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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to what homeowners ask us most. Don't see yours? Call (724) 888-7288 or request a free estimate.

Estimates & pricing

Can I get an estimate?

Absolutely. The first step is getting a little information so we can point you in the right direction. What is the project address, and are you looking for a repair, resurfacing, full rebuild, or a new deck?

What information do you need from me?

The helpful basics are the address, a few photos, the approximate size, whether there are stairs, whether the deck is elevated, and whether you are thinking repair, resurface, rebuild, or new construction.

Can I just send pictures?

Yes, pictures are very helpful. Please send photos of the whole deck, the problem areas, the stairs and railing, and the underside if you can safely get them.

I have no idea what decks cost.

That is completely normal. Most homeowners do not price decks very often. As a rough range, small repairs are often $750 to $3,500. Bigger structural repairs can be $3,500 to $10,000+. Resurfacing can be $8,000 to $20,000+. New wood decks often start around $12,000 to $25,000, and composite decks are commonly $20,000 to $45,000+. Larger elevated, covered, or custom decks can be $50,000 or more.

Can you give me a ballpark?

I can give a rough range, but I do not want to pretend it is a real estimate without seeing the deck. Tell me the size, height, stairs, material direction, and whether this is repair, resurface, or rebuild, and I can help you understand the likely category.

Is this a $5,000 project or a $50,000 project?

That depends on whether we are talking about a repair, resurfacing, or a full build. A small repair may be a few thousand dollars. A full composite deck with stairs and railing can easily be tens of thousands. The first thing we need to figure out is which category your project falls into.

Why is there such a big range?

Decks vary a lot. Size matters, but so do height, stairs, railing, footing work, material choice, access, demolition, permits, and the condition of the existing frame. Two decks can be the same size and still price very differently because one is simple and one has a lot more structure and finish detail.

Can you do it cheaper?

We can look at ways to simplify the scope, but I do not want to cut price in a way that creates a bad project. The right way to lower the number is to look at material, railing, stairs, layout, or finish level and decide what trade-offs actually make sense.

Repairs, resurfacing & existing decks

Can you repair my deck?

We can take a look. A repair depends heavily on what the existing structure looks like. Some decks need a targeted repair, and others look simple from above but have framing, railing, footing, or attachment issues underneath.

Can you just fix the bad boards?

Possibly, but we need to see why the boards failed. If the boards are soft because of age or surface wear, that may be simple. If the joists underneath are rotten or the fasteners are failing, the repair may need to go deeper.

The railing is loose. Is that a simple fix?

It might be, but railing is a safety item, so we do not want to guess. We would need to see whether the problem is the railing section itself, the posts, the blocking, or the deck frame it is attached to.

Is my deck unsafe?

I cannot say that without an inspection. If you are seeing movement, soft spots, loose railing, failing stairs, or visible rot, I would avoid using that area until it is looked at.

Can we keep the old frame?

We can look at that option, but the existing structure has to justify it. On older decks, the savings can disappear quickly once we reinforce joists, fix rot, correct attachment issues, or make the structure ready for new decking and railing.

Why is resurfacing close to rebuilding?

A lot of the costs are still there either way: demolition, setup, cleanup, decking, railing, stairs, and sometimes permits. Retrofit labor can also be harder than building new because we are working around an older structure and correcting issues as we go.

Can you put composite on my existing wood frame?

Sometimes, but we need to inspect the frame first. Composite decking needs a solid, properly spaced, properly supported frame. If the joists are damaged, uneven, or spaced wrong, the frame may need reinforcement before composite makes sense.

Scheduling, the design meeting & materials

When can you start?

The schedule is locked after the contract is signed and the initial deposit is received. Before that, I can give a general idea, but I do not want to promise a start date that is not secured yet.

Can this be done by my party / graduation / home sale?

We can look at the timing, but I do not want to promise that until we understand the scope, materials, permits, and current schedule. If there is a hard deadline, we need to know that upfront so Jacob can tell you honestly whether it is realistic.

How long does the estimate take?

I usually tell people to plan on about an hour to an hour and a half. We need to talk through what you want, inspect the site, look at structure and access, and review the major options so the quote is accurate.

Does my spouse/partner need to be there?

It really helps if everyone involved in the decision is there. This is custom work, and there are a lot of choices that affect design, price, and value. If only one person is there, they have to translate all of that later, and that is where things get missed.

Should I use wood or composite?

Wood can reduce the upfront price, but the maintenance catches up quickly. If you pay someone to stain and maintain it, the savings can disappear in a few years. If you do it yourself, you are still paying with your own weekends. Composite is mostly cleaning, and buyers usually see it as a low-maintenance upgrade.

Trex or TimberTech?

Trex and TimberTech are both strong products. One reason we often lean toward larger established brands is long-term warranty support. Smaller brands may have good products too, but their ability to support a warranty years from now is harder to judge.

Can I change colors or railing?

Yes, selections can usually be reviewed, but if the material or railing choice is outside the current estimate, it may change the price. We would confirm that before finalizing anything.

Permits & HOA

Do we need a permit?

Permit requirements depend on the municipality and the exact scope. I do not want to guess on that. We will confirm it based on the project and location.

What is the permit status?

I am going to check the project file before answering so we are working from the correct information. Permit timing depends on the municipality and whether they need any additional documents.

The HOA needs drawings.

Please send exactly what the HOA is requesting. We will compare that against the project file and confirm what can be provided and whether anything needs to be updated first.

Who handles the HOA application?

Usually the homeowner handles the HOA application because the HOA relationship is between you and your association. Oasis can support you with the project documents the HOA needs, like drawings, scope details, material information, contractor information, insurance, or the estimate/contract if required.

Contracts, payments & financing

How do payments work?

Payment details come from the actual contract and payment schedule. The standard structure is tied to labor and materials, but I want to answer from your actual project file rather than from memory.

Where do I sign?

Oasis uses DocuSign for the normal digital contract process. If it has already been sent, I can help make sure you have the link. If it has not been sent yet, we will get that prepared.

Can I mail a check?

Yes, if that is the payment path listed in your instructions. I want to confirm the correct payee and mailing instructions from the project file before giving you the final details.

Do you offer financing?

Financing is usually fast to check. The lender works with homeowners and pays the contractor directly, so the funds are tied to the home improvement. If you already have a HELOC, that may be a good route too. Our job is to make sure you understand the options and can choose what fits.

My bank needs paperwork.

Please send exactly what the lender is requesting, including the contact person, email address, and any required format. We will confirm what can be sent from the project file.

During your project

Can we add something?

We can review it, but if it changes labor, materials, schedule, or design, the estimate or contract may need to be updated before it is approved.

Can we remove something?

We can review it, but I want Jacob to confirm whether removing it affects structure, code, schedule, or the finished result before we answer.

Is this included?

Let me check the latest estimate and scope so I answer from the actual document. I do not want to guess and create confusion.

When is the crew coming?

I am going to confirm the current schedule before giving you a firm answer. Construction dates can move because of weather, materials, permits, and the job before yours, so I want to make sure I am giving you the real update.

Why did the date move?

I understand that is frustrating. I am going to confirm the reason and the next expected step so we can give you a clear update instead of guessing.

Can I tell the crew directly?

It is best to keep project communication through Oasis so the crew can stay focused and the project file stays accurate. I can document the question and get it to the right person.

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