Chapter 12: Decks, Gazebos, and Screened Porches

OVERVIEW

Decks, screened porches, and gazebos are very common among residential communities. These home improvements offer a remodeling contractor an attractive means of making more money. Of the three, decks are the most popular. Many companies specialize in the construction of decks. In areas where population is dense, it is not unusual to find companies that do nothing but deck constructions.

The nice thing about building decks is that with the exception of attaching them to a home, you have a fresh start to work with. The work is not as frustrating as smoothing out an old plaster wall or fishing wire through old walls. Building decks is basically new construction, but the work can fall into a remodeler's realm when a deck is added to a home after the construction of the home has been completed. The same goes for gazebos and screened porches. Even if the porch or gazebo is not attached to a home, it is not uncommon for homeowners to call remodeling contractors to do the work.

Many contractors enjoy building decks. One reason for this is that the time required to complete deck construction is minimal when compared to other types of jobs. This allows a contractor to finish a job quickly, to get paid, and to move onto a new job. A lot of remodelers prefer fast jobs, and deck construction is quick work.

Gazebos come in very handy for outdoor living when biting insects are prolific. There are times when gazebos are attached...