measurements, material schedule and a detailed scope of work. However, if you need us to create a design and specifications for you, we are happy to help by scheduling a Design Consultation at your home.
Why We Charge
Why do you charge for your designs?
In the “old” decking industry, when pressure-treated wood and cedar were the primary materials used, the norm was to charge based on square footage. Deck designs were often hastily drawn on graph paper, typically at the kitchen table, and were generally not very intricate. The process involved calculating the square footage, multiplying it by the cost per square foot, and voilà—within a short time, you had a deck design and its corresponding price. During that time, it was expected that all deck companies would provide this service for free, and we didn’t mind much because the time commitment was minimal.
The Current Day
Fast forward to our current day where huge leaps in building technology and materials have given us the opportunity to provide our clients with limitless design options, styles and features. The “deck building” of yesteryear has been replaced by “outdoor living.”
As a result, we’ve moved away from charging by the square foot. Instead, the pricing for our projects is determined by the complexity of the design. Nowadays, designing a deck, porch or outdoor living space involves considering multiple factors, and a significant amount of time and effort is invested in creating a custom design tailored to you and your family’s needs. We believe in the value of the design process, consultation services, and the creativity we bring to each project.
Investing in your dream project
Given the investment considerations of decks, porches and outdoor living spaces today, a well-thought-out design can ultimately save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The fees we charge cover various expenses, including travel costs, consultation time, and the actual design work invested in your project.
If you think about it, what kind of an end result would you get with a haphazard “free estimate.” Investing in a professional design and proposal makes sense relative to the investment you will be making in your dream project.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to go through the design process?
We can move through the design process as quickly as you are able to make decisions and finalize a project. Some clients on-board a day or two from receiving our Preliminary Proposal and others take longer. It can depend on the complexity of the project, the investment or coordinating schedules. We always say, “the sooner you let us know you want to move forward with us, the sooner you will have your new project in your backyard.”
Can you work with my existing deck and modify it?
It depends. Most builder-grade decks in our area were not built that great to begin with. Factor in wear and tear, wood deterioration and code changes that have come into effect over the years and there is simply not much worth saving. Since we specialize in installing modern composite and low maintenance railing systems, you would be throwing good after bad installing those premium materials on an older builder grade deck. It’s simply not worth it. If your deck is a candidate for resurfacing and remodeling, we will certainly consider it.
Can you put a screened in porch or a roof over my existing deck?
Let’s start with the answer from the question above as some background. In addition to this, roof loads are different than deck loads. Your builder grade deck was not designed to support a roof. Many times, the existing deck isn’t even in the right spot to accommodate an architecturally correct roof tie-in to your house. Never say never, but in our experience, it is extremely rare that an existing deck is a candidate to be screened in or enclosed.
Do you build pressure treated wood decks?
No. We only install premium composite decking like Trex and use a variety of low maintenance railing systems. Building pressure treated decks is not in our offerings.
What’s the deal with steel deck framing?
Light gauge steel deck framing is the best investment you can make on a deck project. The additional investment required beyond traditional pressure treated framing is well worth it long term. Steel frame decks are stronger, flatter, stiffer and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. With our composite decking and railing systems lasting upwards of 50-years, it makes sense to invest in a steel frame if you can.
How long does it take to build a deck or a porch?
It depends on the size and scope of the project. Our projects are rarely shorter than 2-3 weeks and usually not much longer than 6-7 weeks. Quality can’t be rushed. We take our time to do it right.
I have a simple builder deck that I want to replace and do something interesting, but I am not sure where to start—it seems so complicated. Can you help me?
Absolutely! Most of our clients come to us with a general idea of what they have in mind. It’s a great starting point. Our entire process was designed to get you from thinking about a new outdoor living area to sitting in it! Let us use our know-how and creativity to come up with something perfect for you. This is what we do and we love it.
I would like to add an outdoor kitchen to my project, but I have no idea what they cost to build. About how much are they?
Outdoor kitchens are popular and for good reason. Besides just being cool to have they are great for entertaining outdoors because people tend to congregate around the food and the kitchen, right? As far as cost goes, it all depends. Just like a kitchen inside your house, one person might spend $10,000 while another could spend $100,000 on a kitchen in the same space. A good rule of thumb for outdoor kitchen pricing is anywhere from about $600 - $1,500 a linear foot. Meaning if you had a 10’ long kitchen island, it could be anywhere from about $6,000 to $15,000 depending on how it’s built, exterior finishes, the appliances and fixtures you include, the type of countertops you choose, electrical, plumbing, etc…
I have to get approval from my HOA to do anything on my house. Will you help us with that?
Definitely! Upon entering an agreement with us, you will receive an HOA package from us that you can submit to your HOA board for approval. To date, we have never had an HOA reject or modify one of our projects. It is usually a quick, straightforward process for our projects to get approved.
Do I need a property survey to build?
The safest and indisputable answer is “yes.” Having a recent and detailed property survey is always the best bet and our preference to have to file your permit application with. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to use an online provider to get a “site plan,” but more and more jurisdictions are now not only requiring extremely detailed property surveys (showing trees, topography, setbacks, easements) but also stamped site engineering from a professional engineer analyzing impervious coverages and other complex details.
I’ve heard horror stories about neighbors having issues getting building permits from our town/city. Is it that bad?
Generally speaking…we don’t have issues getting building permits in most of the places we frequently work in. We do all the work so it’s not something you will have to worry about. All building departments have their quirks and special requirements, but we’ve been doing it long enough that we know what to expect and it’s usually not too bad. There are a few cities that are notoriously difficult to deal with that make getting a building permit a drawn-out process of red tape and lots of back and forth, but again, we know this going in and deal with it as best we can to get your permit as quickly as possible.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
It depends on the jurisdiction, but in a best-case scenario and a “good” jurisdiction one to two weeks, but in some of the more difficult jurisdictions, it can take months to get through the approval layers.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are licensed contractors in the State of GA and carry full insurance to protect you and your property. Many contractors are not licensed (because it’s hard to obtain) and underinsured (because it’s expensive to carry the proper insurances). We don’t take shortcuts when we build or in running our business.