Living The Deck Life

Jeff Brown • June 25, 2019

Decks will introduce you to a world of outdoor lounging and increased home value

This beautiful deck was finished just in time for summer after demoing an existing deck. Why upgrade a deck? Well besides the curb appeal and adding a larger outdoor living area...did we mention the resale value?!? On average decks let the home owner recoup over 70% of the decks original value.

When building a deck there are many things to consider including material options. The deck boards seen here are Azek Composite Deck Boards. There are a lot of options out there so do some research and make sure you are choosing a deck that fits your budget as well as your home. in some instances a nice pressure washed and treated wood deck is going to give you the most bang for you buck. However, if you have a larger and ore expensive home then a normal wood deck just might not do the trick. The deck is an extension of your home and should at least match the quality.

Another thing to consider would be design and how you will access your deck. This particular deck looks over a beautiful open back yard and the homeowners didn't want the deck to intrude. Our solution was to add a small landing to the deck to keep it closer to the patio below and offer a second point of access to the deck.

Another thing to consider when thinking of adding or remodeling a deck is...Why? Do you want to grill, do you want to entertain, is this going to be another family area? For many people it's all of these reasons and you are going to need a deck that matches your needs. Easiest solution is to make sure your deck is big enough for things to be changed around to fit any scenario.

Ok, we're at the last picture and if you still aren't convinced then just checkout this link from The Daily Herald that claims that decks are one of the highest returns when reclaiming value of a project. They go a little more in-depth talking about different factors that can affect costs, but there is one things that can't really be depreciated and that's the joy factor. If you love the outdoors and cherish the few warms months we have then I suggest you look into living those months with more lunches in the sun and cocktails at sunset.

Why You Need A Home Office

By Dexter Builders • December 14, 2020
As 2020 comes to an end, we realize that more and more of us are spending extended periods of time at home. More time at home means not just extra time with the family but getting to know your house better. Through this process a lot of homeowners have discovered they have or are starting to outgrow their home, especially those with the new challenge of working from home. This may also be trending toward being a long-term part of our daily lives, making a dedicated home office space something for homeowners to really contemplate.

Giving Back With The Magic Of Christmas

By Dexter Builders • December 9, 2020
There wasn't a wrapping party this year, no pizza to be ordered, and no laughter to be heard as experienced builders struggle to wrap a toy truck or doll. It's a little harder for us to find the magic this year, but don't worry there's still magic to be found. There's magic in the donation that you give or the time you take out of your day to go pick out that special gift for someone else. That magic is still there in the little fuzzy feeling you get inside when you help others. So if 2020 has you feeling a little less magical why not get some of that magic back by making sure kids in the Washtenaw County area have a Merry Christmas!!!

Carpenters Wanted!!!

By Dexter Builders • November 4, 2020
We are seeking a motivated professional to join our team of professionals. As a part of the Dexter Builders Family, you will provide excellent customer service while you work on general framing, build decks, install siding, install trim. You should have prior experience with carpentry, though we can provide training for those with related experience in cabinet making, finish carpentry, and rough carpentry. This is a physically demanding job, and you must be able to crouch, bend, climb ladders and lift objects throughout a normal shift. This is a year-round position and outdoor work will be required. Contact us today if you have previous carpentry experience and are ready to join our hardworking and successful team.

A Plan For Managing Your Renovation and Expectations

By Dexter Builders • August 4, 2020
Our phones have been ringing off the hook! Ever since our neighbors have been spending more time in their homes, they realize that they would like to improve what currently exists in their home. If you are interested in a remodeling your home, you can make your life a lot easier by developing a wish list of everything that you want to then help create a preliminary budget. A word of caution about budgeting: don't rely on home improvement television as a valid source. While HGTV, DIY and other networks and shows are great sources of inspiration, their timetables and budgets do not resemble reality. They often don't include time for planning, permitting or the cost of labor. Your wish list and budget need to align. If they don't, you're likely to be disappointed. Our showroom professionals help homeowners develop realistic expectations and budgets every day.

Sunroom Vs Screened In Porch

By Dexter Builders • July 14, 2020
Summers in Michigan are stuff of legends. You'll see its beautiful endless days in movies and hear about friends gathered around bonfires in song lyrics. However, they tend to leave out the heat and humidity, storms we get, and all the bugs that come with our great outdoors. Most people are well aware that one comes with the other when dealing with nature, but it doesn't have to be that way. Screened in porches and sunrooms are a perfect way to tame mother nature while enjoying all she has to offer. All you have to do is decide how much nature you want to enjoy. Beyond additional living area for your family, knowing how and when you want to utilize your new space will help you decide what type of room is right for you. Join us below where we will cover a few of these tops to help you choose between a sunroom and a screened in porch.

Some Really Good Reasons To Remodel Your Bathroom

By Dexter Builders • June 18, 2020
Bathrooms continue to transform from utilitarian spaces to rooms where homeowners can make unique design statements, enhance the quality of their lives, and improve their health and well being. If you have been considering remodeling the existing bathrooms in your home, there's no time better than the present to start. Here are several additional reasons to create the bath of your dreams.

The Amazing Race Goes Virtual!!!

By Dexter Builders • June 9, 2020
All the fun of the amazing race from the comfort of your home!!!

Secrets Of A Home Remodel

By Dexter Builders • June 2, 2020
If you've recently moved into an older home or have lived in your home for over 10 years then you might want to start thinking about a remodel. Older homes could have been built with materials that are dangerous or degrade over the years, and lets be honest cleaning can only go so deep. A remodel can be an exciting time filled with hidden benefits for family that will help start a new chapter in the story of your home.

Be Local, Buy Local

By Jeff Brown • April 29, 2020
It is sometimes hard to find silver linings during a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic that we are currently facing; however, there is hope in many social media news feeds. Every day there are posts of people who want to support local businesses, especially small, locally-owned restaurants. It seems neighbors of all age groups have a common concern for our communities, our people, our local shops, and our local restaurants. Imagine the void in our lives if our community businesses don't return. We miss you and our small business neighbors, and we see that the feeling is mutual. Be Local, Buy Local. The trend was already in motion to combat online retailers and impersonal big box stores, but this pandemic something much more serious and personal. It's affecting us all simultaneously. It's time when we can see things more clearly. So spread the word and share why local businesses are so important. Support your favorite restaurants and post positive reviews of other small businesses. This is what America is all about, this spirit to help our neighbors. Your support will be appreciated more than you can ever imagine.

Family Blanket Business Switches To Masks

By Jeff Brown • April 21, 2020
Forever Blankets by Nikki working on another batch of Masks
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