Frequently Asked Questions

1. In what area(s) do you work?  
   Our shop is located in Manchester CT. We cover roughly a 30-50 minute radius. Please call or e-mail about other areas

2. What projects do you specialize in? 

   As our name suggests, we enjoy building custom and replacement decks. Occasionally, we will build a pool deck if part of a larger project. Very rarely, we embark on sun-rooms or screened-in rooms.

3. What materials do you work with?  

   We build using pressure treated, composites, and hardwoods. All of our decks are framed   with #1 pressure treated lumber. Most of today's projects are high-end composite materials. Our preferred brand being Azek for decking. Azek is available in many colors/wood hues/textures, and is the industry leader. White PVC is used for our custom railing solutions, as well as the trim boards used for fascia and stair risers. We are big advocates of Ipe decking as well. Ipe decking with our custom vinyl rails is a perfect combination. We also work with Tigerwood decking if you're looking for an alternative hardwood.

4. What is the first step?

   Spend some time looking around! A site tour should give you a feel for the quality of our work and the types of designs we offer. The Project Cost Calculator is an excellent point to get an idea of your budget. Most of the time, once contact information and ideas are shared, we can provide you a custom quote. Feel free to contact us for an in-person estimate as well. (Keep in mind, this may take longer due to our incoming quote request volume.) Email communication is always our preferred method of contact!

5. What happens next?

   If you send your information, we will make sure someone contacts you to begin the process. Many times we will visit your site to survey, then send a custom quote and preliminary design. Once everything is solidified a contract can be written for the scope of the project.

6. Do you have a written contract?

   Yes. In order to schedule any project a written contract must be signed and acknowledged by both parties.

7. Do you require a deposit?

   Yes. We require a 1/3 deposit at contract signing. The balance is due upon completion unless otherwise discussed. Much of the expense of creating your custom deck or project is spent prior to our first day on the job site!

8. What is your lead time?

   You will receive an approximate start date at contract signing. We schedule projects in the order the contracts are signed and agreed to, barring delays. We strive to keep you aware of scheduling delays, or if earlier availability opens in our schedule.

9. How long will my project take to complete?  

   Much of the preparation and custom crafting is done at the Deck Specialist shop, reducing the amount of time spent on the job site. The scope and size of the project determine the timeline. We see most projects range from one to two weeks on average.

10. What are your "On-Site" hours?

   We know everyone has a busy schedule! We normally arrive around 9:00am and like to be finished before 5:00pm.

11. Do you clean up each day?

   Yes. We deliver required materials and remove debris or trash daily to leave your site as clean and organized as possible.

12. Will my cost change upon completion?

   Very rarely does the final price vary from the contract. Most changes are due to customer changes or requests outside of the scope on the contract.
 

13. When is the best time to build a deck?

   Between March and June is the peak season for deck builders! As such we can offer some discounts to customers willing to wait or be put into a "standby" pool that can fit into our      schedule if an opening develops. Further discounts or incentives can be seen in the winter months.

14. Do you handle the permits?

   Yes. Exceptions exist if the customer would prefer to do it themselves, or when one is not required.

15. What is your warranty? What does that cover?

   We offer two full years on the scope of the project. Most of our materials are warranted by the manufacturer for the lifetime of the product. It's our policy to do the right thing, so please send us a message, or give us a call.

16. Do you use hidden screw system?

  Yes. We use the Cortex system on our composite decks. Cortex systems are available in all current Azek colors/hues.

17. Does Ipe need to be sealed to last outdoors?

   No. Ipe does not have to be oiled or sealed and will weather to a beautiful silver patina in about a year with none of the issues common to other outdoor woods. However, to preserve a rich un-weathered color several light oiling are required.

18. Does composite decking require additional support or framing?

   No. Most composites claim to be able to span 16" with straight decking however, we recommend 12" spans for joists.

19. Are decks a good investment?

   Yes. In a study published in Remodeling magazine it was noted that decks offer the highest resale value-to-cost ratio vs any other home improvement project. In our area, home resale value can be greatly influenced by the quality of your deck.

20. Are you competitively priced?

   Yes! In the same study from Remodeling magazine, Deck Specialists Inc. was below the national and state average for pressure treated and composite decks. This was not for custom designs as well, which we specialize in to keep cost to a minimum.

21. Do you offer free estimates?

   Yes. our estimates are free, always.

22. What composite decking would you recommend?

   We have used Evergrain, Azek and Trex's newer offerings, as well as Timbertech's products. We find Azek to be the best composite product being offered currently.

23. Do you use sub-contractors?

   No. We do not farm out our projects. Our installers take pride in their work and we stand behind all our projects.