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getting a deck built around my pool....any tips?

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hulkster:
i have an inground pool (came with the house we bought 3 years ago)...and its nice i guess, but around the pool is a slope thats basically just wasted space.  imagine putting a pool in your backyard, putting up a fence around it, and not building a deck or anything around it.  if you cant picture that then...well there you go...

anyway, i thought about trying to build the deck myself, but then thought better of it since im not much of a carpenter (my cab was a big enough deal).  so im going to probably go to Lowes or Home Depot to get an estimate. 

does anyone have any experience/storiees/pros vs cons etc from doing this?  i know i could get a contractor locally to build my deck, but i feel like theres less chance i'll get screwed if i go to a bigger place like Lowes or HD.  is that correct to think that?

mhermann:
If you could post a pick we could get a better idea. As far as local vs Lowes HD, I remember looking to them to do something before and it was more expensive, enough so that it was not worth it.

I would recommend talking to others in your development who have had decks built and see if they can recommend. There is also something called Angieslist. That site lists local contractors that people have rated.

I had my basement done by the same guy who did next doors. Was happy that I could see his work first hand. And ask and call the references. Some one once listed a reference wh o wasn't all that happy with the work.

I have found with being a home owner, this is one of the hardest things to find, a good contractor that you can trust, unless you are lucky enough to know family.

Jdurg:
Check and see if you have any co-workers or friends who would be willing to lend a hand.  Building a deck isn't too tough as long as you know what you're doing and what is involved.  This is where research on the internet can be a big help.  Probably the most difficult aspects are ensuring the deck is level and that the footing is secure.  You WILL need to get in touch with your local building inspector before building the deck since the fines you can get for building without a permit can be pretty stiff.

If you live above the so called "frost line" you'll need to dig down 48" before pouring your concrete footings.  Again, this is all something that your building inspector and your research will tell you.  When you build a deck, you are basically just creating a box with support beams in the middle, then wooden planks spaced properly in a perpendicular fashion.

hulkster:
went to angieslist....you have to pay $10 to join, and then $4.50 a month!  crazy  :o

ill try the local contractor route to see if that works.  i'll ask some neighbors that have decks before i'll go to the big dogs.  thanks for the tips guys.

as for building one myself....eh....it's just scary.  ???  too much intimidation in there for me to feel comfortable doing it myself.

ahofle:

--- Quote from: hulkster on July 02, 2008, 01:21:03 pm ---anyway, i thought about trying to build the deck myself, but then thought better of it since im not much of a carpenter (my cab was a big enough deal).  so im going to probably go to Lowes or Home Depot to get an estimate. 

does anyone have any experience/storiees/pros vs cons etc from doing this?  i know i could get a contractor locally to build my deck, but i feel like theres less chance i'll get screwed if i go to a bigger place like Lowes or HD.  is that correct to think that?

--- End quote ---

Don't those large places just use the same local contractors that you would go to directly?  Only with an additional cost? 

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