Warrington, PA 18976
Modern Composite Decking with Farmhouse-style Roof Covered Porch
Project #014
Ready to replace roof covered porch?
PROJECT SPECS:
Location: Warrington, PA 18976
Size: 16’ x 16’ (256 sf.)
Planning: 3 weeks
Construction: 10 days
Structure: Rear patio deck with roof and base covering
Framing: Pressure-treated lumber, ground contact
Decking: Trex Enhance Naturals
Main Color: Foggy Wharf
Railings: White Vinyl Rails – Black Balusters
Maintenance Level: Low
FULL DESIGN & BUILD
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Trex Enhance Decking
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Vinyl, Two-tone Railings
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Recessed Lighting & Ceiling Fan
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Matching Base Covering
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Shed-style Roof
BACKSTORY
In the fall of the 2023, we received a call for a homeowner in Warrington, PA 18976 searching for reputable deck construction contractors to fix a rotted wood deck. The deck was easily 20+ years old and was failing in multiple places. The wood deck railings were breaking apart and no longer safe for the kids & pets. Not only was this unsafe, outside is the place everyone wanted to enjoy but the last place they liked to entertain. The biggest pain-point was not having a roof covered porch which would provide shade from the direct afternoon sunlight.
They were hoping to use a quick deck calculator to forecast the budget. But custom builds with base covering and shed-style roof are tough to price without a thorough consultation. Luckily, we offer free estimates and were able to turn around a price within a week.
The first step was transferring the proposed deck design into a digital rendering for the covered deck plans. The customer then confirmed some final details from the 3D deck design pictures. Now, we send the final plans for the full outdoor deck renovation to the township for approval. Two weeks later we received the permit set and were ready to break ground.
The deck removal and initial construction of the framing went smooth. Though these homeowners were looking for standard composite decking, they wanted to find a product with great reviews and would last over twenty years without breaking the budget. They decided on Trex Enhance Naturals in a light-gray tone called Foggy Wharf. Its key features are a light color that would reflect heat on hot summer days and offers a stylish, neutral colorway. The two-tone vinyl handrails were a great compliment to carry-out the farmhouse style design that boasted a clean white pallet.
In the end, the project not only revitalized their backyard but also added significant value to their home. With a low-maintenance, long-lasting deck solution in place, they could enjoy countless family gatherings and relaxing moments for years to come. Another successful project was completed, and another happy customer was added to the Dexteriors family in Warrington, PA 18976!
Work Scope
Obtain permit approval
Demo existing deck structure
Dig & prepare footings
*Footing Inspection
Add beams to footings and frame deck structure
Install roof posts and complete roof framing
*Framing Inspection
Finish all electrical wiring
Apply waterproof butyl tape to joists & beams
Install Trex composite decking & railing installation
Complete deck lighting & ceiling lighting
Finalize punch list
*Final Inspection
CONSIDER This
Every township has requirements and restrictions when building a deck, roof covered porch, or another auxiliary structure on your property. Most townships require a plot plan be submitted to the zoning department This is, first and foremost, controlled by your zoning classification. The zoning code for your parcel will determine your rear & side property line offsets. These are the nearest distances from your property lines which you can begin to build. In this project, the homeowner was allowed to build the deck to their liking, but the roof wasn’t permitted to be within 30’ of the rear line. The gutter of the original roof design proposed was +/- 27 ft. distance so, the township denied the plan. If you feel the necessity to build a structure outweighs the zoning code, as a citizen, you have the right to a zoning variance hearing. If you can showcase a hardship or reasoning beyond any doubt or ordinary circumstances, a zoning variance to construct outside of the published code may be awarded.
Ready to get started?
Our team will help you create the backyard of your dreams. Connect with us today to begin your roof covered porch project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permits for a new deck?
Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Every township is going to require a permit for a new build. This is because you are creating a new structure that could impede property line offsets. For that, the township is concerned with the zoning elements. To ensure all its citizens are safe, project inspections are conducted throughout the construction to inspect the footings & foundation, framing, and overall quality of the build. We build to the most recent standards set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Learn more about the UCC here.
How long does it take to build a new deck?
Smaller builds like Project #031 take about 5 weeks in total. 2-3 weeks are reserved for design and permitting. A simple design could be created, submitted and approved within 3 weeks. Then, any demolition and all construction would last about two weeks.
For a medium-scale design like Project #007 or Project #019, the full process would span 8-12 weeks. These designs include more detail which requires more drafts to get it just right. The design and permitting would take 4-8 weeks to create the design renderings, coordinate the subcontractors, get the permits approved, and order materials. After breaking ground, you can expect the construction to last between 5-8 weeks.
Full Backyard makeovers require the efforts of our full design team and generally require electrical, plumbing, gas & other specialties. The coordination increases tremendously so we always require our customers to allow anywhere from 6-12 months for these improvements. Design 2-3 months. Zoning & Permitting up to 2 months. Preparation 2-4 weeks. Construction 3-4 months.
Can I reuse my current deck framing?
Easy answer: No. In our experience, we have not had success with utilizing existing structures for new deck designs. The main issue in attempting to use old framing is it shifts, twists and changes over time. It may dry out or become waterlogged based on your area. Additionally, ground-contact framing lumber has a limited life expectancy when not properly treated. Composite decking last for 25-50 years which will outlast the framing left over from your current deck. For this, we always build new, including the concrete post footings.
If you’re looking to replace your deck boards and railings with the exact same layout you currently have, that could be possible. But we expect framing improvements due to updated building codes over the years.
Can you build a deck in the winter?
Yes, we can build in colder temperatures. There are some limitations based on snow coverage and ground saturation. Generally speaking, the colder months do not inhibit our ability to elevate your outdoors. If you do not want to build your new deck during the winter, then it’s a great time to plan your spring project. Experienced builders begin to backlog their installations starting April-May through the summer season.
Do you build outdoor kitchens?
Yes, we offer a full array of outdoor living & entertaining services, including kitchen surrounds, custom bar areas, media centers and more. If you are looking to do more than host an average 4th of July party, Dexteriors can help you set the stage. Our kitchen designs can include commercial gas grills including pizza ovens, sinks & drain, dishwasher, vent hood, refrigerators, and more. We’ll consider all details!
What are the best decking brands in my area?
Our customer request Trex Company more than any other decking products. This is generally due to marketing exposure along with great products and customer service. Other desired brands and manufacturers we like to install are Timbertech, Fiberon, MoistureShield, and Deckorators.
How long will my new deck last?
Almost all decking products come with a minimum warranty of 20-25 years. The higher-quality offerings can range from 35 up to 50 years! When we polled all of our decking experts, the average we came up with an average 20-22 years of uninterrupted enjoyment.
Do you offer warranties on your labor and the materials?
Dexteriors offers a Craftsmanship Guarantee on all their new construction for a period of three years that covers any installation defect. We can also help you connect with the manufacturer for any material defects that occur.
What is the cost to build a deck?
We have Project Gallery that breaks down the work scope, timeline and budget of different projects we have completed in the past. Smaller projects start from $30,000 up to $50,000. Medium sized builds that start incorporating fire/water features, cooking, roof coverings etc land between $60,000 to $100,000. And if you want to make the neighbors jealous, we can help you create the backyard makeover of your dreams with a final ticket price between $150,000 to $500,000. Pool, cabana, firepits, commercial kitchens; your home becomes the entertaining district of your neighborhood.
Will my new deck require annual maintenance?
Yes, and “how much” depends on the type of deck.
Lumber decks are the most time consuming. A pressure-treated deck should be sanded and treated with all-weather sealant every 2-3 years. Light powerwashing annually will be helpful in removing moss & mold.
Composite decking like Trex & TimberTech is most desirable for it’s low maintenance requirements. A light brush and mild soap will clean the surface to maintain the products warranty over the years. Light pressure washing every few seasons will help maintain the coloring and finish of your deck products.
Any lighting features should be checked when opening and closing the deck for the season.