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MK2010
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/10 401 total posts
Name:
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Am I getting ripped off?
We are replacing our small deck. We got a bunch of quotes and went with someone we liked in the middle of the range and decided to change our wood deck to composite. The work started yesterday with breaking down the old deck. The surface had many rotting spots. This morning they are starting on building the new one - but they left the old wood foundation. They told us the wood was pressurized and not rotted like the cedar planks and so they are not replacing them. It seems to me, if they are not replacing the foundation, it is a totally different job and not a deck build, just a resurfacing. They said they would take the price of the wood foundation off the cost of the deck - but only after we asked what was going on. I was told the amount of labor was the same because they had to check/replace screws and make sure the old foundation is solid. The cost savings for not getting new wood is about $300. Am I getting hosed here or does this seem legit. As long as the deck lasts a while, I will be happy and I have no intention of paying less than what I agreed to - it just seems off to me - but I really have no knowledge of construction/building, etc. What do you think?
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Posted 6/4/15 9:12 AM  |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Am I getting ripped off?
I don't know, but it sounds off to me. If you are replacing the deck, to me that would mean the entire deck, not just the surface. And, I would think they are also saving more than just the cost of materials. They don't have to cut the wood to the right size, dig the holes to install it and I'm sure other steps in building the foundation.
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| Posted 6/4/15 9:15 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Am I getting ripped off?
Posted by chilltocam
I don't know, but it sounds off to me. If you are replacing the deck, to me that would mean the entire deck, not just the surface. And, I would think they are also saving more than just the cost of materials. They don't have to cut the wood to the right size, dig the holes to install it and I'm sure other steps in building the foundation.
ITA. I would not be happy if they just left whatever was there.
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| Posted 6/4/15 9:27 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Am I getting ripped off?
If the footprint is staying the same, it's better keeping the old foundation, assuming it's still in good condition, which it should be. An existing foundation has been proven to be level, stable, and below the frost line.
However, the labor is tremendously less by keeping the old foundation. To replace the foundation, you have to dig up the old posts and footings, possibly dig new holes, pour new cement, plumb and level the new posts, let it cure, etc.
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| Posted 6/4/15 9:28 AM |
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Blubtrflygrl
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/15 609 total posts
Name:
allison
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Re: Am I getting ripped off?
Posted by GoldenRod
If the footprint is staying the same, it's better keeping the old foundation, assuming it's still in good condition, which it should be. An existing foundation has been proven to be level, stable, and below the frost line.
However, the labor is tremendously less by keeping the old foundation. To replace the foundation, you have to dig up the old posts and footings, possibly dig new holes, pour new cement, plumb and level the new posts, let it cure, etc.
Agreed. DH does carpentry and masonry and these jobs cost thousands and are a ton of work.
Most people who are not familiar with this business tend to think the prices are astronomical.
We bought a few pieces of wood recently for temporary steps on our new porch and that alone was $300!
Plus it took him all day to install that.
When he added another staircase to our back deck that took 2 full days.
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| Posted 6/4/15 1:09 PM |
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MK2010
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/10 401 total posts
Name:
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Re: Am I getting ripped off?
Posted by GoldenRod
If the footprint is staying the same, it's better keeping the old foundation, assuming it's still in good condition, which it should be. An existing foundation has been proven to be level, stable, and below the frost line.
However, the labor is tremendously less by keeping the old foundation. To replace the foundation, you have to dig up the old posts and footings, possibly dig new holes, pour new cement, plumb and level the new posts, let it cure, etc.
Thank you! Once again - I find your posts SUPER helpful. This makes me feel better but also justified. They finished the deck and it looks great and they took a little (not enough off the top) - but I am really happy with it. I appreciate your feedback (and others, too).
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| Posted 6/9/15 3:12 PM |
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schmora15
LIF Adult
Member since 9/08 2476 total posts
Name:
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Am I getting ripped off?
Is it possible they planned on using the old foundation when you got the original quote? Aside from the cost of composite being greater it was explained to us that the installation is more labor intensive. I know cost we were quoted just for labor on a composite was quite a bit more. Maybe that's why?
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| Posted 6/10/15 6:40 AM |
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