Plain answers to the questions we hear most.

How much does a new deck cost?

Most of our builds land between $9,500 and $32,000. A 12×16 pressure-treated deck sits near the low end, and large composite builds with railing upgrades sit near the top. Every quote is itemized by boards, footings, labor, and permit, so you can see where the money goes.

Is the quote really free?

Yes. A design visit takes about an hour, and the written quote arrives within 48 hours. It’s valid for 60 days and there’s no pressure follow-up, just one check-in call.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, with plans from 0% APR for 12 months on approved credit, arranged during the quote visit. Longer terms available for bigger builds.

How long does a build take?

Most decks take 5–8 days on site once material lands. The longer wait is usually the permit, typically 1 to 3 weeks depending on your town, which we file and chase for you.

Can you build in winter?

Yes. We auger and pour footings below the 48-inch frost line year-round. Winter builds often get you a better slot and a deck that’s ready the day the grills come out.

What makes a deck ‘built for Buffalo’?

Three things: footings below frost depth so clay soil can’t heave them, framing sized for lake-effect snow loads rather than the national minimum, and a flashed, sealed ledger at the connection freeze and thaw attacks first.

Do I need a permit?

Almost always in Erie and Niagara counties, for any deck over 18 inches high or attached to the house. We file the paperwork, pay the fee (it’s in your quote), and meet the inspector.

What if my old deck was built without one?

Common, and fixable. We’ll inspect it, tell you what today’s code requires, and handle the legalization paperwork if you’re selling or refinancing.

Repair or rebuild, how do I know?

A free 20-minute inspection settles it. If the frame and footings are sound, repair is usually the smart money. If the ledger or posts have rot, we’ll show you with photos and price both paths.

How often should a wood deck be stained?

In WNY, every 2–3 years for horizontal surfaces. We schedule staining inside real weather windows, 50–85°F and dry for 48 hours, so the finish actually cures.

What warranty do you offer?

10 years on workmanship for new builds, 2 years on repairs, plus manufacturer warranties on boards, up to 50 years on some composites. All of it in writing.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Most WNY towns require one once a fence passes a certain height, and some have separate rules for corner lots and pool enclosures. We check your town’s code and file the paperwork before we set a single post.

Do fence posts really need to go below frost depth?

For anything permanent, yes. A post set shallow will heave with the freeze-thaw cycle and lean within a couple of winters. We set posts below the 48-inch frost line the same way we do for deck footings.

Wood, vinyl, or aluminum, which holds up best here?

Vinyl needs the least upkeep and shrugs off freeze-thaw completely. Wood looks classic but wants a stain cycle every few years. Aluminum is the choice for pool code and low-maintenance style. We’ll quote more than one so you can compare.

Why do gates start to sag?

Almost always a post that was not set deep enough or hardware that was undersized for the gate’s weight. We size posts and hinges for the actual gate, not the smallest option that will pass at first.

Do I need a permit for a porch?

Yes, in nearly every case, since a porch is a structural addition, not cosmetic work. We handle the permit filing and inspection scheduling as part of the job.

Is a porch roof built for our snow load?

It has to be. We size rafters and posts for lake-effect accumulation, not the lighter loads a fair-weather kit is rated for, and we flash the roof-to-house tie-in the same way we flash a deck ledger.

Will a screened porch actually keep bugs out?

Yes, when the framing and screen door are sealed properly, which is most of the job. A loose-fitting screen door undoes the whole system, so we spend real time getting that part right.

Can a three-season room be heated?

It can be set up for supplemental heat, but it is not insulated to the level of a true four-season addition. We’ll walk you through what’s realistic for how you plan to use the space.