Lumber and Trex Market Update: 1/29/2022
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Do You Need a Condo or HOA Approval to Build a Deck?

Living within an HOA or Condo association has many benefits. You may feel a sense of community, have access to great amenities, and your neighborhood or building likely has excellent curb appeal. 

But when it comes to home improvement, like building a new deck, what kind of condo or HOA approvals do you need and to what extent? How limited are you with color and design, and what are the consequences of being a “rule-breaker”?

Here’s what you need to know!

Is Approval Really Necessary?

The short answer is yes; if you live within a homeowner’s or condo association, you’ll need to secure approval for your project. There’s no way around it. But don’t worry, the best builders will handle this all for you. Including Custom Deck Creations if you decide to build with us – we’ll secure all necessary approvals for your new deck project.

Are All Associations the Same?

Some associations are very loose with their rules. You may not even realize there is a “board,” and maybe there isn’t one that meets regularly. Sometimes securing an HOA approval is as easy as emailing the association’s president. You simply send them a drawing of your deck’s plan, wait for them to email back “approved,” and that’s it.

Other associations are extremely strict and only allow certain decking brands, colors, and railing materials. They’ll require full details of your project to make sure they meet all the requirements and architectural guidelines.

While the conditions may vary between associations, typically, you can expect a response from most within 14-30 days after submitting your plans. 

Requirements 

Trex deck in Michigan

An HOA or condo association requires approval before building because of their specific requirements regarding deck placements, sizes, colors, etc. It’s one way how the association can uphold or increase the property’s value and maintain a certain aesthetic appeal. And if you build a deck outside of what’s permitted, the association could even require you to remove the deck and/or give you a fine. 

Also, be aware that some associations require you to install stone under your deck and may even have a depth requirement. For example, Grandview Estates in Canton requires 3 inches of pea gravel or egg rock under all decks. 

Make sure to learn of any conditions or restrictions when you’re planning the design of your deck. With that being said, we’ve worked with associations that are looser with their rules and others that are more strict. A simple phone call or email to the association can determine any requirements or restrictions they may have.

PRO TIP: Safe Colors

If you’re having trouble with color selection, take a look at these two very popular and condo association-friendly colors: Trex Transcend Tree House and Trex Transcend Rope Swing. (You can find all Trex colors with the Trex color selector.)

A Word On Building Permits

Permits from your local building department are entirely separate from a condo association or HOA approval. But we will need to secure both of these before building. 

Even though they’re separate, many building departments will require approval from your HOA or condo association before they’ll issue a permit or even accept a permit submission. And other building departments will simply trust that your project has already been approved or will be approved by the association before you build. 

The Bottom Line

Condo association or HOA approval will vary between communities. But ensuring your project meets the requirements is critical if you want to start the build without revising your design and prolonging the entire process.

By hiring a reputable builder within your community, it can make the process much easier. And again, Custom Deck Creations will work with your association (and the city) to secure all necessary approvals for your project.

What Next?

Are you ready to start your new deck build?

At Custom Deck Creations, we build composite decks for clients across SE Michigan. We’ll work with you to design your dream deck and make sure it meets all the requirements set by your HOA or condo association. And, of course, stay within your budget!

Please, get in touch for a free over-the-phone estimate; we’d love to chat! Also, feel free to check out some of our most recent builds.

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About Custom Deck Creations

From design to installation, Custom Deck Creations combines beautiful decks with fair pricing and unparalleled customer service. Our designs stand out, while our install processes exceeds expectations. We are a certified TrexPro Platinum builder. Custom Deck Creations is located in and serves Southeast Michigan. 

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Lumber and Trex Market Costs Update

Last Updated: 1/29/2022
Custom Deck Creations

A brief look into the current and expected inflation

Quick Summary

Lumber rose +28% locally from November 2021 to January 2022, and is expected for another significant double-digit increase impacting us in June 2022. We’re also anticipating a cost increase  from Trex around that  same time frame. Depending on size and material selection, decks are anticipated to increase in cost an average of $2,000 to $4,000 come June 2022. Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April/May, before we feel these cost increases. Schedule a quote with us today to lock in today’s costs.

For a more detailed look into the market, please continue reading:

Lumber

The lumber market continues to see pressure on the supply side. Canadian truck drivers are protesting COVID vaccine mandates, threatening to disrupt deliveries in Canada and possibly into the US. Fuel prices are also increasing. Overall demand for Southern Yellow Pine (pressure treated lumber used here in MI) remains steady. Mills are not sitting on a lot of inventory. Lead times from mills to dealers are getting extended.

Pressure treated lumber costs increased locally +28% from November 2021 to January 2022.

Lumber is expected to increase another ~+40% in June 2022. 

Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April & May 2022, before we’re impacted by these increased costs.

Trex

Data from Trex distributors nationwide are seeing a steady growth in purchases even through winter.

Trex continues to see huge demand increases nationwide. 

Our Interpretation

Lumber will continue to rise in price throughout 2022. We don’t believe we’ll see pre-2022 lumber pricing any time soon.

In 2021 Trex put out 4 separate approximately +10% price increases. We believe more are to be expected in 2022. We do not expect Trex to ever lower their pricing.

No Inflationary Clause

Custom Deck Creations does not have an inflationary clause. Lock in today’s lumber and Trex costs with a signed agreement which puts you on our schedule. We will not charge you more even if our costs go up.

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