"We added a patio enclosure to part of our deck area at a country house that we own. The experience was extraordinary from the minute that we met with Andrew Mulichak, our design consultant, through to the completion of the project. At the point that we signed the contract, a completion estimate of 10 weeks was given. Three weeks after we signed the contract, we received a call that the patio enclosure was ready to be installed. The install team took a half day to get the site ready, and then 1.5 days to complete the project. We absolutely love the end result and it came out even better than what we thought when we signed the contract. The advantage of working with Patio Enclosures is that this is their primary business activity and they control the entire supply chain. Based on our experience, I would highly recommend them for any type of comparable project."
"Terry did a great job repairing our concrete paver walkway. He gave us a fair price and came on short notice. He and a helper showed up on time, finished the work on time, and cleaned up the work area. The quality of his work is top notch. Heâ s a real craftsman Iâ d highly recommend to anyone."
"Bart responded quickly to my request for an estimate to seal coat my driveway. He came and said he could do the work in 2 to 3 weeks. Within 2 weeks he set the date and time. He arrived on time and did his work carefully and efficiently. He answered all my questions. Very satisfied!!"
"The new deck is perfect. They showed up on time each day and worked the entire time they were here. They even noticed a few issues from the previous contractor and brought them to my attention. Clarke Builders pays close attention to what theyâ re doing. Great, quick work. I couldnâ t be happier. I would hire again, anytime."
"Dan and his team of Clinton and Julie worked very hard installing a stone step to exit a room on the South side of my house. Julie also pruned a large and unwieldy Rhododendron in my front yard. Dan kept me informed as to when they would arrive and they were very polite and considerate. I am happy with the results. The new step is a wedge-shaped stone that will drain rain water and it provides a comfortable distance for stepping to the outside of the house."
"D&D was quick to call us back, to walk the site and give us a quote, they started the job earlier than they thought they could, and worked all day/ every day to finish the job. The yard was raked, leveled, and seeded . Dustin is a knowledgeable professional, we couldn't be happier with the install. We were so pleased with his work that we hired him to do some extra grading for us."
"Cody & crew were great to work with! Arrived on site on schedule, great communication thru the project, and I was left with an outstanding product. I look forward to working with them again!"
With proper maintenance, the average life span of a screened-in porch is six to eight years for the screens themselves, but the foundation and structure can last for 50 to 100 years. To keep your screened-in porch in good shape, clean your porch screens regularly, patch holes, re-seal the wood as needed, and address any foundational issues right away.
Yes, a sunroom will require a permit. You may just need a general construction permit for a screened-in porch or solarium. For a three-season room with electricity and a four-season room with electric, heating, and cooling, you’ll need additional permits for each of the utilities, as well as a roofing permit.
Several types of porches are available to meet your needs and style preferences. Some common porch types include:
Porticos are essentially a roof over a walkway leading to the home's front entrance.
Sunrooms are closed-in porches that are an extension of the house with glass or plastic panels that allow optimal sunlight.
Wraparound porches extend around the entire home, or at least the front and one side, and offer multiple entrances to the house.
Back porches are an extension of the home’s floor into the outdoors. These offer more protection and privacy than a deck.
Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.
Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.
A covered deck can be a good investment that increases your home value—especially if you live in a hot region with a lot of sun. A covering over the deck means you can get more use out of it, even on the hottest summer days. With a permanent deck covering, you can even add ceiling fans to help cool down your deck for added comfort.
The Waldoboro, ME homeowners’ guide to patio services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Make your patio a calm retreat or a tropical getaway with these 11 best patio plants. Many varieties do well in the shade, while others prefer full sun. You’ll find pet-friendly patio plants and fruits you can use in your favorite recipes.
Deck vs. patio — what’s the difference and which one is the better choice? Dive into the pros, cons, and more, and make the perfect decision for your home.
