Deck Boards

Yes, fall (and winter) are right around the corner, but as it stands right now, it's absolutely gorgeous outside, and I want nothing more than to be sitting outside on a deck. 

I'm not the only one, as many of our clients are building new decks or renovating their existing ones. When renovating decks, there are so many options, and narrowing it down can get a bit overwhelming, so here's a start:

1. Pressure Treated decking: ( $)
essentially, this is regular lumber that is dipped in a pressurized chamber filled with a preservative, that is forced into the wood to help it last longer.


Pros: - it is the cheapest, and lowest cost deck board available.

Cons:
        - it can "bleed" the preservative resin out for up to two years, making it hard to stain or paint

        - it is prone to cracking over time.
         - The chemicals injected in the wood are artificially created, and aren't great for the environment.




2. Cedar:  ($$)
Cedar has a naturally occuring protective resin which allows the wood to last a very long time.


Pros: - It looks beautiful, is long lasting, and natural.

Cons:
- around twice as expensive as pressure treated
- can give some nasty slivers
- fades to a dull grey over time (which isn't a bad thing if you like the look).




3. Trex, Timbertech, or other composite deck boards. ($$$-$$$$)
Trex and Timbertech (which I prefer) both offer composite decking boards which range from a wood-composite material to a pvc deck board.

Pros:
- incredibly low maintenence
- fire resistant
- 25 year warranty on most products
- easy to install



Cons:
- to get a true, wood-looking composite, you'll need to buy the higher end, pvc wrapped products.
- still doesnt look exactly like real wood.






4. Brazilian Ipe "Ironwood":  ($$$$$)


Pictured at the top of this article, this Brazilian hardwood is dense, durable and gorgeous.


Pros:
- will literally last a lifetime if cared for properly. It is dense and very tough.
-beautiful, rich grain
- rarely causes slivers, or cracks.

Cons:
- one of the more expensive decking options
- timely (costly) to install
- made of a foreign wood; not the most local or environmentally friendly product possible.



When looking at what deck boards for your decking project, consider the initial investment, but also look at the care, maintenance and longevity of the product. A pressure treated deck may be the cheapest option right now, but in 10 years, when it's time to be replaced, or requires plenty of maintenance, will you be wishing you had invested a bit more in cedar, Timbertech, or even Ironwood?
There are plenty of other types of decking out there, but I thought I'd review some of the more popular choices.

Check back later this week for tile/rock and vinyl decking options.

 
 

Why the Design/Build Process?

As a homeowner, or business owner, when you're looking to start a renovation, it's hard to know where to start. Do you first find a contractor, then search for an architect/designer? Or do you work with a designer, then a contractor? In my opinion, the most efficient system is to find one company that does both.

In the industry, there are many examples of each kind of system. At Mountainside, we typically use the design/build system. We have trained designers on staff, who work directly with our project manager or lead carpenters to ensure the project runs smoothly, and problems that arise are dealt with head-on, and effectively. Why do we like this system?

1. Accountability. So many times, clients who hire separate designers and contractors complain that if (when) a problem arises, it becomes nothing but finger pointing. The designer doesn't need to take the blame, if he or she can blame the contractor. Contractors love blaming bad designers too.

2. Cost Effectiveness. I've been to so many meetings where homeowners want me to provide an estimate to complete their addition or renovation. They have the drawings in hand (that they have spent thousands of dollars on). When they start getting the pricing feedback, they are shocked. Many times, they've designed something that they can not possibly afford. With design/build, budget is as much of a design factor as the condition of the existing foundation of the house. You won't be paying to have a designer draw up a beautiful, but completely unattainable plan.


3. Streamlined Communication. Because our designers work with our construction team on a daily basis, we know how to read and understand the drawings, our carpenter can call the designer to site whenever needed, and we all know how to work well with each other. This saves time, and money.

Basements

Most homes have basements. Not all, but many of them do. It seems as though most of these basements are either left completely unfinished (and money is lost heating them) or are poorly finished rec rooms or storage areas. People will spend thousands of dollars renovating every area of their home, but ignore the huge, ready-to-use space and potential beneath their main floor.

This doesn't have to be the case!

Basements can be made beautiful. Windows can be cut in. Floors can be dry. Bathrooms and kitchens can be bright. Take advantage of the concrete insulated walls, and the cost effective use of space. 

My wife and I bought a 1960's rancher with a dark, poorly finished basement a year ago. We decided to completely gut the basement and re-do it. We cut in larger windows, added an exit to the outside (which involved some excavating and retaining walls) and developed a cute little 600 square foot basement suite, and kept 600 square feet for ourselves (1 bedroom, storage room, bathroom, laundry room and rec room).




                                                                         BEFORE

                                                 
                                                                      AFTER

                           

Instead of throwing together an illegal, dark and unsafe suite, we did it properly: new walkway and parking, in-suite laundry, new electrical and plumbing and sound insulation between floors. We've had it rented out for a year, and love it.

Don't ignore the bottom half (or third) of your house. If you're thinking about renovating, think about your basement. Here are a few common projects for basements:

- Media/ TV room
- Basement suite
- Kids play room/ Rec Room

- Wine cellar
- Fitness room or home gym
- spare bedrooms
- home office.

Where To Start

 I am starting this blog, slightly daunted by the task of consistently providing information worth sharing. But to be honest, this pales in comparison to the daunting task many homeowners have of how to renovate their homes.
Perhaps you just bought your first place, or maybe you've been in your home for years. Regardless, the thought of ripping it apart in hopes that you can have a more functional, beautiful, efficient and perhaps larger home is a scary thought.

What will you find? Will you live in the house, or move out? What will it cost? How long will it take?

Just like the research you did before buying your home, do the same (or greater) diligence when working on your renovation plans. Here are some guidelines that should get you started:



1. make a list of your wants and needs, and note the difference between the two. You may be surprised by the cost of renovating, so a prioritized list isn't a bad idea.

2. Talk to some reputable contractors to get a rough ballpark price for what you're planning.

3. Using the ballpark prices as a rough estimate, figure out how you will afford the renovation, or what changes need to be made to the scope of the project in order for it to work financially. Always be aware of the prices in the neighborhood, and be conscious of whether or not your renovation prices your house far above the rest.


4. compete the design for your renovation. Mountainside, as well as many other companies, operate on a "design/build" system, where both design and construction services are offered in-house.  In my opinion, this is a superior system, as everyone is on the same page throughout the entire project. We find that projects run smoother, cost less, and are FAR less stressful.

5. Ensure that before you start your renovation, you have the following details finalized:
- A written, clear and concise contract. Handshakes don't cut it.
- A detailed set of specifications. This is essentially a list of what products are being used, who does what work, and any fine details.
- Drawings
- A realistic budget with breakdowns of costs
- Schedule. Whether it's detailed, or an agreed upon project completion date, don't start without this.

- And don't forget...PERMITS! This is a valuable aspect of your renovation. Not only does it give you reassurance that work is being done according to the local building code, but it also tells any future potential buyers that you did it right.

If you're thinking about investing your hard earned money into your home, ensure that you're doing proper diligence. You won't regret it!

Inhabit?

Inhabit, simply put, means "To live or reside in". And that's exactly what I love about renovating. We're changing someone's home for the better; whether it's a kitchen renovation, a new bathroom, or an entire second storey being added. To most people, a home is their single largest financial investment, and rather than move every few years, more and more families are restoring, repairing and renovating so that they can enjoy the place they inhabit or reside in for a long time.

Everyone who calls us to get work done has a home. Maybe they are just buying it, or perhaps its been in the family for 90 years. Regardless, they want to make it better.

Some of our clients choose to invest in newer, energy efficient windows, while others want a new kitchen with granite or quartz counters, but in the end, renovating is about reusing what we can, and adding value to our homes.

Before

After

Welcome to the new blog

Thanks for taking the time to check out the new blog! I'm glad you did. Mountainside Renovations is based in Abbotsford, BC (Canada) and specializes in design and construction services for residential (and commercial) renovations. You can check out our website here.

My name is Jake Kostelyk, and with my dad, Ed, we run the company. I am passionate about renovating, and helping people add functionality, value and aesthetic appeal to their homes. This blog will cover current trends in the industry, how-to advice, cool projects we're working on, and anything else that seems useful or interesting.


Have any great blog ideas? Advice? Email me any time at jake@mountainsiderenos.ca.