"Scott did an exceptional job with meeting my requirements and gave recommendations on how to make my project better. He power washed my entire house and my neighbor was impressed, she had hers done. He painted my deck making it look bright and new. I have no regrets with choosing him for my projects and will be using his services again in the future."
"Tim responded to my inquiry within minutes and agreed to visit and repair by 9AM.
He took care of business in a timely manner and completed the repair within a short amount of time.
I highly recommend him for Angi related services"
"Great job building the patio. Minor problems were addressed and will be taken care of. The Patio was a great addition to our main house. Lots of comments from friends and family. We use our patio more now that it is covered than when it was just a deck. Everyone in the crew done a fantastic job to make us happy. Thank you for the super job that was done for our family. We have been recommening your business to others who want to know who done the job."
"I’ve had a wonderful experience working with Claudio! He is professional, thorough, and genuinely takes pride in his work. He helped us with drywall repairs and framing following the installation of our new central air system, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What I especially appreciate about Claudio is how easy he is to work with. He responds quickly, communicates clearly, and takes the time to explain things when I have questions. He’s also very upfront about costs, which I really appreciate. There are no surprises, and I feel confident that I can trust him. He’s incredibly detail-oriented, keeps his workspace neat and tidy, and is respectful of our home. He doesn’t cut corners, and it shows in the quality of his work. It’s such a relief to find someone who is not only skilled at what they do but also kind, reliable, and easy to communicate with. I would absolutely recommend Claudio and Ensamplar Property Maintenance, and I look forward to working with him again!"
"It was a wonderful experience working with AMJ. They maintained consistent communication with me throughout the project, took their time to ensure high quality, and delivered a beautiful deck. I highly recommend them for any home project."
"These guys are committed to quality work. After work began it became clear more support work was required under deck. No problem, they just went at it and made it right. Very impressed they honored their quote. Beautiful quality result. Very easy to work with, quality work, on time, on budget. Not much else to ask for."
"We were very happy with the indoor wall repair and painting that Dylan did for us. His price was fair and his work is excellent! Dylan is a knowledgeable, kind, trustworthy young man who has the customerâ s best interests in mind and we highly recommend him!"
"Tim did a very nice job of fixing parts of the deck where some floor boards were coming lose and adding screws to the flooring for improved stability. Then he completed the job with two coatings. He kept us informed of the progress, worked independently and also cleaned up and replaced deck furniture. Highly recommend!"
Choosing whether your deck should be lighter or darker than your house is a matter of personal preference, as there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the pros and cons of each can help guide your decision. Darker colors are often chosen because they show less dirt, footprints, and marks from daily wear, making them easier to keep clean. On the other hand, lighter deck colors tend to stay cooler in the summer. From a design perspective, using a deck color that contrasts with your home's exterior can help make the deck a more defined and distinct feature. Consulting color theory can also make the process of choosing a complementary house and deck color combination easier.
Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.
Whether you need a permit depends on the deck design and local regulations. Most areas mandate a building permit if the deck is over a specific height or if it's attached to a pre-existing structure. Shorter, freestanding decks may not require a permit, but you should check with local zoning ordinances and your homeowners association for specifics.
Building a deck is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don’t require a permanent foundation and won’t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.
The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.
The Bethlehem, PA homeowners’ guide to deck repair services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Old and run-down porch railings can be an eyesore and pose a risk of falling. Find out how much it costs to replace your worn out porch railings with new materials.
If your deck is in bad shape, this deck repair checklist will help you inspect, clean, maintain, and repair it without missing any vital steps in the process.
