I know prices differ all over, and among different contractors, but how much more would you charge for a deck one floor up vs. one at or near grade?
The one I’m bidding is about 300 sq. ft. w/ steps down to lower grade. Deck is off kitchen with a walk-out basement under. PT frame with synthetic decking still to be chosen.
Not looking for total price, just % differential for building off ladders/scaffold.
Thanks.
P.S. Any favorite synthetic deck materials? Have used Trex and LifeLong and not crazy about either. Client is looking to me for guidance on selection.
Bear
Edited 8/14/2006 6:45 pm ET by bearmon
Replies
What are we talking... maybe7' or 8' from grade to top of joists? If that's the case I probably wouldn't jack up the price anywhere except in the staircase framing.
And I like Weatherbest decking very much. Nice colors. Nice texture. 16" centers no problem. Color matched square drive screws available.
Don't forget that the posts will be 6 feet longewr each, so a liitle more material cost. And taller posts will have more tendency to allow the structure to twist, so more diagonal bracing may be needed.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Dielsel, thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into Weatherbest.
Eddie, good thought on the racking possibility.
VTNorm, I've got 6 employees, so I won't be alone. Might have 2 or 3 with me on this project.
Thanks for the replies. Any other thoughts on decking material?
Bear
Edited 8/15/2006 8:09 am ET by bearmon
I've been using 5/4 Timbertech lately, as do several GCs I work with.Impact driver makes life nicer. The 5/4 has a 3/8 radius edge, and needs 1/8 space minimum.They now have a squared edge, but I'm not sure of the thickness. I like the squared look better. Makes the spacing look less carvernous.
Are you tackling this solo or with help? I work solo, so if I were doing it I would have to jack the framing cost because it's either more grunt work for me alone or I'm hiring someone for a couple of days to make my life easier. At grade level I don't have that problem. Once the frame is up I could deck it and do the railings myself. An extra guy is going to cost me $250-300/day and that's getting passed on to the customer.
-Norm