The HD&P Building Process
How We Build Your Outdoor Space
We know that hiring a contractor is a big commitment. You are inviting people into your home and trusting them with your money. You deserve to know exactly what is going to happen before you sign anything. We are a local, family-run business. We don’t have a sales team. We don’t use high-pressure tactics. We just want to build great decks and porches for our neighbors here in Hoover and Birmingham. Here is exactly how the HD&P building process works, from the first phone call to the final nail.
The Initial Connection & Phone Chat
Getting started is simple. When you call or fill out our form, our office team will answer and help gather the basics. We respect your time, so we want to make sure we are prepared before we dive in.
- Gathering the Basics: Our receptionist will ask for your general goals and request a few photos of your current space.
- Kevin's Review: We send this info directly to Kevin. He reviews your photos and notes to get a clear picture of what you need.
- The 30-Minute Consultation: Kevin calls you personally for a focused 30-minute discussion. We talk about your budget, special requirements, and design ideas.
If the conversation goes well, Kevin will ask to be invited out to take a closer look.
The On-Site Consultation
Kevin comes to your home personally. This visit usually lasts about one hour.
- Expert Eyes: Kevin looks at the structure of your home, the slope of your yard, and access points.
- Honest Advice: We don't just say "yes" to everything. If an idea won't work or will cost too much, we will tell you. We want to give you realistic options that fit your budget.
- No Sketches Yet: For most standard decks, we don't need drawings on the spot. We take measurements and notes to build your quote.
The Quote & The Plan
We don’t give rough guesses. We build a detailed plan for your project.
For Standard Decks: We provide a clear quote. If you approve it, we are ready to move to the next step.
For Porches & Complex Structures: Covered decks and screened-in porches are different. They require architectural drawings for safety and permits.
- Retainer: For these big projects, we collect a retainer to start the engineering and design work.
- Drawings: We get the official plans drawn up so we can give you a final, accurate price.
Getting Things Moving
Once you are ready to start, we handle the logistics.
- The Deposit: We require a 50% deposit to get on our schedule. This allows us to order materials, schedule deliveries, and lock in your start date.
- HOA: If you have a Homeowners Association, you handle the approval paperwork with them.
- Permits: We handle the building permits. As a Licensed Home Builder, we ensure everything is up to code. You don't have to stress about the city inspectors.
The Build
When the work starts, you will see a crew of 2-4 experienced builders. We use a dump trailer for debris, so we don’t have to leave a giant dumpster in your driveway for weeks on end.
The Timeline Depends on the Project:
- Deck Replacements: These are usually fast. We can often finish in a few days.
- New Screened Porches: These are complex. They involve framing, roofing, electrical, and detailed carpentry. You might see gaps in activity. This is normal! We have to schedule different trades (like electricians or roofers) at specific times. We manage the schedule to keep things moving as fast as possible.
The Finish Line
We aren’t done until we walk the job with you.
- Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance is due when the work is complete.
- The Walkthrough: We walk the deck with you to make sure everything is solid. If we see something wrong, we fix it.
- Our Warranty: We don't hand you a complicated legal document. Our warranty is simple: We have your back. If you notice an issue next week or next month, just call us. We will come out and make a plan to fix it.
Ready to Build? Request Your Free Estimate.
Here’s How Simple It Is.
- Tell us how we can help
- We’ll come take a look
- You decide if we’re a good fit
That’s it — no pressure, no gimmicks.
Just easy and professional, the way it should be.
Start the Process with Hoover Deck & Porch
Give us a call at 205-962-2823 or fill out our quick form for a fast quote.