Deck Builder FAQs – Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
We believe an informed homeowner makes the best decisions. Below are the most common questions about materials, permits, timelines, and how we operate as a deck builder serving Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw municipalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We design and build custom decks throughout Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County, Michigan area, including: City of Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor Township, City of Saline and Saline Township, Chelsea Area, Dexter and Scio Townships, Manchester and Lodi Townships, Pittsfield Township, Superior Township, Ypsilanti Charter Township, and much of York Township.
Yes. Ann Arbor Decks is the deck division of JMJ Residential Construction LLC and is fully licensed and insured in Michigan.
Yes. We are a Trex Pro Platinum installer (Trex’s highest contractor tier), which reflects our 20+ years as Trex deck specialists. This means that you will benefit from extended labor warranties on Trex decking and/or railing installation.
Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing that we'll follow Trex's strict guidelines on installation of every element, from decking and fasteners, to railing, lighting and more.
We install both natural wood and composite decking, including pressure-treated pine, cedar, Ipe and other exotic woods, Trex, TimberTech, DecKorators, and more.
When it comes to railing, we install custom natural wood railings, wood with cables or aluminum balusters, Trex, TimberTech, Westbury, and many more brands and styles. If you have a particular brand you are interested in, just let us know.
Yes. We take care of the zoning, permitting and the inspections process as part of the project. If you live in a historic home or district (Ann Arbor's Old West Side, for example), we may ask you to obtain the historic district permissions. And while we ask you to obtain your homeowner's association approval, we provide you with any documents or drawings you may need to smooth the process.
No, Our deck-building crew is made up of our own trusted and experienced employees. We can promise that each and every team member will live up to the high standards of our company founder, Josiah Shurtliff. Our stellar team is what enables us to consistently deliver on quality, clear communication, and accountability--they're a non-negotiable.
Our consultation is typically a 30–60 minute visit at your home. We discuss your goals and vision, review the site, take measurements, discuss layout ideas, and talk through materials and budget. It’s not a high-pressure sales meeting. The goal is to collect the information we need to design you a great deck and to price it accurately...then to let you make the decision that's best for you.
Our timeline changes throughout the year depending on the season and current workload. Spring and summer projects tend to book quickly. The timing of your project may also depend on permit considerations or other similar factors. The best way to know our current availability is to ask during your consultation, so that we can give you realistic expectations for design, permitting, and construction scheduling.
Yes, we install decks throughout the year. In snowy or icy conditions, we may not build an elevated deck, because we're looking out for the safety of our crew. However, we have machines that in most cases can dig post holes even in winter. Because we build your deck with attention to detail for Michigan weather, (with proper spacing between deck boards), expansion and contraction should not be a problem.
Deck pricing depends on size, height, material selection, railing systems, stairs, and site conditions.
Composite decks with premium railing systems will cost more than a ground-level pressure-treated deck. We provide detailed written proposals so you understand where your investment is going.
We take pride in providing a detailed proposal that is our price. Not a starting point to be increased later...
We focus on deck, porch, and outdoor living construction. We use in-house crews, are a Trex Pro Platinum installer, and regularly work with Washtenaw County municipalities.
Our consultation process is straightforward and pressure-free, and we prioritize long-term durability, attention to detail, and proper installation over shortcuts.