Decks & Porches Services
Decks and porches expand your living space and create functional outdoor areas for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. HM General Construction Inc. designs, builds, and repairs decks and porches across Bristol, Bucks County, and the Philadelphia suburbs. From classic wood decks to low-maintenance composite options and custom porch builds integrated with your home’s architecture, our team delivers structural integrity, safety, and attractive finishes.
Decks & Porches
HM General Construction Inc.
Why Decks and Porches Matter
Properly constructed decks and porches enhance the enjoyment and value of your home. They require solid design, correct ledger and joist attachment, proper flashing, and code-compliant railings and stairs. Poorly built decks can be dangerous and are a common source of homeowner liability due to ledger failures, rot, or inadequate fasteners. Professional construction ensures your deck or porch is secure, durable, and compliant with local building codes.
Deck and Porch Services We Provide
01
New Deck Construction
Custom deck designs in pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or composite decking.
02
Porch Construction
Enclosed and open porches, porch roofs, and integration with home elevations.
03
Deck Repairs
Ledger flashing repair, joist replacement, deck board replacement, stair repair, and railing replacement.
04
Deck Remodeling
Expansion, adding railings or stairs, and converting older decks to composite surfaces.
05
Custom Features
Built-in seating, planters, lighting, pergolas, and privacy screens.
06
Structural Inspections
Safety evaluations of existing decks to identify rot, fastener corrosion, and structural risks.
07
Deck Refurbishing & Resurfacing
Replacing failed boards, sanding, and recoating or switching to composite.
08
Permit Assistance
Coordination of necessary permits and plans for code compliance.
Design Considerations and Material Choices
Pressure-Treated Lumbe
Cost-effective and widely used for joists and framing. Requires periodic maintenance and sealing for deck boards.
Cedar
Natural resistance to decay and attractive appearance, requires periodic maintenance like staining.
Composite Decking
Low maintenance, resistant to rot and insects, available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Railings & Hardware
Metal balusters, composite posts, cable systems, and wood railings depending on design preference and local code.
Footings & Foundation
Proper footing depth and concrete piers are essential for load-bearing support and frost protection in cold climates.
Our Deck & Porch Building Process
Consultation & Design
We discuss intended use, budget, material preferences, and site constraints. We provide design sketches and advice on layout, access, and integration with landscaping.
Permit & Site Prep
We handle permit preparation when required and clear the site for construction. Footings and concrete piers are poured where necessary per code and local frost depth.
Framing & Installation
We construct a structurally sound frame using correct fasteners and ledger flashing to prevent water infiltration into the home’s rim joist. Joists, blocking, stair framing, and railing posts are installed per structural requirements.
Decking & Finishing
Deck boards are installed with proper spacing for drainage and expansion; railings and stairs are completed with code-compliant heights and baluster spacing.
Cleanup & Final Inspection
Jobsite cleanup and a final safety walkthrough are completed. We confirm handrail security, stair treads, and attachment integrity. We also provide instructions on maintenance and sealing where appropriate.
Deck Maintenance and Longevity
- Wood decks: Regular cleaning, staining or sealing every 1–3 years depending on exposure.
- Composite decks: Lower maintenance but may still require cleaning and occasional surface care.
- Fastener checks: Periodic inspection of fasteners, railing connections, and ledger conditions to prevent safety hazards.
- Structural inspection: Especially important for older decks; we recommend professional inspections if you notice soft spots, wobbling, or visible decay.
Safety and Code Compliance
Deck safety requires attention to ledger attachments, flashing, proper lag screws or through-bolts, and secure railing attachment. We design for guard height, stair tread depth, and landing requirements based on local code. If inspectors need to review plans or post-construction inspections are required, we coordinate to ensure code compliance.
Why Choose HM General Construction for
Decks & Porches
Focus on structural safety and adherence to code.
Experienced carpenters and installers with attention to ledger, joist, and railing integrity.
Options for both traditional wood and low-maintenance composite materials.
Permit and inspection coordination to streamline compliance.
Attention to the finishing details — clean cuts, tight flashings, and secure fastenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical deck projects range from a few days for small decks to 2+ weeks for larger custom designs; timelines vary by complexity, material choice, and permitting.
Yes. We install composite decking from several manufacturers. Composite options require less maintenance than wood — no staining or sealing — and are resistant to rot and insects. We'll walk you through color and brand options during your consultation.
Most decks that are above a certain height or attached to a home require permits. We handle permit coordination and submittals.
Proper flashing, correct attachment, and ensuring the ledger is separated or flashed to prevent water infiltration are essential. We follow industry best practices to avoid this common failure point.
Yes. We can design electrical-ready features, integrated lighting, and built-in seating options.
How to Schedule a Deck or Porch Estimate
Call HM General Construction at (215) 920-7070 to schedule a consultation. We will assess your property, discuss design options, and provide a written estimate with material choices, schedule, and permit needs.