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Find Deck or porch build or replacers in Fort Smith

One Call Contracting & Home Services, LLC
4.8(
28
)

Serving Fort Smith, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I was quoted between 5k and 7500 for a backyard koi pond. I was never able to get an itemized estimate for the two different prices after several requests but was told with the extra $ 2500, there would be landscaping plants around the pond, a large waterfall, lights, and a sprinkler system that is already in place would be repaired when damaged to cover the new and existing landscaped area around the pond. I wish I could submit a picture. The back of the waterfall/pond looks awful...not like a 7500 job. Stones from my current landscaping, including flower bed edging stones around my front yard flower beds were taken and used on the back of the pond. The backsides of the new landscaping created were left as dirt walls with no plants or liner to protect the steep slope from erosion, pond liner was left showing on edges of the pond beyond, stones on edges of pond were not secure and left as a safety hazard for my small dogs who would certainly walk to their edges and fall in with a heavy rock to follow, and sprinkler heads were taken out leaving areas of landscaping that had previously been watered, not receiving water. I was told everything would be done with no work for me with the extra 2500. Instead, at 8 months pregnant. I have had to buy large rocks and get help moving them to secure the unsafe wobbly stones at the edge of the pond, which also covered the pond liner they left exposed, I have had to buy a ground cover (so cheap- why did not they do it with all that extra money?) And plant I have had to have sprinkler company come out and install new sprinkler heads where they took mine out so that existing plants would again get watered, I had to have a new sprinkler head added to water the new dirt hill they left at the back of the pond that I added plants to prevent erosion, I found a busted sprinkler pipe with a marker steak in it next to the edge of the pond that had to be repaired (their name is not on it so cannot say for sure they did it, but how did they even check the sprinklers with a busted pipe? No one was here doing any work to damage a pipe after they left, and the sprinkler system will not build pressure and work properly with a busted pipe, so they must not have properly checked the sprinklers or failed to tell me from the beginning when they started that there was an issue). I was also told with the 5k or 7500 prices there would be a 1000 biofilter since algae overgrowth is a huge concern of mine. Without consulting me, a different cheaper pump system was used. I have returned my front yard flower bed edging stones used on the back of the pond back to where they belong. I still cannot believe they took stones from my other landscaping for this job instead of purchasing new materials to finish their job well. I have to hire new people to do something to this horrid back of waterfall situation that looks like a 10-year-old stacked up rocks from around my house (yes, they also took flat rocks from back yard pre-existing flower bed edges and stacked at the back of the pond, and took several of my big rocks in other areas of landscaping to use for this job instead of spending a little more money buying rocks to finish the job). Last, they did add plants....7 very small plants to be exact. They cost about $7 each. So basically, I paid an extra 2500 for 7 plants? So far, my trusted lawn guy, sprinkler/landscape company and place I purchased a ton of rocks from all confirmed this looks like a 5000k job, and for 2500 extra, everything else is doing should have been done and not more time and money out of my pocket. Oh, and they left a flat muddy mess next to my house, which I paid them an additional $460 to have liner and rocks added (so now the total is 8000). This is not the muddy mess left by their tractor. Oh, and they also ran over metal flower bed edging with tractor in my front yard and did not fix that either. Really wish I could submit images of what $8000 ..."
Response time11 hrs
Recommended by92%of homeowners
FAQs for deck or porch projects in Fort Smith, AR

To maximize your budget, compare quotes of several builders that fit within your specifications. Don’t be afraid to draw a wider geographic circle if the contractor is willing to travel without charging more. But affordability only matters if you get a quality deck out of it.

Cutting corners or simply finding the cheapest pro could result in significant problems. The materials used may be cheap and rot quickly. The support the surface provides might be unstable and dangerous. Always consider the long-term costs and benefits of quality work. Paying less upfront may actually be more expensive if you consider the cost of repairs.

Deciding on which materials you should use depends entirely on the type of deck you’re looking for. Composite works well for a simple surface exposed to harsh elements, while concrete is the standard choice for many patios. Your decking material options can range from wood to aluminum. Learn about the pros and cons of these materials to make the right decision.

You can build a deck during any season, which is why choosing the right time for this project depends on your preferences:

  • Spring: get your deck ready in time for landscaping and to enjoy it throughout the warmer seasons.

  • Summer: use spring for the planning process, then get the project ready before it gets cold out.

  • Fall: Limit turf or landscape damage by building once most plants begin to recede.

  • Winter: make the excavation process easier, thanks to cold and firm ground.

Many deck builders prefer winter, which is also the season with the shortest waiting queues. Still, other seasons are far from impossible for this type of project.

Expect a thorough examination of the space, and the development of a project schedule. Delivery of materials might already have occurred or could be planned at this point.

Additional research about working with deck builders can help you understand what to expect from experts, and what they expect from you.

Make sure the site of the deck or patio is clear of any landscaping and debris. The contractor will also call a utilities locator service to mark power, water, cable, and other services around the area where they will be digging. The cleaner the area your builder has to work with, the more quickly they can get started. Make sure they have space to park any construction vehicles. Find a dry space for materials that might need storage during the install. Finally, ensure clear access to the site through your house or property.

When it comes to the DIY vs. hire a pro decision for your deck, the answer tends to be clear. Only take it on yourself if you have significant expertise and experience. Without either, you risk building a faulty exterior space, leading to injury risks. Projects built without necessary expertise also break more quickly, making them more expensive in the long run.

If you do want to take on decking as a DIY project, be sure to do your research. Learn about installing the posts and footing for your framing. Understand how to lay decking boards and build the railings and stairs you need for access and security.

The Fort Smith, AR homeowners’ guide to decks or porches

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.