A deck can change the entire look and feel as well as the function of the space in your yard. Modern decking materials allow for creative design option as well as durability. Here are six innovative deck ideas that are game changers:
Deck Shapes-
When most people think of decks, they think of a square wooden platform attached to your backyard. However, decks have come a long way in the past several years. They are now being designed in fun ways with great new shapes and designs. Round decks are a hit for a fun look around a pond or a pool. A rectangular deck can pop by adding zing with angles, and alternating patterns. Go for a larger deck that offers several connected shapes, starting with a rectangular space then adding a circled pergola with bench seating. The shapes are limitless.
Built-Ins-
Built-ins are the little extra fun spaces that are now being built into modern decks. Sick of hauling out a cooler every time you want to have refreshments on the deck? Have one built-in. Are you an avid reader and enjoy sitting on your deck reading? Consider a small built-in library space with a door that closes to keep the elements off of your books. Nowadays you can build in just about anything into your deck, including fireplaces, firepits, outdoor kitchens, seating, storage and more.
Railings that Roar-
Don’t think that a deck railing has to be boring to work. Today’s decks have some pretty impressive railing ideas such as wrought iron, wood, composite, steel, and carved wood posts. Depending on your budget you can go as simple or as elaborate as you would like with the deck railings. Stairs also can have a great flare with products out by companies like SalterSpiralStair. We can install some very creative ideas- galvanized steel, sunburst style, cable, and even wrought iron designs.
Dependable Easy Care Materials-
Materials have changed in the last several years to become stronger, more dependable and easier to maintain. These scientific changes can make owning a deck a lot easier to keep up. No constant staining and repairs. Stylish composite decking products resist fading, staining, scratching and mold, and won’t rot, crack or warp. Wood decks are now pressure treated with special chemicals to help prevent decay and termite damage. Stains last longer and clean up easier than ever before.
Overheads and Planters-
Don’t forget to look up when you are building a new deck for your home. Overheads and custom planters are a great way to add texture and style to any yard experience. Retractable roofing, awnings, overhead lighting systems and more can be added to your deck to create a multifunctional space for both rain or shine.
Decks do not need to be boring and are limited only by the creativity of the designers creating them. High Quality Contracting Inc has been building decks for decades and can help make your backyard oasis.
The sun is out. The grass is green, and your outdoor space needs a lift. There is no better way to enjoy your summer yard than with a new custom deck. These deck-building tips will provide you with information that assists you in making critical decisions on your project.
We got together with the President of High Quality Contracting, Inc., Nick Wegner, for some great design and upgrading ideas, as well as tips on what to look for in products and deck building contractors.
“When considering a new custom deck, choosing a dependable deck building company is key. They will bring fresh ideas, as well as, they will know their products. “, says Nick. He goes on to say,” The choices with today’s builders and products within the market have become more advanced than years past. “
So, what are some vital deck-building tips?
#1) The Deck Builder Matters-
Choosing the right contractor is the single most crucial aspect of any home deck building project. You need a company you can trust, with years of experience under their belt. They should be licensed and insured in your state, as well as the references to back up any claims of quality work. You should always check your local Better Business Bureau to find out the contractor’s reputation. Ask them for their licensing information and make sure they can pull permits. Whatever you do, do not hire a fly-by-night friend to do the job. Those projects usually end up costing more in the long run to repair or replace.
#2) Choose Decking Building Material For Your Needs-
Think about how you plan to use your deck? Will you often entertain? Is there a pool involved? What needs will a deck require in your climate? With the vast array of materials available, we have broken down a few of the best products available.
Wood- Decking is one of the most popular choices. Natural timbers such as Cedar, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, and teak look fantastic and stand up to Wisconsin elements. When choosing a wood deck, consider staining the underdeck as well. This will boost the life span of your deck by protecting it from the weather and bugs. It also upgrades the look of the deck.
Composite decking is a material that is a mixture of wood fiber, plastic, and a binding agent. This combination creates a very long-lasting, durable deck.
Stone is a natural, sturdy, and attractive option for deck building. It does not splinter or burn and does not need any special maintenance as a natural wood deck would require. Also, when it fades, the stone naturally looks more aesthetic.
Concrete, known for its durability and long life, is returning as a homeowner favorite due to new modern methods. New concrete decking products allow for many eye-pleasing options, such as stamped concrete, which can mimic stone, brick, wood, and other materials.
#3) Deck Building On A Solid Base-
The base of your deck is what the entire structure stands on. A safe, long-lasting deck needs solid framing, proper footings, or concrete piers. Furthermore, the design for your deck should consider the earth’s surface, any slops, and the typical weather changes for your area. Incorporate these items into the design process to ensure the best possible base for your new deck.
#4) Built-In Options-
Depending on how you intend to use your new deck, it helps decide which built-in options you want to include in your design. If you enjoy entertaining, you may want to consider such items as an outdoor kitchen or an outdoor fireplace.
Will you have furniture that has cushions and pillows? You may want to consider a built-in storage area. High Quality Contracting, Inc has installed built-in seating with storage spaces, sheds, or storage boxes.
Accessories can be as straightforward or as elaborate as your tastes. Here are more accessory ideas: built-in coolers, built-in garden planters, a brick pizza oven, firepits, sunken seating, curved seating nooks, a mini library nook with built-in bookshelves that have glass doors on them, architectural shade structures, and built-in pet enclosures.
#5) Deck Building Lighting Options-
Make your deck shine in the night, and provide a warm, inviting place for yourself and guests to enjoy an evening. By adding lighting to your deck, you’re extending the functionality of your investment. When considering what type of lighting to put on your deck, there are a few things to consider:
Choose lighting that enhances the style of the deck. Don’t mix styles such as a modern light fixture style with a traditional deck style.
Light vital areas such as steps, handrails, and doorways.
Light pathways to guide users.
Space out the lighting sources so that all the light is not focused in one place but creates an inviting atmosphere.
Don’t try to light everything. You don’t want to take away from the experience of the night, making it as if you were indoors.
Don’t skip on the outlets in case you want to add festive lighting or other plugins.
Remember, a custom deck designed with your lifestyle and needs in mind will give you a space that you can enjoy for many years.
If you would like to speak to our custom deck experts, please call (414) 405- 7542 or use the form on our Contact Us page. A deck builder will contact you back as soon as possible.
Building a new home makes sense. The housing market is booming with available housing readily available. Why would you want to build your own house? Today’s new homes offer more benefits than ever before. Some of the reasons you might choose to build rather than buy, may surprise you.
Your Dream Home Your Way
We all have that perfect image in our head of what our dream home is. Perhaps it has wide open cathedral ceilings, unique built-in cabinetry systems, custom crown molding, and staircases, or that fantastic fireplace you have always wanted? Why can’t you have it all? You get more bang for your buck when you are building from the ground up to suit your desires rather than to purchase an existing home and then need to deal with the remodeling of the house. Put the money into your dream to start with and get the home you always wanted, including that She-Shed or Man-Cave.
The Layout that Meets Your Needs
Finding the house with the existing house perfect layout to meet your families needs can be daunting. Consider designing your home from the start with a plan that makes sense for your family. Do you need bedrooms on the bottom floor? Maybe you would like a resort-style master bath or a balcony off of one of the bedrooms? You can have it all when you build your layout to your specifications. High Quality Contracting, Inc. has an established history of creating great floor layouts and designs which are functional and beautiful. Instead of spending your time searching for the layout you need, spend that time sitting down and talking with an expert from High Quality Contracting to design it for you.
The Lastest in Technology
Existing homes on the market can be remodeled to have some of the latest technology features that you want such as a voice-activated kitchen or all new energy efficient windows. However, it is more cost efficient to have those things put into your home from the very start. When you are building and designing a new construction property, you can choose from the start what features you want. Want USB ports in every outlet of the home? Okay, it’s done. Want the entire house wired to voice-activated lighting and sound systems? You got it. You choose how much technology you do, or do not want to be put into a custom home.
Low Maintenance
Homes today are designed and equipped to reflect the way we live today rather than what was built 20-30 years ago. Open concepts, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge building products lead to less maintenance and lower upkeep in your future. Spend your time enjoying living in your home and not fixing broken pipes and heating systems. Less time on maintenance means more time to do the things you enjoy with the people you love.
Energy Savings
Homes are far more energy efficient today than homes built even just five years ago, and immensely better than homes built 20-30 years ago. Building product manufacturers have developed better products with energy efficiency in mind. Technologies have improved greatly, and the science behind the new products is mind-blowing. Tripple pained windows, better insulation products, and energy efficient heating, cooling, and air control systems are just a few of the ways that new homes are saving homeowners money.
No Creepy Feelings
As silly as this title sounds, the “feel” of a home can be a real problem and a turn off for many homeowners. Have you ever walked into a house that makes your skin crawl for no apparent reason? That is what we are talking about. That laying in your bed, wondering what they unsettling sound is ( ghosts? ) and having a fear that the previous owner left something inside the house that you do not want. This situation is completely avoided when you have a new home built.
Building a new home makes sense. Whatever your reason for wanting a new home built, High Quality Contracting Inc is the choice for many of Southeastern Wisconsin’s homeowners. We make the home building experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Our team of highly skilled designers, builders, and craftsmen are available at your disposal day or night. Why not give High Quality Contracting Inc a call today and get your dream home built the way you want it.
Hot Ideas for 2019 kitchen remodels. The new trends for kitchens in 2019 is nothing short of spectacular with an array of ideas to love and make your life easier. Designers have developed some creative ways to incorporate voice-activated technology with functionality and style. Homeowners are focused on reducing stress in the kitchen and promoting health. Here are High Quality Contracting Inc’s top picks for the 2019 Kitchen Trends:
Stress Relieving Color Pallets
Families are feeling the pressure from the news, social media, work, school and more. Reducing stress in any way possible is key to a healthy lifestyle. Many top designers are now looking to incorporate that idea of stress-reducing color pallets into the hub of the home. According to Shape Magazine’s article “Paint Colors that Relieve Stress and Help you Relax” by Rebecca Soskin, some of the top stress relieving colors are blues, aqua, light shades of grey and greens mixed with natural tones. These shades have been proven to help to change your feelings and calm your anxiety.
Clean Lines for an Uncluttered Look
Another way to keep the kitchen stress free is to offer a clean line to your design with ample kitchen storage and counter space. Because of this, designers are considering the importance of keeping it simple for the homeowner. Therefore reducing clutter, which can increase stress levels. Achieve a chaos-free workspace by using bottom cabinetry in islands, long clear countertops, and a variety of upper cabinets.
Relocate small appliances into space specific appliance cabinets. Reduce the amount of countertop decor by only keeping the essentials out such as a cutting board or fruit bowl. Put cooking books up on a shelf neatly away. Many homeowners have a one in one out rule for clutter reduction as well. Meaning, if you bring something into the kitchen ( new small appliance for example) you take something out ( perhaps that old fondue set from Aunt Helen.) Keeping the clutter down and the visual look of our kitchen clutter free can improve moods by reducing stress.
AJ Madison’s Column Refrigeration, Freezer, and Wine cooler
Column Refrigerators and Freezers
The luxury world of column refrigerators and freezers is making a big splash in 2019 for many reasons. Primarily, health-conscious homeowners are looking for ways to store more fresh foods in convenient and beautiful ways. A “Column” unit can be a refrigerator, freezer, or even a wine or beverage cooling unit. As a result, companies such as AJ Madison offer a variety of column units. High Quality Contracting contractors install these fabulous units. Consider a neatly, stylish cabinet system that offers the cooling and freezing abilities that you crave for all of those fresh smoothy mixes, lean meats, and fresh vegetables.
Voice-Activated Technology
Welcome to the world of Alexa, Google, and a variety of other voice-activated systems that can now connect with everything from a smart tv or iPad in the kitchen, to the lights, speaker system, smart oven, or smart refrigerator. However, modern kitchen technology is now ready to make your life much simpler assisting in everything from making of shopping lists, and dimming lights. There is little that smart technology cannot do.
Change In Counter Tops
Recent years the rage has been to install marble, granite and stainless steel countertops. Although this is not gone yet, new design trends are looking for ways to make life a little more comfortable. Contractors install countertops made of quartz and black stainless steel. As a result, countertops are easier to clean and maintain.
Consider some awe-inspiring home addition and home gym ideas. Whether you are trying to get your home in shape for the upcoming year or get your body in shape for spring, High Quality Contracting Inc. of southeastern Wisconsin has the fabulous design concepts for you.
Popular additions in 2018, include home theaters, game rooms, wet bars, in-law rooms, and home gyms. Entertain in whatever way you want with a variety of ideas and purposes for the extra space. Don’t forget to add storage for crafters, sporting equipment, or toys.
Here are a few fun ideas for your new space:
Home Theater-
Not just for the wealthy anymore, home theaters boast an array of options to meet every budget and create an excellent space for movie viewing. Consider taking out or adding walls which include soundproofing and installing surround sound system. Get the total experience. Embed the tv into a wall unit or use a projection screen television to fill the entire wall. Make the space warm and cozy with new flooring. Another great idea if the room is large enough is to consider adding platform flooring to the back of the room. This allows seating to rise giving each seat in the place ample viewing from all angles.
Game Room-
Keep family and friends busy with a fun game room. Most people think of billiards when they think of a game room, but, in 2018 there are so many more options out there to make the space fun. Consider some of these options:
• Traditional Billiards Pool Table
• Ping Pong Table (folds easily for storage)
• Large Video Game room with a projection screen tv for optimum fun
• Darts
• Hobby area for sewing, woodworking, or scrapbooks
• Vegas Baby! Flare it up like Vegas with card tables and an authentic Vegas craps table.
• Foosball table
You can add comfort to the game room with overstuffed furniture, side tables and perhaps a wet bar.
Wet Bar-
If you are looking for a beautiful wet bar to add to your home addition, why not consider a fresh fun style and have the area custom made? Coming up with fun concepts is our specialty. Here are just a few fun bar ideas that can make you feel like you’re on vacation each time you step into your addition-
• LED adjustable backlighting behind a fully stocked bar shelving unit.
• A surf bar with fun oceanside décor, surfboard table, and bright colors.
• Add a glass-enclosed wine room that is visible from the seating area.
• Mountain retreat bar with large neutral tiles and stones, exposed beams, and rustic style.
• Unusual and exciting countertop options such as wood, quartz, marble, granite, tile, stone, or concrete.
• Classy design with open shelving, marble tops, and bright, modern lighting.
In-Law Room-
Out of town guests will love spending time in a cozy in-law suite which can be a welcome addition to any home. Bringing the whole family together is a great way to enrich your lives. The in-law room might be just the answer to keep grandma or grandpa near the kids and still give them their space. Think of all the fun you can have together. In-law rooms can be made with a private bath added, ample storage and beautiful window views.
Home Gym-
Home gyms are becoming ever more popular for the active family. Getting your work out in during gym hours when you are working, running errands, and juggling a family can be difficult. The solution is an addition with a beautifully functional home gym.
Making this space the perfect solution for you and your lifestyle will take some planning, but, we have some great suggestions for you to get started. Consider:
• Soundproofing the walls
• Concrete or wood floors with pads
• Indoor basketball court
• Climbing walls installed on the side of the room
• Large beautiful mirrors
• Open up space with vast window options
• Small indoor pool
• Bright full lighting
• Ballet bar
• Built-in weights shelving
• Extra storage area for equipment
• Surround Sound for music
• Built-in large screen tv
There are so many great options for your 2018 home addition that they hardly fit into one article. If you are interested in getting some ideas for your space, please contact us.
Dependable Easy Care Materials-
