Deck and fence (Help)

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

So you're talking $4042.50 including GST? That may be the going rate, but I sure the hell wouldn't pay it.

I get (110/6) * 35 = $641.67 which seems pretty fair to me.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I get (110/6) * 35 = $641.67 which seems pretty fair to me.

He means a 6 foot tall fence. The quote was for linear feet. The fence will be 110 feet long.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Do not watch Decked Out on HGTV otherwise you deck and fence costs will sky rocket! That guy and his team do some amazing things and now a simple deck just won't cut it for me.

LOL, yeah. Their fastener budget is typically higher than my entire fence and deck budget.

I do enjoy it and have gotten some good finishing ideas I will use this summer.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by FlamingC

Any suggestions on surveyor companies to use or even the name of one? (Sorry again for the newb questions).

my property is easily accessible so getting a bobcat in should be no problem.

PM'd.

EDIT: I see this was from 2009.

[Starfishy]

I ran a bunch of quotes for my fence last year. I will PM you with the guy I went with. He built a couple in my area and did a really great job. Photon started a similar thread this year:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=105504

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Do not watch Decked Out on HGTV otherwise you deck and fence costs will sky rocket! That guy and his team do some amazing things and now a simple deck just won't cut it for me.

Decked Out is a terrible show. Building decks that large are unnecessary and irresponsible, not to mention the numerous things they do that don't meet code, aren't practical or lasting. Anchoring ledgers to non-structural brick does not meet code. Using brad nails to secure pressure treated boards won't last. They've mitered composite decking. Composite will expand/contract a lot. They also mix different types of materials that are going to age at dramatically different rates. Especially when mixing composites with natural cedar. Unless people refinish the cedar, I could see some pretty weird looking decks down the road as a result.

Does anyone really need their entire back yard covered in composite decking? Wouldn't asphalt be cheaper? It's like they build for the sake of building and decks are all they know how to do so there's no consideration for integrated hard/soft scaping. Adding moveable planters, and patio furniture doesn't cut it.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Decked Out is a terrible show.

It's entertainment, you can't use it as reliable advice. Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection is a show you can learn a lot from, although they do use the best and most expensive materials and procedures. But they do things properly.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by zamler

It's entertainment, you can't use it as reliable advice. Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection is a show you can learn a lot from, although they do use the best and most expensive materials and procedures. But they do things properly.

People will use it as advice though, and unknowingly do things they shouldn't. Any national tv show should be as responsible as Holmes is. Too many uninformed do-it-yourselfers.

[moncton golden flames]

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

Just remember to get a permit, sink your posts 48", and make sure your handrails are 42" high, and you're set.

42" railing only applies to a deck that is more than 24" above grade.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Hanna Sniper

But are those book to code?

My advise for someone looking for a contractor to build a deck/fence. Go to a top notch home builder and find out who they contract for their work, it'll be done to code, most likely get the homebuilders price as well

I watch "decked out" and think, that is easy! Then I watch something with Mike Holmes and it scares the crap out of me.

Anyway, its hard to find good contractors in Calgary. Most seem to be glorified handymen, and reputable contractors don't want to work on small patios or balcony rebuilds.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Do not watch Decked Out on HGTV otherwise you deck and fence costs will sky rocket! That guy and his team do some amazing things and now a simple deck just won't cut it for me.

I have read bad things about the composite deck materials they use too. Tendancy to get very mildewy.