Frequently Asked Questions

We will have a discovery call to learn as much as possible about your project. During this call, we can make sure we both agree that working together is a good fit. It also allows us to be prepared to bring as much value as possible to the onsite meeting. Contact Us to schedule a time.

Start by noting some basics. For a simple deck or patio, know the approximate dimensions of the project you want to build.

Before our consultation, consider gathering images or magazine photos, or create a Pinterest board of inspirational projects that appeal to you. Also check out our featured projects.

We’d also love to see photos of your existing site. Begin thinking about what features are a must for your outdoor space. Do you want to extend your time spent outside by including a fire feature or outdoor lighting?

Whatever ideas you have, jot them down, so you are prepared for our conversation.

We love to talk about building outdoor living projects! Discovery calls on the phone and video conference meetings are always free. During a discovery call, your rep will let you know if a fee for a one-hour on-site consultation will apply.

On-Site consultations generally take one hour. The on-site meeting is thorough so we can all get on the same page. Schedule the meeting at a time you and your significant other can be focused and not feel rushed. If your project is more complex, it may take longer. It depends on how many questions you have.

For simple projects with a straightforward scope of work we are typically able to estimate during the on-site meeting.

With more large scale projects we have found that “free estimates” do not always provide all of our clients with the level of service or detailed information they really want and need. Our mission is to guide you through the decision-making process so you get exactly the right outdoor space for you and your household. A generic “free estimate” will not be able to provide enough information and detail to personalize your outdoor space with various options and will not allow you to explore multiple design variations.

If you already have a complete scaled design plan with material specifications and quantities there is no design fee to estimate the costs.

Custom projects with multiple elements and design features will require a design before we can estimate the costs. Roof construction for covered or screened-in decks and custom pavilions will require engineering prior to estimating the costs. It is impossible to estimate custom work without a design. If you need a design, we will enter a design - build agreement and help you through the entire process to ensure you get exactly what you want.

All clients get a 2D scaled design before work starts, which is included in our design-build agreement.

Stand-alone design fees range from $500 to $5,000.

All projects are built to industry standard specifications. We follow the International Building Code, Local Municipality Building Code, and CMHA standards.

Structural work such as roof construction and retaining walls over 4’ tall will always require stamped plans from a structural engineer.

We require all roofing structures to have engineered plans. Engineered plans and design specifications are needed to estimate any project involving a roof. If you do not have engineered plans or a design, we provide that service in our streamlined design-build process. Or, we can quote the cost of designing and coordinating structural engineering. 

Simple site plans start at $500, and plans and designs bearing an engineer's stamp start at $2,000.

Valley Deck & Patio's best clients are people looking to create a space at their homes where they can relax, spend quality time with family and friends, entertain, grill, and enjoy the cool breeze and sunshine. We attract clients who are focused on value, quality, and level of service.

For new customers, excluding referrals, we typically do not pursue projects with a total budget of less than $10,000. We do not have a maximum amount and have been on projects with budgets more than $500,000.

While the most common range is $25,000 to $75,000, the specific amount depends upon your selections and what you want to accomplish in your outdoor space.

Our average project is approximately $50,000 which includes an open air deck with stairs down to a patio.

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We have wonderful relationships with lenders who specialize in financing home improvement projects. Let us know if you want to pursue this option.

Let’s take a look at the definition of each of these: 

Discovery call: A phone call or video conference to learn about the project and determine a potential fit. 

Consultation: We talk at the project site to interview each other and get a high-level overall view of the project. Depending on the scope, there may be a fee attached, and you might receive an estimate. 

Estimate: Calculating the costs of a specific scope of work. 

Design: Using computer-aided design to show the elements of a project, scaled dimensions, and material specifications. 

Design-build: Streamlined agreement and deposit to prepare a design. All clients receive a design after completing an agreement. 

That depends entirely on the scope of work and scale of the project. See examples of hypothetical price points for a project on your pricing packages page.

Subcontractors must do certain things, such as electrical and plumbing. No matter who is here doing the work, you are guaranteed two things:

1. Whoever comes to your house will be respectful and professional and provide high-quality work. 

2. The crew, technicians, or tradespeople at your home are qualified and are the best fit for the job.

Building an outdoor living space involves demolition and excavation, which require machinery to move materials in and out, and can affect existing turf. We do offer lawn restoration services and discuss this option early on in the process.