My husband and I are looking to add a deck to our home, we got all the quotes, but would really like to do it ourselves. The problem is we have absolutely no clue what we are doing, and our family members that do don't live anywhere near us. How would you go about learning how to do this? I was wondering if family businesses that own companies that build decks would even consider just coming out and doing the footings?
My husband is a contractor and has been doing decks and patios for 15 years. He would probably be willing to do just the footings for you. Or he may be willing to work with you. He does sometimes work alongside homeowners that want to help with their projects. Let me know if you want his number.
You might be able to get someone to come out and do just the footing... I would ask even places like home depot, menards and the companines you already talked to. A lot of places are willing to do just part because that means they still get money. Of course you will get hit big time with labor costs so in that case it may make sense to just have them do it all.
A good way to learn how to do it is check out some books from the library about building decks or go to a book store and look in the home improvment section for building decks.
We redid your roof, neither bubby or I have ever done it, both of your dads had so we did get help from them. We also did have friends come and help who have never done it before and really anyone that could follow instructions could do it (just took time, like 2 weeks to do it yourselves).
If you do it yourself be prepared to spend many weekends doing it (dpending on how big it will be), it will take longer then having a perfessional coming out to get it done in a few days. It does save money doing it yourself, so sit down and do your homework on how to do it then decided if it is something you can do.
we are going to build a deck, too.
My husband put a gigantic swingset together, he should be able to build a deck.
Decide what kind of deck you want and have it all pre cut by i.e Menards etc.
And also get some Know how books............
We have a higher up deck,and have to do posts in concrete etc.
It's just time consuming and we have to walk around the house all spring or summer.But you safe so much money doing it yourself.
Good luck, let me know how it goes, any question just lave a mesage.
We decided to build a deck and I found that it was much like doing a puzzle. Your local Lowes, Builders Square, etc...should have everything you need. There are tons of books at the front of Lowes that show very detailed instructions and supply lists.
You might want to call your local Vo-Tech, they should have a construction program and it may be much less expensive and may do sections like you were looking for.
