"Chris with Friesen Family Renovations, LLC was very professional and thorough in the work he has completed. He installed a new screen door, replaced my tub stem and faucet, repaired my subfloor in the kitchen and installed brand new LVP flooring to replace old and water damaged flooring. He also mounted a television for me, and did some drywall repairs as well. I would recommend this business to anyone looking for quality and dependable work!"
"Called, he called me back a few minutes later and instead of charging me for a service call, he walked me through the fix on the phone in less than 5 minutes! Very professional and courteous. I would definitely hire him for future work!"
Reiss Demoscape is a family owned and operated business specializing in demolition, excavation, and landscaping services. We combine skilled workmanship, dependable service, and a commitment to safety to deliver high-quality results that exceed our customers' expectations.
"We had an emergency in the family. Richard and Tony were considerate and understanding about us having to cancel our project. They promptly returned our deposit and made us feel better about having to cancel. Very few contractors would be as considerate and compassionate as they were to us. I hope to recover soon and have them come back."
"My microwave oven broke right before the Thanksgiving holiday. Help!!! I called By All Means And More and, as usual, they rescued me. They installed my new microwave very quickly. They came just a few days after I called them and put me into their schedule as an emergency. I have used these guys for all sorts of construction and fixes around the house. They are friendly, courteous, clean and always do what they promised to do. They clean up after themselves beautifully. Their list of references is a mile long. ?"
"We hired W.H.A.S. Renovations to install new flooring in our offices and are so pleased with their services. They were extremely prompt in responding to our request for a quote and quick to get us on their schedule. They made sure to keep us updated on the progress of the project and even shared photos of the floors each day. The installation process went very smoothly and we plan on working with them again in the future!"
"Matt was very easy to communicate with. He showed up on time and completed work quickly. He always checked in to make sure we were happy with the results."
The life expectancy of deck boards varies widely based on the material, climate, and maintenance. Untreated wood boards typically last 10 to 30 years with proper care, while pressure-treated boards can last up to 50 years. Hardwoods generally outlast softwoods. Composite boards also tend to last longer than natural wood. Environmental factors like arid or humid climates can shorten a deck's lifespan. To extend the life of wood decking, it's important to consistently clean and seal it to protect against moisture, UV light, and insects.
The best way to clean your decking is to clear debris from the gaps between the boards, sweep the surface, rinse it, apply cleaner, rinse again, and let it dry fully. A homemade deck cleaner made of two gallons of warm water and 1/2 cup vinegar is a simple cleaning solution for both wood and composite decking. You can sprinkle baking soda on any spots with mold or mildew, then scrub the area and rinse clean.
Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.
Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.
It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.
The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.
There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.
Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.
The Bloomingdale, OH homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.