Designing and building custom decks, patios and porches, Archadeck of Delaware has provided hundreds of homeowners the outdoor living space of their dreams. From sunrooms to patios and decks that include features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits and pergolas, this builder has the expertise to create an outdoor space you’ll not only love but that will also last for generations to come. That’s because Dave Lyons, who leads the company, says his focus is on providing real value, meaning all the work Archadeck of Delaware does is built to last. 

House & Home recently spoke with Lyons about his advice for homeowners looking to hire a contractor to build decks that last and why Archadeck may be the company you could choose to make your outdoor living space a  reality.

How many years of experience do you have  in the industry?
I have more than 25 years of experience of general contracting work. I inherited this kind of work from my dad. He was a general contractor. At one point, we had both a general contracting business and a hardware store.

With so many contractors to choose from, why choose Archadeck?
My focus is always on building projects correctly. I am not interested in being the guy that’s trying to do the quickest and fastest install while using the cheapest materials. I seek to build quality installations that last.

I’ve had real estate agents ask me to come out and inspect decks that were built quick, fast and cheap on houses they’re trying to sell. And the real estate  agent can’t sell the house because the deck wasn’t installed correctly and lacks approval from the county permitting office. When they ask me to try to fix it, many times there are no easy answers. Sometimes, in order to sell the home, the previous deck must be removed and a new deck or patio will be installed according to county regulation and code.

When is a good time to start planning your deck?
Now is the time! If you were to sign a contract today, it’s probably four to six weeks before your project can get started. With summer fast approaching, that wait time will only get longer. If you would like to have a new outdoor living space in time to enjoy for the summer, don’t wait.  

What are some of  your favorite deck products and deck styles that are upcoming?
I like the new Azek composite deck boards, which are all PVC. It is a quality material that looks the best and it has the best warranty. Another way to add texture to your project is to add different tones. I like doing two tones such as having the frame in a different color than the boards or trying a parting board in a different color. You can change the design of it just by changing the colors of the deck boards.

What advice do you have for homeowners who are looking for someone to build their deck?  
I would make sure that the builder has good insurance coverage and has an excellent warranty. Warranties are sometimes not worth the paper   that they’re written on. My warranty is a real warranty. It’s a one-year workmanship warranty and a five-year structural warranty. 

I also have what’s called a National Guarantee Corporation warranty. It’s like an insurance policy for your project. If something happened to me, you would still have coverage for your project.   

Careful customers should also focus on looking for value. And typically the best value is not the lowest price. That’s not just the case for decks—it’s with almost everything. We seek to build something for our customers that they can enjoy knowing that it is installed correctly and we can be proud of building it. That’s a win-win.

Archadeck of Delaware
Hockessin, Del. | (302) 455-2426
Delaware.Archadeck.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 10 (April/May 2020). 
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here. 
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here. 
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.