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Prime Buyers Guide Deck Contractors

How to Find the Best Deck Contractor in San Francisco , CA

Deck contractors in San Francisco are licensed to construct or repair all types of decks, patios, railings, retaining walls and many other outdoor structures. If you need one of these high-quality San Francisco deck contractors to perform deck maintenance or build a new custom deck in the San Francisco areas, you're in the right place. The articles below cover everything you need to know to hire the best San Francisco deck builder. more »

Updated November 27, 2007

Top 10 Deck Contractors in San Francisco

DETAILS of Sonoma
Send an email to this Company
(866) 561-4928
3540 Heimbucher Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Contractor's License #861470
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau Certified Pella Contractor Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa CEDIA  (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association)

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. Inner Sunset, Outer Sunset District, Mission District
Services: Residential deck installation and quality deck repair
Key Brands: PELLA (We leave the brand selection to the client)

Cam Fraser Construction
Send an email to this Company
(415) 499-3348, cell: (707) 337-4022
PO Box 285
Sonoma, CA 95476
Contractors License #763980
Marin Builder's Exchange NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry)

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Mission District, The Presidio
Services: deck installers and outdoor patio additions
Key Brands: Marvin Windows, Blum hardware

Pacheaco Construction
Send an email to this Company
(510) 791-2628
2860 Sanderling Dr
Fremont, CA 94555
Contractors License # B635806
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Sea Cliff
Services: all home deck building and patio building
Key Brands: Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, CertainTeed, Simonton, Velux

Patrick Hamilton Consulting
Send an email to this Company
(707) 584-1700, (707) 206-9277
5625 State Farm Dr
Rohnert Park, CA 94920
Contractor License #747199
Chamber of Commerce-Cotati Chamber of Commerce-Petaluma Chamber of Commerce-Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce-San Rafael Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce-Sonoma Valley Sonoma Valley Executives Association

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Sea Cliff
Services: deck repair, deck installation, patio building

Sherring Construction
Send an email to this Company
(925) 934-9999
136 Bexley Place
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Contractors License #609637
Western Regional Master Builders Association

Areas Served: San Francisco & Bay Area, incl. Noe Valley, The Marina, Sunset District
Services: residential deck building and patio building
Key Brands: Anderson Windows and Doors, Milgard Windows, Closet Innovation

Sinclair Construction
Send an email to this Company
(925) 288-9899, cell: (925) 250-3905
5100 1-B Clayton Rd #162
Concord, CA 94521
License #750995 (B and C15)
 Better Business Bureau NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)

Areas Served: San Francisco & Bay Area, incl. Noe Valley, The Marina, Sunset District
Services: Contractors specializing in home deck construction and patio building
Key Brands: Ashby Lumber, Piedmont Lumber, Anderson Windows, Pella Windows

Joseph Ward General Contractor
Send an email to this Company
(925) 356-8810
1646 Placer Drive
Concord, CA 94521
Contractor's Lic# 671256
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified Build It Green US Green Building Council

Areas Served: San Francisco & Bay Area, incl. Noe Valley, The Marina, Sunset District
Services: Contractors for all high end home deck installations and repair

Vintage Contractors
(415) 282-1602
2367 Ocean Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127

Areas Served: San Francisco incl. Nob Hill, Russian Hill, North Beach, Sea Cliff, Pacific Heights
Services: Napa County flooring company for all new flooring installation & floor building

Apollo Painting
(415) 359-5633
764 Stanyan St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. Mission District, North Beach, Laurel Heights, The Presidio

Lawson Roofing Co Inc
(415) 285-1661
1495 Tennessee St
San Francisco, CA 94107

Areas Served: San Francisco incl. Sunset District, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, Noe Valley

How to Find the Best Deck Contractor in San Francisco , CA 

With nice weather comes the inexplicable drive to move things outdoors. But who wants to spend time reclined in the wet grass, dodging anthills and sinkholes, when you can comfortably lounge on a clean, level decorative patio? Adding a deck or patio can not only beautify your yard and make it more livable, but add value to your property. Though there's always the option of undertaking this kind of project yourself, it's difficult work. With short-sighted planning or inadequate materials, your home can actually lose value (and guests with poor balance). That's why it's advisable to work with a trained deck contractor. Check out what they can do for you.The Prime Buyer's Report has collected the following information to help you find a skilled deck contractor in San Francisco that can successfully design and construct a functioning deck or patio that won't collapse under your weight.

San Francisco Deck Contractors Perform Numerous Services

If you want your deck built well, professional decking contractors are essential. General contractors dabble in nearly every sub-category of construction, but specialized deck builders have a more refined skill set. San Francisco deck contractors specialize in lumber or composite material construction, such as custom decks, patios, arbors, retaining walls, fences, gates, stairs, railings, docks, and even gazebos. Aside from basic assembly, deck contractors can sand, seal, stain, paint and waterproof new decks. They can also attend to existing decks that have fallen into a state of disrepair. They are capable of stain and mildew removal, pressure washing, high heat cleaning, dry rot removal, nail setting, basic repair, wood brightening and the application of new protective coatings. Decking contractors might offer additional services, such as gutter cleaning, patio setting, design and installation of patio covers, and installation or refinishing of home siding. Deck contractors in San Francisco have a more refined understanding of the design and materials involved in deck construction, so they are more likely to offer sound design advice and conduct a successful installation.

San Francisco Decking Contractors Use Many Popular Decking Materials
Decking contractors in San Francisco work with a variety of high quality lumber to build your deck to your exact specifications. They can offer pressure-treated wood, Brazilian teak, Brazilian cherry, redwood, mahogany, Western red cedar, Southern yellow pine, Siberian Larch, treated fir and treated pine. Deck contractors may also be able to obtain more exotic materials, such as cumaru, ipe, jarrah, jatoba, purple heart, haiari, janka, cambera, goiabao, macaranduba, tauari, marupa, and mangaris. And with the fairly recent wave of synthetic decking materials, they can even build with a number of composite or artificial decking products, including plastic and wood mixes, fiberglass, modular tiles, solid composite, hollow composite, recycled wool fibers and polyethylene, or Biodac. Certain deck contractors may also be willing to build with vinyl, virgin vinyl, laminated vinyl membrane, or aluminum.

There are Many Quality Deck Contractors in San Francisco
Not having ever dealt with deck contractors before, you probably can't distinguish between the good and the bad. To help narrow your search, The Prime Buyer's Report has made a list of the top 10 deck contractors in San Francisco . They are DETAILS of Sonoma, Cam Fraser Construction, Pacheaco Construction, Patrick Hamilton Consulting, Sherring Construction, Sinclair Construction, Joseph Ward General Contractor, Vintage Contractors, Apollo Painting, Lawson Roofing Co Inc. Other recommended deck contractors in San Francisco include Lorenzen Construction, Bab Construction, Artisan Painting & Waterproof, Fraser-Edwards Co, Dex-O-Tex by F E Co.

Research the Available Deck Contractors in San Francisco
When considering any contractors you should always check their credentials. Deck builders may seem good enough, but they might be inadequately qualified or not the best fit for your specific project. Research these details at industry associations and related resources in print or online. The Prime Buyer's Report has identified a number of these resources, which are listed in the article, "Key Resources for Decking in San Francisco ."

Updated November 27, 2007
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How to Locate the Best Deck Contractor in San Francisco  

Step 1: Describe Work
Before you make any appointments, explore all of your options, including decking materials and layouts. There's a huge variety of composite and natural materials and just as many designs, from octagons to wrap-around porches. Consider special features as well, like planter boxes or built-in benches. Get at least a general idea of what you want so you can explain what type of deck work is involved to your potential contractors. Write detailed notes on your rough plans. Be sure to present your preferences consistently so each deck contractor will have an equal opportunity to bid for the same work.

Step 2: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Research the characteristics of each contractor and their benefits to you. Ask questions to gauge their ability and level of experience. Try and determine whether or not their scope of knowledge is sufficient to accommodate all of your specifications. The questions below can help you fill in some of these blanks.

How long have you been a licensed contractor? What kind of license do you hold?
How many decking jobs have you completed in San Francisco ?
Can you aid in the design of my deck or patio?
Will you check all applicable zoning ordinances?
Do you have experience with the type of work I've described? If so, can you provide references?
How long will it take to bid and complete the work?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will you provide a written estimate?
Will permits be needed? If so, who will be responsible for getting them?
Do you do the work yourself with your employees or do you hire subcontractors?
How and when do you clean up?
What kind of warranty do you offer and what does it cover?
How do you determine pricing?
Will you provide a written contract?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision
After you've interviewed several deck contractors and posed them these important questions, decide who most closely matched your criteria. If a particular deck builder stands out, can you imagine yourself working with him? Are you ready to commit to a project contract?

Step 4: Final Research
At this point, you may have already decided who the best candidate is for your deck plans. But before you sign any contracts, do some final research. What credentials does the deck contractor have? At the very least, verify contractor licensing, insurance coverage, and quality endorsements such as Diamond Certification, and membership or honors with the Better Business Bureau.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision
If every requirement is met, including licensure, you may now confidently enter a contract with the chosen deck builder and begin the project. Ask for your representative to provide a written pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement.
Updated December 1, 2007
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Key Resources for Deck Building in San Francisco  

Associations & Licensing
AFA American Fence Association (www.americanfenceassociation.com)
AITC American Institute of Timber Construction (www.aitc-glulam.org)
APA EWA American Engineered Wood Association (www.apawood.org)
AWC American Wood Council (www.awc.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CRA California Redwood Association (www.calredwood.org)
CSLB Contractor State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DIA Deck Industry Association (www.deckindustry.org)
HPBA Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (www.hpba.org)
NADRA North American Deck and Railing Association (www.nadra.org)
NAHB National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)
WRCLA Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (www.wrcla.org)
WWPA Western Wood Products Association (www.wwpa.org)

Media & Web Resources
Backyard Living Magazine
Deck Contractor Magazine
Deck Enquirer
Deckscapes Magazine
Fine Homebuilding
Family Handyman
Garden, Deck, and Landscape Magazine
Pool and Spa Living
Professional Deck Builder Magazine
Residential Contractor Magazine

www.bestdecksite.com
www.deckcare.org
www.decksusa.com
www.gardenweb.com
www.homedecks.com
www.houserepairtalk.com
www.vadeck.com
www.woodweb.com

Deck construction can be a daunting task, but The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 deck contractors in San Francisco within the following zip codes.

94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 deck contractors in San Francisco within the following cities.

Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition
Updated December 1, 2007
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10 Tips for Deck Construction 

Take Time Choosing Your Deck Builder.
Don't be too hasty about choosing your deck builder. If you take a little time before starting a decking project to properly outline the job and test the waters with several different professionals, you're more likely to make informed decisions about your best plan of action.

Consider the Consequences.
Before you start looking for contractors, investigate the surrounding circumstances of your deck. Based on the location will it inhibit or add to your privacy? Does it defy any zoning ordinances? Will the construction have to compensate for sloping? Will it interfere with your neighbor's view?

Write a Description of the Job.
You can't get a useful consultation without a general plan to propose. So write down the specifications you've come up with, as well as the important information you researched from the paragraph above. If every contractor sees this description, they each have a fair shot at formulating an informed estimate.

Get Several Different Estimates.
You can get a realistic price range if you talk to several contractors about your plan. They'll each have their bells and whistles to offer, but try to get an idea of basic estimates from a multitude of different contractors. What you pay is important, so find out what you can realistically expect.

Get Everything in Writing.
When dealing with contractors, you can never be too thorough. Make sure that your preferred deck contractor notates every phase of the estimate and build, including a description of the work, the pricing and the proposed timeframe for completion.

Check Your Contractor's Credentials.
Before you commit to a decking job (or any contracting job for that matter), be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances , as well as any other relevant credentials.

Choose Certified Companies.
Some deck contractors have been recognized by consumers and colleagues for their outstanding service. In San Francisco , deck builders that have earned Diamond Certification or have been featured positively in industry publications are more likely to perform the quality of work you desire.

Stick Around During Construction.
The best way to avoid unwanted surprises is to stay in the loop. Stay in contact with your contractor and his team and be available for any questions. You can all avoid conflict and confusion if everyone stays current on the progress of the project.

Agree In Advance To Check Your Deck Before You Pay.
There's a reason you signed that detailed agreement before commencement of the project. You can now reference it to make sure everything meets your expectations. If not, it will soon be too late to bring it up. If you are unfortunate enough to have a genuine conflict with your contractor, complaints are registered at www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/infocomplaint.asp.

Know Your Rights.
Consumers are protected from unfair contracting practices. These established laws vary by location, so the details that apply to you can be found at the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Updated December 1, 2007
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Deck Contractors in San Francisco Work With the Best Decking Brands 

Trex, Evergrain, JER Envirotech, EON, Veranda, EZ Deck, Pultonix, Infinity, LP Weatherbest, DECKMASTER, GeoDeck, EverNew, Oasis Decking, Timbertech, Eco Decking Tiles, Certainteed, Choicedek, Nexwood, Epoch composite material decking, and Vixen Hill products.
Updated December 1, 2007
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Diamond Certified