"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."
"He was as usual great. He did a fantastic job and made our home look like new. Cleaned it top to bottom and the gutters and eves looked as if they were just installed when he finished. Very friendly and finished right on time and arrived when he promised, and we will continue to use his service again and again. We have recommended him to our neighbors and they were thrilled with their results. Thank you for such a great job."
"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. ?"
"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."
"This company was referred to me by a family friend after they had done work for them at their house. I found them to be very professional and budget friendly. Will definitely use them again in the future!"
When building a deck, #2 grade lumber is a go-to for several reasons. It’s strong, budget-friendly, and works well for most framing and decking needs. But upgrading to #1 or Appearance Grade can give your deck that extra visual edge if you're after a cleaner, more polished look for high-visibility spots.
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.
Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area’s frost line and soil conditions. If you’re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area.
Floating decks are a cost-effective and versatile option, but they come with some compromises. Since they sit on smaller footings instead of being deeply anchored, they’re more likely to shift over time, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or freeze-thaw conditions. Their low-to-the-ground design makes them more susceptible to moisture buildup and potential water damage.
Yes, you can build a pool deck yourself, but it takes precision, a lot of time, and many specific tools. You’ll need to create a deck plan, be careful with measurements, cut each piece of wood, secure the pieces properly, and ensure the deck meets building codes. Building a deck around a pool is a rewarding DIY, but it’s time- and labor-intensive, so thoughtfully consider your abilities and the time you have before embarking on this DIY.
The Hopedale, 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.
