Planning & hiring
Seven Deck Project Mistakes That Cost Phoenix Homeowners Money
· 2 min read · Deck Builders LLC
Most deck problems are decided before the first board is cut. These are the mistakes we see most often, including a few that are specific to composite and Trex decks.
1. Skipping the permit or the HOA
An attached or raised deck usually needs a city permit, and most planned communities have rules about materials, colors and height. Building first and asking later can mean fines, a stop-work order, or taking it down. Check both before you order anything.
2. Hiring on price alone
When one bid is far below the others, something is missing: the license, the insurance, the footings or the grade of lumber. Compare what each quote includes, line by line, not just the total.
3. Underestimating the climate
Constant UV, big temperature swings and sudden downpours are harder on a deck than a mild, wet climate. Materials need to be rated for sun and heat, and the frame needs airflow underneath so it does not trap heat and moisture.
4. Ignoring how composite moves
Composite boards expand and contract with temperature more than wood does. Without the gaps the manufacturer specifies, boards buckle in summer. This is the most common installation fault we are called to fix.
5. Saving money on the frame
The frame is what you cannot see and cannot easily fix. Composite needs joists spaced closer together than many wood decks, or the surface sags between them. Footings need to be real concrete footings sized for the soil. Beautiful boards on a weak frame is money wasted.
6. Changing the plan mid-build
Decide how you will use the deck before work starts: dining, lounging, a hot tub, how many people. Every change after construction begins costs time and money. Sketches and photos of decks you like help a lot.
7. Forgetting about upkeep
No deck is maintenance-free. Wood needs regular sealing. Composite needs washing. Be honest about how much time you will give it, and choose the material to match.
