Homeowners often step out onto a brand-new deck only to realize the stairs dump straight into a snowdrift or the afternoon sun turns the space into an oven. Golden Deck & Pergola sees this issue happen all the time around town. Homeowners get excited about upgrading their backyard and they rush through the planning phase, which is usually where things go off the rails.
Building out here in the foothills comes with its own set of rules. Between the heavy wet spring snows we get in Lookout Mountain and the expansive clay soil down in the flats near South Golden Road, you cannot just slap together a generic deck design and hope for the best. Golden Deck & Pergola has put together a breakdown of the biggest missteps we see people make and how you can dodge them during Deck Construction in Golden, CO.
Skimping on the Foundation Depth
Frost heave is real. If a contractor tries to tell you that shallow footings are fine because the winter was mild last year, run the other way. Golden building codes require footings to go down past the frost line for a reason. If they do not, your new deck will start tilting and shifting after the first hard freeze.
Ignoring the Sun and Wind Patterns
We get incredible views here, but we also get wicked afternoon winds rolling down the canyon. Golden Deck & Pergola has built plenty of setups for homeowners who put their seating area in the exact spot that catches every gust of wind, making it miserable to sit outside during peak patio season. Take a weekend to sit in your yard at different times of day. Figure out where you need shade or a partial privacy screen before you lock in the blueprint for your Deck Construction in Golden, CO.
Falling for Lowball Bids
Everyone loves a bargain. But when you get three quotes for your deck and one is thousands of dollars lower than the rest, somebody is cutting corners. Usually, it means they are skimping on materials, skipping permits, or planning to hit you with a dozen change orders halfway through. Golden Deck & Pergola bids what the job actually costs to do right the first time.
Forgetting About Proper Drainage
Water has to go somewhere. If your new deck traps water against your house foundation or pools right next to your basement window wells, you are inviting a massive headache. Proper grading and flashing are important. Make sure whoever is doing the work accounts for runoff.
Taking your time upfront saves you thousands in repairs later. Do your homework, get the permits pulled, and make sure your builder knows the local terrain inside and out. For homes and businesses in Golden, Golden Deck & Pergola provides Deck Construction services.