Community Chat

[Mindy D]

I need repairs or possibly replacement or more to a second story balcony. It’s very large. This might include removal, rebuilding, a different configuration, such as remove the deck and put a small roof over my cabana bath. I don’t think it’s possible to know what will be needed until a builder removes some planking to see inside. The plans I received don’t show what the beams holding the deck up are constructed from. It does not look like wood. Hopefully, it’s stucco over concrete. My home is concrete block contruction with stucco. The roof over the rest of the house is cement, Spanish style. The current deck serves as the roof of my cabana bath. This deck serving as a roof for the bathroom is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of and I didn’t realize this until this year. I can’t believe that inspectors signed off on this plan but they did. This is the tropics. Decks can’t last forever. Even getting blueprints for my home has been impossible. I was, after four months, only able to get some rudimentary drawings that my city held. I even contacted the original builder and original architect to get the plans. I tried to get referrals from neighbors, but so far, the contractors they have worked with all do small interior work...kitchen remodels. Maybe a roofing company is what I’m in need but I don’t know.The problem is that I can’t find a contractor in the area that does this kind of work in single family homes. The builders do build new mansions with second story balconies but they don’t fix them. People that currently have these built are wealthy and the work is part of million dollar construction jobs. There is no friend I can get a referral from because no one I know has a balcony. I’ve tried calling Home Advisor, Getting listings from Houzz, and I’m ready to go back to check Angie’s list again. I’m thinking I need to consult with an architect. Do architects even do consultations? I’ve called real estate agents for referrals and they also do not know of any company. 

[ValuSkr]

It seems like Angie's List woud be a good place to start.  Also, ask on the NextDoor site, if your neighborhood is set-up.

[Anonymous032819]

Sounds like what you need is a general contractor.

A general contractor oversee the work done on homes, which is done by sub-contractors, which include your roofers, electricians, plumbers, etc.

Have a general contractor come out and take a look, and they should be able to tell you who and what you need.

[deepwaterdotter]

If it's made of concrete and brick, you may need a masonry contractor.  That is who is repairing our chimney.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

I think an architect or structural engineer would be an excellent start.  What the thing's made of now may be less relevant than what it gets rebuilt as - have you had any problems with it, other than it is ageing?

When I had questions regarding some of the unique characteristics of my home and it's site, I managed to find a local man (structural engineer) who actually took the time to return a call and answer questions over the phone. It was incredibly helpful because he was very familiar with my neighborhood.

I found an obscure (but the best) contractor for a tough sewer job at my house by calling local (not the large franchise type) contractors with related skills.  I had to get to the "good old boy" network and it did take some digging.  Apologies to all you good old boys.  I love ya.

The custom builders in my area are always busy.  Really good, detail-oriented people with time for a job like yours can be hard to find.  I know you know.  

Start putting out inquiries.  Certainly architects do consultations.  If you find one willing to work with you they should have connections to building contractors.  You may have to find someone who knows someone, etc etc, that could lead you to the answer.  Do you know anyone in the landscaping business?  Landscapers often work closely with builders and that could be a referral source.

[SilleeMee]

Just recently I had my deck completely torn down like it didn't exist then hauled away and rebuilt. Only one company did this but before they started I made sure that if there was a need to repair or rebuild some other part of my house, other than the deck itself, that the deck builder could get that part done too by working with other types of builders. I did not have to go that route but I had to make sure all my bases were covered, including any landscaping that needed to be re-done after the deck was rebuilt. Everything went smoothly and no problems since.

[speedy girl]

Do you ever have Home Shows in your area? They are great as you can go around and talk to many different companies and see if they would be able to help you. It's nice cause there are usually lots of companies and you can see if they are a fit for you. 

[Mindy D]

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@Anonymous032819 wrote:

Sounds like what you need is a general contractor.

A general contractor oversee the work done on homes, which is done by sub-contractors, which include your roofers, electricians, plumbers, etc.

Have a general contractor come out and take a look, and they should be able to tell you who and what you need.

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I’ve been looking. So far, no GCs want to do this type of job.

[Mindy D]

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@deepwaterdotter wrote:

If it's made of concrete and brick, you may need a masonry contractor.  That is who is repairing our chimney.

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Thanks, but what about the decking and waterproof membrane? That part is wood. I think the masonry will be ok but it’s not possible to tell. I might call a couple and see if they do this.Thanks for the tip . They are those that specialize in high rise condo balconies, huge projects. The cement breaks down near the ocean here and begins spalling...crumbling and breaking down. None of 5hos companies were interested.

[Mindy D]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

I think an architect or structural engineer would be an excellent start.  What the thing's made of now may be less relevant than what it gets rebuilt as - have you had any problems with it, other than it is ageing?

When I had questions regarding some of the unique characteristics of my home and it's site, I managed to find a local man (structural engineer) who actually took the time to return a call and answer questions over the phone. It was incredibly helpful because he was very familiar with my neighborhood.

I found an obscure (but the best) contractor for a tough sewer job at my house by calling local (not the large franchise type) contractors with related skills.  I had to get to the "good old boy" network and it did take some digging.  Apologies to all you good old boys.  I love ya.

The custom builders in my area are always busy.  Really good, detail-oriented people with time for a job like yours can be hard to find.  I know you know.  

Start putting out inquiries.  Certainly architects do consultations.  If you find one willing to work with you they should have connections to building contractors.  You may have to find someone who knows someone, etc etc, that could lead you to the answer.  Do you know anyone in the landscaping business?  Landscapers often work closely with builders and that could be a referral source.

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I agree with most of your ideas but I’d like a lower cost guy than a custom builder. I did contact one fantastic custom builder that built my friends’ new house. Unfortunately, he said he only does new construction of single family homes.