Peachtree Decks just completed a porch and deck project for us last month (June 2018). We added…read moreapproximately 250 sf of screened porch area and 127 sf of outdoor deck area. I am a 35-year construction manager for a very large commercial developer. I know how to evaluate contractors, drawings, design, quality and pricing. I know how to deal with contractors, how to identify red flag and pitfalls and what methods a contractor can use to cut corners or inflate change orders. I dealt directly with Greg DiBernardo and his crew.
We could not possibly be happier with the finished product. The schedule was exactly as quoted. The price was exactly as quoted. The materials were exactly as quoted. And the quality was beyond my expectations. We spend a great deal of time on the porch now, without the aggravation of mosquitos and gnats. We treat it as a combined living/dining area and have enjoyed numerous dinner parties in this wonderful space. If you are thinking about a screened porch, as much as you think you'll enjoy it, you will enjoy it exponentially more. And so will your dogs!
In case you are not aware, screened in porches are pricey. Ours exceeded $60k. But it must be understood that this addition is just that - an addition to your home. But for insulation and windows, it is very similar to adding a room onto your home. Don't trust this to a guy working out of the back of his truck or a friend of a friend that you THINK is a carpenter.
I did all the due diligence necessary to make an informed decision. And I looked at the work of a lot of builders before I selected Peachtree Decks. Further, I've read the reviews on Peachtree Decks which you've likely done as well, particularly the two less than glowing reviews. Let me say this. If you are looking for free design that you can shop out to some fly by night contractor or your neighbor's brother-in-law, don't bother with Peachtree. They are way too professional and busy for that kind of game. And frankly, they realize what your game is, just as any contractor would. That's why they don't hand over their design to you. Is that aggravating? Absolutely. I hated it, too. But let's face it. Too many people have not one qualm about exercising contractors without any intention to buy or build. Peachtree Decks wants you to have some skin in the game. It's $75. No big deal! When people feel like they got no value out of the design consultation, what they didn't get was drawings for $75 that they could shop to some other contractor. If you want design documents, you have to hire an architect, and yes, you actually have to spend money, and lots of it. Then and only then do you own the design.
I also noticed that the two negative reviews elected not to move forward with construction. This is a huge indicator that they suffered from sticker shock. If they are balking at $75 for some lines on paper, stomaching a $60k porch was never in the cards.
I provide this level of detail because this was an arms length transaction. I've never met Greg DiBernardo before, and I'd never heard of Peachtree Decks. I put them through the paces with contracting terms and schedule compliance, and they delivered at every turn. The jobsite was always clean. The working crews professional, friendly, knowledgeable and very customer service oriented. The service and quality we got were unparalleled. They managed permitting, so the whole job was on the up and up. They provided all the documentation I needed for HOA approval, and we all know how painful an HOA can be. I actually got approval in less than five minutes. I made a field change that was embraced with cooperation. So to have Peachtree Decks suffer a black eye in the minds of review readers because someone wanted free design services or control of a $75 document is egregious.
Hire these guys. Pony up the money. You will not regret it.
