What makes a Great Toronto Deck Builder?
When looking for a deck builder in Toronto you have to consider what is important to you the Customer. Most notably quality and design is what sets GardenStructure.com apart as deck builders. We are better Toronto deck builders because we utilize top-level carpenters that have been trained. Certainly, our carpenters are just as at home installing kitchens and baths as they are building decks. As a result, when it comes to decks, what we build simply looks different.
We are also specialized designers. Our company started out trimming upscale homes and doing commercial interiors. Above all, we actually developed our own methods to make things last longer and look better.
From the first meeting with our designer, you will discover the many options, design elements, and shapes that are possible. The designer will also explain the why’s as well as how’s involved in building a deck that will last longer. When you want a “Wow the Neighbours Deck” in Toronto, we are your best choice for the first phone call.
Speak to us Today! 416 951 9998
What is a Deck Designer?
Deck Designers? I thought deck builders did that for free?
Sometimes they do– but rarely do they do it well.
They just don’t teach these skills in design school in Toronto. Designing decks is more about creating a space that attracts people to offer you the best long term value. The other consideration is how it will be built. Is there any point in building a deck frame that will last 5 or 10 years, and putting materials on it that will last 40? That would be such a waste. Your average deck builder or local carpenter is doing just that.
GardenStructure offers a 5-year workmanship warranty because that’s how we have always done it.
Toronto- The Most Valuable Real Estate in Canada
Why on earth would you put a poorly crafted and boring design on a very valuable home?
I am sure you have seen those charts that suggest the value of home improvements. Kitchens, 90%. Decks 70%. Landscaping 65%. These fractions are all based on the average price of real estate across the US. When you get into an upscale marketplace, like Toronto, or New York, or Los Angeles those ratios go out the window.
Whatever you build, it better be good. If you put a $10,000 deck on a Million dollar home, you just left money on the table. This is due to the higher perceived value. A higher-end home needs PVC decking and design because that is what the buyers expect. A multi-million dollar home with an old school wood deck that will require maintenance going forward will detract from the selling price.
You could have multiplied your investment by having something inspired designed by a professional. Potential buyers will enter your property and you know that they will fall in love with something beautiful. They will pay more for a home with a stunning deck and landscape. If what you build is seen to be lacking, it may detract greatly from the perceived value. This is because a space that draws people in and makes them fall in love will always sell for more.
I can give you numerous real-life examples– Watch the blog for sample cases.
Obtaining Deck Building Permits in Toronto
In Toronto and most of the GTA, obtaining permission to build decks is an onerous process. 20 years ago, it was sufficient to do a 2-page sketch on graph paper to outline what you are doing. The building department would draw the critical details for you if you missed them…or at least offer you a sample drawing.
Alternatively, due to this litigious society we have today, the process is a bit more onerous. To get a permit to build a deck in Toronto the basic plan is usually 3-5 pages. You will need footing specifications and pre-engineering if you are using helicals (as we do). If you want to use aluminum railings, or any custom wood railings, or a privacy screen, or a shade structure or pavilion, they typically want engineered drawings. as a result, it is often a 30-50 page permit plan to build a deck. Most additions are 5-7 pages of permit plans.
It seems that if you want to build anything at all unique– they want an engineer to sign off on it. If you are interested in knowing why– watch for a future blog post. It is lawsuits and liability driving the trend.
If you need permit drawings in the Toronto Area, Get in touch at 416 951 9998
For more information about permit applications in T O— Click
