So, you’re thinking about adding a deck to your home in Toronto.
You’ve probably already considered hiring a deck builder in Toronto to get the job done, but then you might wonder: do I also need to hire a designer? While a designer can be useful for some projects, the truth is, in most cases, a skilled deck builder can handle almost all of your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore when you might need a designer for your deck project, why a deck builder can often cover both design and construction, and how choosing a deck builder with an in-house designer can be the best of both worlds.
Do You Always Need a Designer for a Deck?
The short answer is no, you don’t always need a separate designer for your deck project.
Many homeowners assume hiring a designer is the only way to achieve a custom deck. However, this isn’t necessarily true. A skilled deck builder in Toronto is more than capable of customizing your deck to fit your specific preferences and space constraints. When it comes to most deck projects, an experienced deck builder can handle both the design and construction phases, streamlining the process and saving you money.
Because deck builders are involved in the physical construction, they have a practical understanding of what can and can’t be done. They can adapt to changes on the fly, making adjustments to the design as needed.
Deck builders are experts in crafting decks that fit your outdoor space, meet local building codes, and reflect your personal style. They are accustomed to managing the entire project from start to finish, including offering design recommendations based on their years of experience. In fact, most deck builders (we do!) provide design consultation as part of their package, and they can often customize layouts and features to your specifications without the need for a separate designer.
Judging from our experience, hiring a deck builder means you can start enjoying your new outdoor space sooner. When you involve both a designer and a builder, there’s the potential for delays as the two professionals coordinate schedules, changes, and approvals. A deck builder in Toronto who is responsible for the entire project will work on a tighter timeline, as they’re focused on getting the job done efficiently.
Hiring an independent designer usually means involving a few more teams of professionals. Each of them will surely have different availability and schedules for the season. Having independent teams working on one site ALWAYS makes the project longer, more hectic and more stressful.
Toronto deck builders often have partnerships with local suppliers and contractors, which can be a big benefit to your project. They may have access to high-quality materials at lower costs, thanks to industry relationships.
When you get a deck in Toronto built by an experienced professional, you’re not just getting someone with technical skills; you’re getting a consultant who can recommend features like lighting, railings, or built-in seating that you might not have considered.
When to Hire a Designer
Although deck builders are a great option for most people, there are some situations where hiring a designer might be a better choice.
Most of the time, it happens if you’re embarking on a full-scale landscaping project that involves more than just a deck—like creating a garden, installing water features, or adding stone pathways—a designer’s expertise can help tie everything together.
Also, while deck builders can offer plenty of customization options if you have a very specific, elaborate design in mind—something that goes beyond the typical deck styles—hiring a designer might make sense. Designers can bring a high level of creativity and customization to your project, especially if you want features that aren’t standard, such as intricate railings, unique shapes, or multi-level designs.
The best option for many homeowners is to find a deck builder who already has a designer on their team, offering you the expertise of both professionals without the extra hassle.
When you hire a deck builder with an in-house designer, the issues of miscommunication often dissapear. Since both the builder and the designer are part of the same team, they are used to working together and are on the same page from the start. This means fewer misunderstandings, clearer communication, and a smoother process overall. When the designer’s vision aligns perfectly with what the builder can execute, it saves time and money for all parties.
Time is often a critical factor in any home improvement project. One major benefit of hiring a deck builder in Toronto with an in-house designer is that the entire process can be completed more quickly. With a team that already works together, changes and approvals happen in real-time, reducing the lag between stages.
A key benefit of hiring a unified deck-building team is the overall consistency of your project. From the design phase to the final construction, everything is overseen by one team working toward a shared vision. This eliminates the risk of discrepancies between the design and the finished product and ensures that every detail of your deck aligns with your expectations.
When the deck builder and designer are part of the same team, the result is a more cohesive project—where design and construction flow seamlessly together. You’ll get a deck that not only looks fantastic but functions perfectly and stands the test of time.
Conclusion: The Best Choice for Your Deck Project
When it comes to building a deck, hiring a deck builder in Toronto with a designer on their team is a smart decision. This combination offers a range of benefits, from faster timelines and cost savings to enhanced creativity and seamless communication. You get the best of both worlds: expert design paired with professional construction, all from a single team that works together to bring your vision to life.
By choosing a deck builder with an in-house designer, you can enjoy a stress-free experience, knowing that your project is in good hands from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a simple deck or something more customized, this collaborative approach ensures that your new deck will meet both your aesthetic and functional needs—delivered on time and within budget.