Skip to content

TRCofNC Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to build a 20x20 deck in North Carolina depends on several factors, including the decking material you choose, the height and structural complexity of the build, and any add-ons like an overhang, lighting, or multi-level design. Pressure-treated wood decks typically fall on the more budget-friendly end, while composite materials like Trex cost more upfront but require far less maintenance over time. Site conditions, such as ground slope and soil type, can also affect framing and footing needs. Every property and vision is different, so the most accurate number comes from a free, no-obligation estimate. Reach out and we'll walk your yard with you to talk through options that fit your goals and your budget.

In most cases, no. North Carolina's building code requires a permit for any deck attached to your home, and freestanding decks generally need one too, though some cities, including Raleigh and Cary, require a permit for decks of any size. Permits ensure your deck's footings, framing, and railings meet safety standards built to hold up through the weight and pressure from wind, snow, and company. Skipping the permit process can create problems later, from failed inspections to issues with insurance or resale. At The Remodeling Company, we handle the entire permitting process for you as part of every deck build.

The Remodeling Company has spent years building decks, porches, and exterior projects across the Triangle, and that experience shows in every detail, from framing to finish work. We handle the entire process from design to permitting to final walkthrough, so you're never stuck untangling paperwork or coordinating separate trades on your own. We're a NC Home Builders Association member, hold an A+ BBB rating, and were recognized with the Angi Super Service Award, credentials backed by more than 300 reviews from Triangle homeowners. We also partner with trusted material brands like Trex, so you're getting products built to last, not the cheapest option on the shelf. When you work with us, you're getting one team handling everything from the first phone call to the final board.

The cost of building a porch in the Triangle depends on the size, whether it's open-air or screened-in, the roofline and roofing material, and the type of foundation required. A simple open porch generally costs less than a fully screened or three-season porch with added electrical and framing. Site-specific factors, like tying into your home's existing roofline, also shape the final scope of work. Porches vary so widely in design and complexity that we recommend a free consultation to get pricing tailored to your home. Our team will walk you through the options and help you find the right fit for your space and budget.

Yes, in nearly every case. A porch is typically attached to your home and often involves roofing, foundation work, or electrical, so it almost always requires a building permit in North Carolina regardless of size. Permits protect your investment by ensuring the structure is built to code and can safely support its roof and any added features. Skipping this step can create issues down the road with inspections, insurance, or a future home sale. When you build with The Remodeling Company, permitting is included as part of the process, so you don't have to manage it yourself.

Porches are almost always attached to the home and involve roof and foundation work, so most jurisdictions in North Carolina require a permit no matter the size. Some very small, fully detached, roofless structures may fall outside permit requirements, but a true porch rarely meets that description. Permit thresholds also vary by county and city, so what's exempt in one area may not be in another. Rather than guess and risk a stop-work order, it's worth confirming with your local building department or your contractor before you start. Our team checks this for every project so you can move forward with confidence.

A deck is an open-air platform, typically built from wood or composite decking, with no roof overhead. A porch is a covered, often partially enclosed structure attached to the home, built with a roofline that ties into the house's existing structure. A porch has a roof and sometimes screens or windows, so it usually involves more framing, foundation work, and material cost than a deck. Decks tend to be more budget-friendly and quicker to build, while porches offer more protection from sun and rain. The right choice comes down to how you want to use the space and how much weather protection matters to you.

A screened-in porch has a roof and screens to keep bugs out while letting in fresh air, but no windows or climate control, so it's best used in mild weather. A three-season room adds glass or vinyl windows in place of screens, offering more protection from wind and light insulation, making it comfortable through spring, summer, and fall but not built for winter. An all-season room goes a step further with full insulation and heating and cooling, functioning as true livable square footage year-round. Each option offers a different balance of cost, comfort, and usability. Our team can help you decide which fits your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space.

Absolutely. While decks, porches, siding, roofing, doors, and windows make up the core of what we do, we've also taken on custom exterior projects tailored to a homeowner's specific vision, from custom fire pit patios to full exterior remodels. If you have an idea that doesn't fit into a standard category, we're happy to talk through it and see how we can bring it to life. Our team enjoys the creative challenge of a custom build just as much as a standard remodel. Reach out and tell us what you're picturing, we'd love to hear about it.

Project timelines vary depending on the scope of work, the season, and permitting turnaround in your area. Smaller projects like window or door replacements tend to move faster than larger builds like decks, porches, or full siding jobs, which involve more phases and inspections. Weather, material availability, and any custom design elements can also affect the schedule. During your consultation, we'll give you a project-specific timeline so you know what to expect from start to finish. Our goal is always to balance efficient work with quality craftsmanship.

Pressure-treated wood decking typically costs less upfront, giving it an edge for budget-conscious projects, but it requires regular staining, sealing, sanding, and upkeep to prevent rot, warping, and splintering over time. Trex composite decking costs more initially but resists fading, staining, and moisture damage, meaning far less maintenance and a longer usable lifespan. If you're planning to stay in your home long-term, the reduced upkeep and durability of Trex often make it the better value over the years. If you're working with a tighter budget or a shorter time horizon, wood remains a solid, classic choice. We can walk you through both options and help you weigh cost, maintenance, and longevity for your specific goals.

Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating that reflects heat while still letting natural light in, so your home stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Less heat transfers through the glass, so your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can help lower energy bills over time. Low-E coatings also reduce UV transmission, helping protect flooring, furniture, and fabrics from sun fading. Different window product lines offer varying levels of Low-E performance and insulation, so the exact improvement depends on which option you choose. Our team can walk you through the options and help you find the right balance of performance and budget for your home.

Window replacement cost in the Triangle depends on factors like the number of windows, frame material, glass package, and installation complexity. Higher-performance options with advanced Low-E coatings or multi-pane glass cost more upfront but can offer better long-term energy savings. Older homes with non-standard window openings may also require additional framing work, which affects overall project cost. Every home and window count is different, so we recommend a free in-home estimate for accurate pricing. Our team will walk you through product options that fit your budget and performance goals.

Sliding glass door replacement cost depends on the door's size, frame material, glass package, and whether structural framing needs adjusting for a proper fit. Higher-end options with better insulation and hardware cost more upfront but tend to perform better and last longer. Pricing varies so much based on your home's specific opening and the product line you choose that a general number isn't very useful without seeing the space. We recommend scheduling a free estimate so we can give you an accurate, honest number for your exact project. That way you know what you're actually paying for, not just a ballpark guess.

How many windows you replace at once often comes down to budget and priorities rather than a fixed number. Some homeowners replace every window in one project for consistency and to maximize energy efficiency right away, while others take a phased approach, starting with the most visible or least efficient windows first. Financing options are also available, which can make a full-home replacement more attainable without stretching your budget in one lump sum. Entry-level and higher-tier window products offer different levels of long-term performance and durability, depending on how much you're able to invest upfront. We're happy to walk through your home, your options, and financing to help you prioritize which windows to tackle first.

The Remodeling Company proudly serves homeowners throughout the Triangle, including Garner, Clayton, Knightdale, Wendell, Fuquay-Varina, and Raleigh. In addition to the areas listed on our website, we also serve homeowners within roughly a 50-mile radius of our office in Garner and all the way east to New Bern and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether your home falls within our service area, just reach out. We're happy to check and let you know. We love meeting homeowners across the region and bringing their remodeling projects to life.