Archadeck of Austin

Posts tagged “Customer service

Archadeck of Austin Saves the Day on this Southwest Austin Outdoor Kitchen Project

Beautiful patio cover and outdoor kitchen in SW Austin by Archadeck of Austin

Beautiful patio cover and outdoor kitchen in SW Austin by Archadeck of Austin.

Good Job Gone Bad – And Then Made Great!

On a recent outdoor kitchen project in Southwest Austin, we found ourselves in an unusual situation and the basis of a cautionary tale to consumers.  We gave an opportunity to a new, highly recommended, stone mason we found through Nextdoor.comUnfortunately, the workmanship fell way short of our standards …well anyone’s standards.  There is no need to go into details here.  Suffice it to say, we released the mason and completed the job correctly – at considerable expense to us. We made it right – completely!

Austin Outdoor Kitchens

Archadeck of Austin has worked 20 years developing the outstanding reputation we maintain.  In this specific case, we were recommended by partner BBQ Outfitters.  Substandard quality would have reflected poorly us and them, and the homeowners would not have received the value that they deserve.  We took a problem and turned it into a success.  As built initially it was completely functional but a long way from right.  Now it’s stunning.

before and after

When we met with the homeowners for the project’s design phase, they chose white limestone for the base of the kitchen, matching their home’s exterior. For the countertops, they selected buff Lueders limestone, which is sourced in Texas and always beautiful, especially for countertops.  The project entailed a 24ft long outdoor kitchen with Artesian Grill, Kamado Joe smoker, Perlick ice maker and refrigerator, Blaze PRO power burner, sink, doors, drawers, trash chute, and storage access behind the kitchen – that’s a mouthful and needless to say a big investment.  We think you will agree the kitchen is now beautiful and an excellent addition to the poolside retreat for the whole family.

Austin Outdoor Kitchen

Despite a rough patch in the building process, this Southwest Austin project turned out exceptionally well. It’s one we’ll show off when prospective clients want to know what kind of work we do. We do great work and stand behind it.

Taking a Leap of Faith – Cautionary Tale!

Consider this nightmare of a possibility … Suppose instead of finding a referral for Archadeck, they had seen one for these other guys and had hired them instead. Their outdoor kitchen would have been a mess and they would have been left out in the cold.

The clients were fortunate (or just very smart) to have hired a professional and reliable company like Archadeck of Austin. We took full responsibility for making sure the work was done correctly. When there was a problem, it was Archadeck that took the hit instead of the homeowners.

life is hard, get a hard hat

Archadeck of Austin will do that for you. As Dave Ramsey said, Life is hard. Get a hard hat. We wear the hard hat, and we deal with the hard stuff, so you don’t have to.

The moral of this story is that regardless of where you get a referral for work to be done at your home, you must still do your research. Look that company up online, check their reputation and their references. Having a referral doesn’t always mean you have a company that will take care of you. Choosing Archadeck does. If you’re interested in adding a custom outdoor living space to your home and want to work with a company that takes care of its customers, give us a call. If you want to add a patio, deck, outdoor fireplace or any other outdoor living structure, call 512-259-8282 or email us.

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

 

 

 

 


Top 6 Reasons a Professional Austin Outdoor Living Space Builder is Worth the Wait!

Covered patio in Austin, TX with outdoor kitchenChoosing a reliable, professional outdoor living structure company can be difficult, and how can you really make sure they are the right company for you? Custom design, over 16 years in the Austin market and attention to quality and detail are all important factors to consider.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither should your anticipated outdoor living addition. Keep in mind, that quality and true craftsmanship require time and expertise. With this in mind, here are the top 6 reasons choosing Archadeck of Austin for your outdoor living space endeavor is definitely worth the wait…

  1. Contemporary Outdoor Living Space Designer and Builder Austin TXBetter Building by Design – The design of an outdoor structure isn’t just about a layout and the build. The design of an outdoor structure is a reflection of your personality. It is an extension of the way you live your outdoor lifestyle and see yourself living in that space. Choosing a builder that will custom design your project and match your needs to every last detail will have you feeling thankful you waited.
  1. Enjoy for years to come – Getting your outdoor space completed in time to enjoy the season is a common concern. But what about the following seasons and countless years to come? From graduations, bridal or baby showers to becoming the family gathering hub, this outdoor living space is going to be appreciated year after year. So give it the time it deserves to be built and know that it is all worth the wait to get the perfect family space to enjoy for many years to come.
  1. Outstanding Project Management – A project build has a lot of moving parts. With a experienced project manager your build will progress smoothly and on schedule. A lot of the time, other teams have to be brought in to get part of the job completed. This can include plumbers, painters, electricians, roofing contractors and many more. The right project management team will ensure your outdoor structure(s) are completed within the time frame of your build in mind.
  1. Archadeck of Austin wins a best of Houzz service award in 2016High Quality Builders – Research to find a professional Austin deck, porch or patio builder is apart of the process. What do the most trusted sites have to say about the company? Do their reviews hold up to the standard you’re looking for in a builder? They absolutely should. Archadeck of Austin is proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and Archadeck of Austin was awarded a Best of Houzz service award in 2016.

Interior of South Austin covered patio

  1. Understanding Restrictions and Keeping You Safe – A set back in design or build can always have a solution if you’re working with the right professional builder. Archadeck’s national design team assists in the engineering of your project. Keeping your safety as a main focus, assistance to determine how much weight a column or beam can hold based off the soil in your yard is just one example of how the national design team lends a hand.

Austin deck and porch builders

  1. Whichever way you look; we’ve got your back – No matter the project, you –the customer will be in trusted hands with Archadeck of Austin. Your project will be backed by three national warranties. The first is the Workmanship Warranty which covers defects within the material used such as splitting, severe warping, leaking roofs or shifting patio pavers. The second warranty will cover defects within the structural components and is what we refer to as the Structural Warranty. Footings, patio base material, columns, beams and joint are a few structural components included on the warranty. Last but not least, any manufactured items will be covered under the terms of the Manufactured Warranty including pressure treated lumber, windows, pavers or any outdoor kitchen components.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

Remember these top 6 reasons it is worth the wait when choosing an Austin outdoor living space builder. Contact Archadeck of Austin at (515) 259-8282 to schedule a free design consultation today or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net.

 

 

 

 


Follow Archadeck of Austin on Houzz — Your One Stop for Outdoor Living Inspiration!

Archadeck of Austin is featured on HouzzWhere do you search when you are in the market for updating and improving your home, landscape and outdoor spaces? Naturally, most of us turn to the worldwide web. The internet is overflowing with websites, forums, imagery and hubs offering new ideas and inspiration for planning your home improvement or outdoor living project. One of the most admired and frequented of all these is Houzz.

Archadeck of Austin wins a best of Houzz service award in 2016Archadeck of Austin was just awarded the “Best of Houzz 2016” award in the category of Customer Service. As the leading platform for home remodeling and design, bringing monthly users of more than 25 million homeowners and home professionals together, Houzz utilizes their annual survey and analysis to compile their “Best of Houzz” list of home professionals. In the category of Customer Service, award recipients are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. That means the 25 million+ monthly users that comprise the Houzz community recognized Archadeck of Austin’s commitment to excellence…wow, what an honor!

Who is Houzz?

Gone are the days of clipping pictures from home and garden magazines. Houzz is an interactive platform for home remodeling and design that is bringing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community. Here at Archadeck of Austin, we realize when homeowners are in the market for any kind remodel or addition to their home, they do a lot of research, look at hundreds of photos and reviews and get quotes from several professional companies. Adding an outdoor living structure is no different. That’s why we are thrilled to be part of the largest go-to site for remodeling, design ideas and imagery.

Archadeck of Austin's Houzz profile

What better way to let our potential clients view an extensive portfolio of our completed outdoor living space designs first hand? Even though every project we design is created specifically for our clients’ individual needs and desires, our galleries within Houzz can spark ideas on how we can create a truly custom outdoor living space for you, too!

Archadeck of Austin's Houzz patio galleryHouzz is easily accessible from any computer, smart phone or tablet. Once inside, you can view Archadeck of Austin’s extensive Houzz galleries of beautiful outdoor living spaces. You can find and save photos from our galleries to ideabooks you create and name yourself and reference back to them anytime you like! These saved images will also help us put together a design that is exactly what you want for your outdoor living environment. We are constantly adding new images to our galleries, too — so there is always a new source for inspiration!

If you are ready to enjoy your backyard again with a custom designed and built outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Austin today. We build decks, porches, patios, outdoor rooms, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and fire features, and complete outdoor living environments, with the finest materials to suit your individual and unique tastes. Call us or email us for a free consultation at ( 512) 259 – 8282  or email us at  jim.odom@archadeck.net.


We don’t just build structures to fit the way you want to live, we build structures that support the big moments in your life.

Austin multi-level deck with pergola

Outdoor kitchen appliances

The addition of an outdoor kitchen can make your holiday, or special event hassle free with the convenience of a secondary food preparation area.

When you think about what motivates homeowners to make the decision to add an outdoor living area to their home and backyard, in many cases the motivating factor that drives them to act upon their decision is a holiday, party or event they have planned for the near future. Let’s say for instance with the holiday season just around the corner, a homeowner may decide to go ahead and add on that new deckcovered porch, or outdoor fireplace with a custom stone patio surround in anticipation of family and friends that are planning to visit and having the structure up and running will create a great place to relax and spend time with family and friends within a unique outdoor setting to make new memories together. It’s almost as though you have the indulgence of an extra “family room” with a unique outdoor setting. Could you imagine having an outdoor kitchen incorporated into your deck or patio that could serve as a secondary food preparation area on Thanksgiving? The hubby can fry the turkey in the outdoor kitchen, and be out of the way, while the lady of the house prepares all the sumptuous side dishes in the house. Having the function of an outdoor kitchen to take some of the stress out of the kitchen, especially if you prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a large crowd, can make “Turkey day” run as smooth as a french silk pie.

Wreath on privacy cattle wall

A spa deck such as this one by Archadeck of Austin can make your holiday party merry and bright

The beauty of our business is when a homeowner  approaches us and needs their outdoor endeavor completed within a specific time frame most of the time we are able to accommodate their request. We do absolutely everything we can to accommodate it. We always quote a lead time to begin and give an expected completion date and 90% of the time we meet it with 2 or 3 days.  Just this month we had a deck that was needed for a wedding, a restaurant deck for an opening last week, and a cabana finished for a party. This week we engaged on a job for a Christmas party mid December. In most cases, if you need it, Archadeck of Austin can have it ready for you within the time frame you need it.

covered patio cabana with outdoor fireplace austin

This cabana style patio cover makes the perfect spot for entertaining with an outdoor fireplace, and outdoor kitchen built right in.

Many outdoor structure builders hesitate to make these kind of promises to homeowners because they lack the project management that is necessary to make sure every aspect of your outdoor structure is run in a professional, timely manner. We make certain on all of our jobs that each specific layer of the building process is set up in the order it needs to be accomplished to avoid delays, and have wiggle room if a problem arises. The keys to being able to deliver what we promise are superior project management, frequent and effective communication with the homeowner, a solid design, and good weather.

Austin covered patio, deck and pergola

Ring in the New Year in style with a covered patio, deck and pergola by Archadeck of Austin

Wouldn’t the thought of having your New Year’s Eve bash under the cover of the warm Texas evening on your new deck sound enticing this year? If you dream it, we can build it. The bottom line is that if you need to get a job done to fit your individual schedule we can do it. Contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more and remember, we take care of everything but the weather. (512) 259 – 8282
Austin@archadeck.net

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

To see more awe-inspiring images of decks that are perfect for your next big outdoor event visit our deck photo gallery located on our website.

You can also see more of our delicious outdoor kitchen designs be visiting our outdoor kitchen photo gallery also located on our website as well.


A front entrance transformation in Austin, TX that takes these homeowners to a cherished memory in their lives.

Proposed gothic front entrance with nset of the entrance of St .Edwards to show similarities.

Once in a while Archadeck of Austin gets a front row seat on witnessing magic happen before our very eyes. This magic comes from an outdoor structure design that creates an emotional reaction with the customers.

3-D design rendering for proposed front entrance by Archadeck of Austin

3-D design rendering for proposed front entrance by Archadeck of Austin

As is the case with these homeowners in the Circle C  Ranch community right here in Austin, TX. We created a design rendering of the front entrance to their home that stirred in them memories and emotions that make this structure unforgettable. The homeowners both had attended college at St. Edwards University of Austin. The design rendering we created for their home immediately took them back to the front entrance of St. Edwards, where as it turns out, was the very place the husband had proposed to his wife, on those very front steps. The homeowners immediately said  “I do” and  decided to go forth with the design Archadeck of Austin had created that reminded them of that special place, at that special time.

Home in Circle C Ranch before the new entrance was added by Archadeck of Austin.

Home in Circle C Ranch before the new entrance was added by Archadeck of Austin.

Their  home, located  in the Circle C  Ranch community was a fairly large home. The original builder had done an average job on the entrance and the path leading up to entry was rather narrow, as were the stairs, and the front porch was railed with cedar. Archadeck of Austin was called in to open up the entrance with a new design that would add character and style to the home.

This photo shows the flared steps and wider, more welcoming entrance we provided.

This photo shows the flared steps and wider, more welcoming entrance Archadeck of Austin created.

We went over the plan using a 3-dimensional view. Archadeck of Austin added flared steps which would welcome guests with open arms. We also added an arch, added some sidewall to the narrow steps to amplify the foot room and changed the cedar railings to metal to increase visibility. In order to achieve the desired effects we adjusted the steps, added a bit of deck and also added brick from the house. We used concrete aggregate to finish the sidewalk and add tread to the steps, as well as adding risers out of the same brick as the homes facade. We used the same brick to finish the wall, and the railings we added were beautiful  Fortress metal railings.

The finished entrance has metal railing to open the view from this lovely entrance by Archadeck of Austin.

The finished entrance has metal railing to open the view from this lovely entrance by Archadeck of Austin.

This finished structure is truly a beauty to behold, and one these Austin, TX  homeowners can never forget. Archadeck of Austin was able to convey that romance and emotion they felt from many years ago into a structure they can enjoy everyday. An entrance transformation such as this is proof positive that Archadeck of Austin  is more than just a backyard company.

If you want to add style and drama to your front entrance or front porch, contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more. We can design and build a stunning and welcoming front entrance for your home, because after all, first impressions are everything. Call us at (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net

You can view photos of other front porch transformations by visiting our photo galleries at http://www.archadeck-austin.com/gallery.asp?selpics=Porch&subcat=Open


A worry free deck with a view at River Place in Austin

Composite redecking by Archadeck of Austin

Austin_combination_use_deck_adn_spa_deck_with_black_metal_railing

This deck and spa deck combination takes advantage of spectacular views and plenty of room for entertaining

I have been in the business of outdoor structures for many years and there’s a reason why I keep doing it. I love building outdoor structures and seeing the positive effect they have on my customers lives. I LOVE designing decks. I have also learned a lot over the years by not only working with my customers but by keeping in contact with them as well.

There are two things I really push for when my clients are making their decision. The first one is size. By this I don’t mean convincing someone who wants a 500 square foot deck to go to a 1,000 square feet. What I mean is measuring their furniture and seeing how much depth they really need so that the furniture can still be comfortable in the “pulled out” position, much like it will be after dinner and when your guests linger over coffee. People will pull out their chairs from the table and extend and cross their legs to enjoy the leg room that’s often needed after a wonderful and very filling dinner. You would be absolutely amazed at the difference that can be achieved by adding one or two feet of depth to a deck of patio.

Austin_deck_with_endless_pool

Views such as this endless pool should never go un-noticed when designing a deck for a client

The second thing I am passionate about is the view. Here in Austin we have beautiful hilly terrains, mature trees in many places and other beautiful structures and details within our yards. You may just want a good view of the backyard to watch the kids play. So often, people think that the only railing choice is one with thick and closely spaced pickets. This simply is not the case. Metal railings are very popular these days because they have very narrow pickets that not only dramatically improve the view, but they also require less maintenance.

Deck in River Place, TX prior ro the re-decking

Deck in River Place, Austin TX

One such job where Archadeck of Austin was able to frame the view and offer plenty of linger and leg room was a deck we recently completed for homeowners in River Place, which is inside Austin. These homeowner’s residence overlooks a beautiful view of a canyon, unfortunately, a good portion of this stunning view was obscured. This was in part by the old deck having too many benches and the railing. Literally, when you were inside the home looking out, all you could see were benches. We aimed to change that for the better in our design and re-decking plan. We aimed to open up that view so the homeowners could relish the view. Since their home is so elevated on one side they also yearned for a little privacy on the deck as well. We were able to incorporate both with this new re-decking. Since the existing frame of the old deck was in such good condition we were able to immediately move forward with the re-decking.

This tree at this home in River Place, TX gave the deck a oersonality all it's own

This tree at this home in River Place, TX gave the deck a personality all its own

An older contractor had built a seat that incorporated the beautiful tree that was in the middle of the large part of the deck. We wanted to keep this in the design of the re-decking, because it gave the deck a personality and uniqueness all its own.

The deck is  a massive 1,000 square feet and 5′ off the ground and in some places 11′ off the ground as well. The homeowners decided to replace the old deck with composite decking . They chose the very desirable Fiberon Horizon decking in Ipe. Today’s composites have evolved to being spectacular and are virtually maintenance free. They have no open pores so there is nowhere for mold to grow, and plastic capped composites such as this can be cleaned with simple soap and water they pay for themselves  in no time because of the lack of maintenance required on a deck like this. These materials have a 25 year manufacturers warranty as well. The difference in composites today as opposed to ten years ago is the difference between night and day. People still love the tranquility and natural look of a wood deck and this can now be captured with today’s composites.

Notice how the new rail opens up the view

We finished out the new deck with a Radiant rail post with stunning Fortress iron railing. We still wanted to achieve a decorative effect so we used composite post sleeves, this allows the homeowners to “picture frame” the deck but doesn’t obscure any of the breathtaking view.  We removed the backs from the existing benches and used the iron rails to open up the deck so the homeowners can see the canyon as well as their lovely pool.

These Homeowners in River Place, TX now have the deck and view of their dreams, built out of hassle free, worry free composites. They have plenty of room for entertaining and quaint evenings overlooking the canyon for many years to come.

Please visit our Austin composite deck photo gallery to see more beautiful decks built with this wonderful and innovative material


Archadeck of Austin Comes to the Rescue with Creativity to Solve a Unique Challenge

Recently Archadeck of Austin put in a patio complete with benches and topped it off with a flower bed with pedestal lights for this homeowner. Much to our dismay there was an electrical issue. The homeowner wanted separate switches inside the residence to control the two sets of lights we installed atop the pedestals and the two recessed lights we installed into the sides of the pedestals.

The recessed lights were low voltage, and the post lights were the large lights on the pedestals that lit up the patio. In the end we ended up with lights which were controlled by a wireless remote. This made the homeowner ecstatic, now she keeps the remote control handy in her home, and the receiving box was able to control two different sets of lights.

The unique challenge we faced with this job was to hide the wiring. The electrician that we worked with was very creative in coming up with the wireless solution. Our project manager on this job really outdid himself this time on making sure every t was crossed and every i dotted, to ensure the safety and happiness of the homeowner.

This is just one instance where Archadeck of Austin’s creativity and knowledge of the trade came in handy. We always try to go the extra mile for all our customers. If you are considering the addition of an outdoor improvement or new construction in your future, give us a call today to get the ball rolling.Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at
Austin@archadeck.net.


Archadeck of Austin Runs an ” All- Inclusive” Construction From Start to Finish

Many homeowners don’t realize all that is entailed when they decide to hire a contractor to build an outdoor or indoor structure for them. It is crucial to realize that you don’t necessarily have to hire multiple contractors to get the job done right. Many people think you have to hire separate contractors to do each job. Such as an electrician to do the electrical work, a separate plumber for plumbing, etc. This simply is not the case  when you use us.

Architectural detailing

A good contractor will entail the help needed from within. This is what we do here at Archadeck of Austin. We have our own electricians, plumbers, framers, roofers and the list goes on and on. This means less hassle for the homeowner and less hassle for the contractor and sub-contractors. Your individual jobs will be handled within a timely manner and at the appropriate point of construction. we don’t have different people tripping over one another to do their job, we run a clean and smooth installation.

Tigerwood lower deck in Austin multi-level deck

Tigerwood lower deck in Austin multi-level deck

Not only will scheduling headaches leave you overwhelmed and frustrated if you try to do this yourself, chances are you will pay more in the long run for hiring separate contractors. We have an “all-inclusive” theory, we want you to be able to sit back and relax through the grunt work. We have project managers with knowledge and experience assigned to each job and  there every step of the way, keeping your best interests in mind and making sure each job is scheduled appropriately. From taking care of all the necessary permits and inspections, to ordering correct materials, and making sure things are completed right on time so you can start enjoying your structure or addition sooner.

Our project managers stay in  constant contact with our customers in case changes or amendments need to be made as well. If you are considering a sunroom, patio,deck, or other addition to your home or landscape give us a call to discuss a design plan, we will make sure your experience is smooth and worry free.Call (512) 259-8282