Decks and More

Decks & More specializes in custom decks, screen enclosures, front porches, outdoor kitchens, basements, bathrooms, additions, covered porches and any interior remodeling.

[decksandmore]

Finance the deck of your dreams with peer-to-peer lending.

Often in life our cherished dreams race ahead of our reality. Too often we put off going after something because our immediate finances just can’t handle it. Perhaps you’ve coveted adding a beautiful deck onto your house but when you’ve put the pencil to it, it’s just not an expense you can spare.

But now, thanks to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), help is on the way. NADRA is helping bring financial solutions to homeowners looking to “deck out” their homes. The association has worked out an arrangement with Prosper, a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that’s become a popular alternative to traditional loans, to cut out the middleman and connect people who need money with those who have money to invest. You can borrow from $2,000 to $35,000, with three- and five-year terms. Here’s how it works:

Choose a loan amount then fill out an initial application     (www.prosper.com/NADRA) to check eligibility and rate.

Applicants receive notification on eligibility decision.

Qualified applicants receive an offer based on application information.

Qualified applicants select an offer.

Qualified applicants asked to provide additional information to finalize and verify application.

Finalized applications will generate a request for a loan.

Once listing is active on Prosper, investors can commit funds to applicant’s loan.

When applicant's loan is funded and verified, funds will be deposited in their bank account.

The online application can get you qualified in minutes for a fixed loan rate, with no collateral required. You pay in easy fixed monthly payments with no prepayment penalties.

Soon after, your dream begins: calling Decks and More—2015 National Contractor of the Year Award winner for Residential Addition under $100k by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry—to come out for a complete pre-deck inspection!

We look forward to designing a custom plan for a deck that will enhance your lifestyle, maximize the summer months, and increase the value of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation! We listen to the people we serve and we aim to serve them well.

Decks & More 1060 Medlin St SE Smyrna, Georgia 30080 [phone]

[decksandmore]

The serious business of deck safety, Pt. II.

Last time, we reviewed half of the 10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist for outdoor decks issued by the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). With spring just around the corner, it’s an excellent method for scrutinizing the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair, or replacement. Here are the final five points:

Cleaning and maintenance: Clean away leaves and debris, which not only can make a deck slippery but also promote mildew. If mildew is present or the deck coating has worn away, make time to clean and apply a new waterproofing coating. It can help prevent the split, decayed wood and loosened fasteners mentioned in our last newsletter.

Grills, fire pits, chimneys, heaters and candles: These features can create a cozy deck atmosphere, but make sure any source of fire or heat is safely placed away from flammable surfaces or that the deck surface is protected by a non-flammable pad. Always use caution and follow manufacturers’ directions.

Lighting and electrical: Be sure all lighting is working; clean any light covers to allow maximum light to shine through, and trim any plants or tree limbs that may be blocking light. If you don’t have adequate lighting, there are great new deck lighting products to help illuminate your steps and pathways. Be sure all electrical outlets, appliances, and features are up to code, in good condition, and childproof if children are present. Be   watchful that no electrical cords present a tripping hazard.

Outdoor furniture and storage: Test all outdoor furniture to be sure it is sturdy. Avoid placing seating right at the edge of the deck. If you have a swing or hammock installed, test the chains and ropes to be sure they are secure. Consider installing childproof latches on any storage boxes and benches. Keep all deck related chemical products stored safely away from children, including grill lighter fluids, matches, cleaners, etc.

Surrounding trees: If trees overhang your deck, make certain there is no danger of decaying limbs breaking free and falling onto the deck.

Checking a deck using this information does not constitute a code compliant deck. It is intended to assist homeowners. Better yet, call Decks and More, Atlanta’s No. 1 choice for decks, porches, and remodeling, and we’ll come out for a complete deck inspection.

In the planning stages for a deck? We look forward to designing a custom plan for construction and renovations that will enhance your living spaces and increase the value of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation! We listen to the people we serve and we aim to serve them well.

Decks & More 1060 Medlin St SE Smyrna, Georgia 30080

[phone] Website: www.decksandmore.biz Facebook

[decksandmore]

Deck Safety. It's Serious Business.

It’s not the type of story you want to hear about—a deck collapsing and injuries incurred. Recently, a news story in an upper Midwest state reported just that. Fortunately, there were only minor injuries. But the seriousness of the importance of deck safety came out loud and clear from the news.

One of the organizations overseeing the deck and outdoor living industry, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), has even designated a Deck Safety Month (May). Accordingly, they also issued deck safety guidelines that continue as a helpful “check your deck” program. Their 10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair, or replacement. Here are the first five points. The latter five will be covered in our next blog.

Split or decaying     wood: Check different areas of the deck to be sure the wood is still     sound, including the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house, a     common source of deck failure), support posts and joists under the deck     (if reachable), deck boards, railings, and stairs. Pay special attention     to areas that tend to remain damp, are regularly exposed to water, or are     in contact with fasteners. Also: look for small holes in the wood, which     may indicate insects.

Flashing, a     metal or plastic guard that directs water away from sensitive areas, is     generally installed where the deck and house meet, keeping moisture and     debris from collecting between the house and the deck’s ledger board. Be     certain the flashing is sound and securely in place.

Loose or corroded     fasteners: Fasteners include nails, screws, or anchors in the ledger     board. Tighten anything loose and pound in any nails that have popped up.     (Note: The ledger board should not     be fastened with only nails.) If a fastener looks rusted or corroded,     replace it. A corroded fastener can cause deterioration in surrounding     wood. The deck or stairs should appear even without sagging and shouldn’t     sway or move when tested.

Railings and     banisters should be secure. Especially important the higher your deck     is off the ground.

Stairs: Check     to see that railings or handrails are firmly held in place, as well as the     risers and stringers, to be sure all are securely attached and not     decayed. Also, always keep stair pathways clear of planters, décor, toys,     and other items that can present a tripping hazard.

 Better yet, call Decks and More, Atlanta’s No. 1 choice for decks, porches, and remodeling, and we’ll come out for a complete deck inspection. In the planning stages for a deck? We look forward to designing a custom plan for construction and renovations that will enhance your living spaces and increase the value of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation! We listen to the people we serve and aim to serve them well.

Decks & More 1060 Medlin St SE Smyrna, Georgia 30080

[decksandmore]

A Word From Our Customers.

Nothing says more about a company than what others say about it. To that end, we wanted to share with our readers and customers a few comments from some of our clients about the work that Decks & More has done for them.

“Decks & More is great! I asked them about an outdoor kitchen, and they helped design an outdoor retreat that best suited my needs. Their crew was great to work with, including Mike Nelson, the project manager, who answered all my questions during the construction and kept me well informed. The features that really made this project were the outdoor pavilion, the curved radius, the lighting, and especially all the little details. In addition, the stacked stone outdoor kitchen is tremendous. If you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen, screened in porch, custom deck, or remodeling in Atlanta, I highly recommend Decks & More. They’ll definitely take care of you.”  — Jason Elrod, Sandy Springs, GA

“After living in our home for 39 years, we decided to add a sunroom and deck. Atlanta's Decks & More met with us several times. After many questions and answers, we decided to begin construction. They gave us many good suggestions! The supervisor and construction crew were competent and skilled. As construction progressed, we knew we had made the right decision. In seven weeks we occupied our finished addition!”  — Earl and Paula Rice, Smyrna, GA

“Without hesitation I would recommend any homeowner to use Decks & More Inc. Their team of professionals converted my existing deck into a beautiful, magazine picture-perfect screen porch. We have gotten numerous compliments on the quality of the work and its overall appearance. They are extremely knowledgeable, personable, attentive, and responsive to the homeowner’s needs, and I would definitely use them for any future Atlanta home improvement projects!”  — Scott Kay, Decatur, GA

Decks & More looks forward to designing a custom plan for construction and renovations that will enhance your living spaces and increase the value of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation! Our aim is to listen to the people we serve and serve them well.

Decks & More 1060 Medlin St SE Smyrna, Georgia

[phone] Website: www.decksandmore.biz Facebook  

[decksandmore]

NARI Honors Decks & More with Prestigious Award

The National Association for the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has honored the metro Atlanta-based remodeling company Decks & More with a Contractor of the Year award (CotY), one of only 36 national awards doled out annually by the industry organization. The esteemed award, presented at NARI’s spring meeting held in Ft. Lauderdale this past April, was issued to Decks & More in the category of Residential Addition Under $100,000, for a sunroom and deck addition to a home in Marietta, Ga.

“This was an extremely rewarding remodeling project from concept to completion,” said Frank Pologruto, Decks & More founder and president. “The homeowners wanted a dramatic and functional sunroom and deck addition to their home that blended perfectly with the existing architecture and incorporated as many green features as possible.  We came up with several creative solutions to overcome some of the challenges of the project, and the homeowners were thrilled with the results.”

The task required Decks & More to convert an existing rear deck into a fully finished sunroom with a ductless heating and air conditioning system and a panoramic view of the backyard. The remodeling team created a custom design that incorporated three large picture windows along with skylights to take advantage of natural light and to enhance the view, no small challenge when attempting to position a 6’x8’ picture window into place. For that delicate maneuver, a skid was built onsite and pulleys were utilized to pull the glass up the skid and into the frame. Always with an eye towards sustainability, the company also attempted to further reduce waste by leaving the original deck’s floor framing intact, while unwanted scrap lumber was donated to a local non-profit, Reclaim It Atlanta.

Remodelers from seven regions across the country submitted entries which were judged on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty. In addition to the national CotY award, Decks & More also scored a regional victory in the Residential Addition Under $100,000 category for a remodeled home in Roswell, Ga.

Other past honors awarded to Decks & More include: a second National Contractor of the Year award (2011) from NARI, a Best Wood Deck Award from the North American Deck and Railing Association, a Super Service Award from Angie’s List, and a Consumer’s Choice Award in the category of Patio and Deck Builders.

Decks & More looks forward to designing a custom plan for construction and renovations that will enhance your living spaces and increase the value of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation! Our aim is to listen to the people we serve and serve them well.

Decks & More 1060 Medlin St SE Smyrna, Georgia

[phone] Website: www.decksandmore.biz Facebook