Outdoor construction tips for Michigan homeowners
Straight answers on decks, patios, concrete, walls, and drainage — written for the clay, frost, and lakes of Walled Lake and Oakland County.
Are permanent Christmas lights worth it in Michigan? The honest math for Oakland County homes
Permanent lighting can pay for itself within several years, but it isn't right for every home. Here's the honest math, and what Michigan winters change.
Paver, concrete, or asphalt driveway? What Oakland County homeowners should know
Asphalt is cheapest up front, concrete lasts longer, and pavers cost the most but can be repaired a piece at a time. Here is how they compare in a Michigan winter.
Repair or replace? How to tell if your deck has survived its last Michigan winter
Soft boards are easy to fix. A rotted ledger or heaved footings are not. Here is a simple walk-through to tell the difference, and when a rebuild is the smarter money.
How to make a sloped or walkout backyard usable in Oakland County
A sloped yard is not a lost cause. With terraces, a multi-level deck, or a patio off the walkout, a hill can become the best part of the property, if the water is handled first.
When should you book holiday light installation in Oakland County? (And what it costs)
The best install dates fill up before Thanksgiving. Here is when to call, what a professional install runs, and whether permanent lighting makes more sense.
Wood or gas fire pit? What Oakland County homeowners should know before building one
A fire pit stretches the Michigan backyard season from April into November. Here is how to choose between wood and gas, and what to know before you build.
Does stamped concrete crack in Michigan winters? How to keep it from happening
Stamped concrete can look great for decades in Michigan, or spall its first winter. The difference is the base, the joints, the sealer, and what you throw on it in January.
Why do paver patios sink and heave in Michigan, and how do you prevent it?
Pavers almost never fail at the surface. They fail underneath. Here is what is going wrong under a sinking patio and how to build one that stays flat.
How to stop water from pooling in your backyard (Oakland County edition)
If your yard holds water for days after a storm, the problem is grading, clay, or both. Here are the fixes that actually work in Oakland County.
Why is my retaining wall leaning or bulging? Common causes in Michigan
A wall that leans, bulges, or drops blocks is telling you what is wrong behind it. Here is how to read the signs and what actually fixes them.
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Michigan?
Short answer: usually yes if the wall is over four feet, measured from the bottom of the footing. Here is what that means in Oakland County.
Composite vs. cedar decking: which holds up better in Michigan?
Cedar costs less today. Composite costs less over twenty years. Here is how each one handles Michigan snow, sun, and neglect.
How much does it cost to build a deck in Michigan?
Most custom decks in the Lakes Area cost $35 to $70 per square foot. Material, height, and railing decide where you land. Here is the honest breakdown.
How much does a paver patio cost in Oakland County, MI?
Most paver patios in the Lakes Area land between $20 and $35 per square foot. Here is what moves that number and what a low quote usually leaves out.
Pavers vs. stamped concrete: which is right for your Michigan patio?
Both can look great. The real difference shows up after a few Michigan winters. Here is how to choose.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Michigan?
Short answer: about 42 inches, below the frost line. Here is why that number matters more than anything else you will spend money on.