Planning Your Project

Planning a deck or outdoor living project in Florida requires more than choosing materials and layouts. Because construction requirements vary widely across the state, proper planning is critical to avoiding delays, cost overruns, and compliance issues.

Deckmasters of Florida follows a structured, transparent planning process designed to guide projects from concept through construction efficiently and correctly.

Every project begins with an initial phone consultation.

During this conversation, we discuss:

• The type of project you’re considering 
• Property location and conditions 
• Residential, commercial, HOA, or waterfront considerations 
• General goals, expectations, and constraints 

In most cases, we will request photos of the existing space. This allows us to:

• Better understand site conditions
• Identify potential challenges early 
• Confirm whether we are the right contractor for your project
   

This step helps ensure that both parties are aligned before moving forward.

Once we’ve established that the project is a good fit, we schedule an on-site visit.

During the site visit, we:

• Walk the property in person 
• Evaluate structural and site conditions 
• Identify access and logistical considerations 
• Discuss layout possibilities and design concepts 
• Review material options suited to the location
  

This applies to residential, commercial, and public-sector projects across Florida.

Following the site visit, we work through:

• Defining the scope of work 
• Discussing appropriate materials based on environment and exposure 
• Identifying potential engineering or permitting requirements
   

At this stage, we provide a general timeline, with the understanding that final schedules depend on engineering, permitting, and approvals that may vary by municipality.

After the site visit and planning discussions, we prepare a written proposal that outlines:

• The defined scope of work 
• Material assumptions 
• Known project parameters 
• Preliminary timelines 
• Permit and engineering considerations
   

This proposal establishes a clear framework based on known information, while acknowledging that final engineering and permitting can affect details.

Many projects in Florida require additional approvals beyond basic permits. Depending on location and scope, we may need to account for:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) review and approval 
• Municipal permitting and inspections 
• Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requirements 
• Water Management District approvals 
• Zoning or planning department review
   

These layers can significantly affect timelines and must be addressed early in the planning process.

Once the scope, expectations, and process are clearly defined, we move forward with a formal contract outlining:

• Scope of work 
• Responsibilities 
• Engineering and permitting processes 
• General timelines
   

This step ensures clarity before entering the technical phases of the project.

After contract execution, the project enters the engineering phase.

Engineering:

• Is required for many structural projects in Florida 
• Takes time to complete 
• May affect structural details, materials, and overall cost
   

Because engineering dictates structural requirements, this phase must be completed before permits can be submitted.

Once engineering plans are finalized, they are submitted to the appropriate municipalities or agencies.

Permitting:

• Varies by city and county 
• May involve multiple review departments 
• Can require revisions or resubmissions
   

Permitting timelines are largely controlled by the reviewing authority and are outside the contractor’s direct control.

After permits are approved and issued, the project is scheduled and construction begins.

At this point:

• Materials are ordered 
• Labor is scheduled 
• Inspections are coordinated 
• The project moves from planning into execution
   

Successful deck and outdoor living projects in Florida require patience, planning, and coordination. Engineering, permitting, and approvals are essential components of building safe, durable, and compliant structures.

Deckmasters of Florida’s planning process is designed to:

• Set realistic expectations 
• Reduce surprises 
• Protect clients 
• Deliver high-quality, properly built projects statewide