How we work
A clear path from idea to finished deck.
No surprises, no vague numbers. Here is how a project with us unfolds, and what we’ll ask of you along the way.
Five stages, start to finish.
- 1
First contact
Send the estimate form on our contact page. We’ll reply and ask about the project, your address and a couple of times that suit you for a visit.
- 2
The free estimate
At your home we measure the space, check slope and soil, look at how the house meets the ground, note sun, shade and drainage, and inspect anything existing that might be kept or removed.
You receive a written estimate with the scope described in plain language and material options side by side.
- 3
Design & permits
We confirm layout, boards, railing, stairs and lighting. Some decks and fences need a permit and some don’t; it depends on the project and the address. We’ll help you clarify requirements with the City of Seattle SDCI or King County permitting and prepare drawings when they’re needed.
- 4
The build
Demolition if needed, then footings, framing, decking or fence panels, railings and trim. You’ll know who is on site and what’s happening each day, and we clean up as we go.
- 5
Walk-through & care
We walk the finished work together, fix anything that isn’t right, and leave you with care instructions for the materials you chose.
What it includes.
The visit usually takes under an hour. You don’t need to prepare anything beyond a rough idea of what you want.
On site
Measurements of the area, a look at slope, soil, drainage and access, and a check of any existing deck, fence or footings that might be reused.
In conversation
How you’ll use the space, what matters most to you, and the trade-offs between materials, explained without jargon.
In writing
A scope of work, the materials proposed, options where they make sense, and notes on anything that could affect the job, such as permits or access.
Working with the Seattle sky.
We don’t wait for summer. We plan around the forecast instead.
Wet season
Framing, board installation and fence building can continue through light rain. Concrete pours and stain applications wait for a suitable dry window.
Dry season
Summer is the busiest time. Booking an estimate in winter or early spring means your project can be ready before the long evenings begin.
Delays
If heavy weather or a permit timeline shifts the schedule, we tell you promptly and give you a revised plan rather than leaving you guessing.
What we’ll ask of you.
- Access to the yard, and a way to reach the side of the house if the deck or fence runs there.
- Any survey or lot plan you have, especially for fences near a property line.
- A word with neighbors if work will happen close to their side.
- Plants, furniture and pots moved clear of the work area, or let us know and we’ll plan around them.
- Quick decisions on colours and options once samples are in front of you, so the schedule holds.
- A heads-up about pets, children’s nap times or anything else that should shape our working day.
In return, we’ll keep you informed, answer questions as they come up, and never leave the site in a state you’d be embarrassed for the neighbors to see.
Ready to start? Request your free estimate or read about our composite deck work first.