FAQs
Porch Construction in Lake Minnetonka & West Metro, MN starts with Lakeside Decking—the top rated local team for residential and commercial outdoor projects. As a porch builder near me trusted across the region, we specialize in long-lasting materials like composite and PVC that thrive in Minnesota's weather. We’re open now and proud to offer online estimates for free, making it easier than ever to plan your dream porch.
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Sales & Pre-Project
How far out are you booking?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do projects ever take longer than the estimated timeline?
Yes, this is a common occurrence in the construction industry, and can happen regardless of which contractor you use. However, at Lakeside Decking we pride ourselves on our resourcefulness and ability to overcome delays.
I need this done ASAP. Can you bump me up?
To be honest, it all depends on permits, which are out of our hands! We do our best to keep our clients in order, but if we are able to get a permit approved for another project we will move forward with that one while we wait for the others. So the short answer is: maybe!
What is the process to book with you?
The first step is to contact us!
If you’d like to understand our full build process, please take a look at The Lakeside Process
How far in advance should I plan for my project?
Much of this depends on how quick you are to make decisions, the scope of your project, and how long it takes us to get your permit back. From inquiry through the end of your build, we typically think a safe guess is 4-6 months.
What is your service area?
We proudly serve the Lake Minnetonka and Twin Cities West Metro communities, including but not limited to Maple Grove, Plymouth, Edina, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Mound, Shorewood, Minnetrista, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Victoria.
How much experience do you have in decking?
We have over 10 years experience, and it’s increasing every day!
Can I see some examples of your work?
Yes, please! All of our projects can be seen here.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes we do. We won’t ask you for any payment or signatures until after your consultation and estimate presentation, when we decide if it makes sense to move into the Planning & Design phase.
What is your method of communicating with clients?
We have a few: we love talking on the phone, emailing, and texting. You let us know what method you prefer and we’ll be happy to use that!
Once your project starts, we’ll use JobTread for project-related updated, as well as whatever communication method you agreed on with our Production team.
How long does it take to get an estimate?
Your estimate will be ready within 48 hours of your consultation. During your consultation appointment, you’ll set up a time to review your estimate, so you’ll know exactly when it’ll be!
What happens during a Consultation?
When you book your consultation, you’ll receive an email with a calendar invitation as well as a welcome email sharing what to expect. Your Sales Consultant will give you a call prior to your appointment to introduce themselves, then they’ll meet you at your home for your meeting. You’ll discuss your goals and dreams for your project, and your Sales Consultant will take measurements and photos to build your custom estimate. You’ll be left with some paperwork to peruse at your leisure, and you’ll wrap up the meeting by setting up your next appointment with Sales.
What happens during an Estimate meeting?
During your estimate presentation, your Sales Consultant will recap what was discussed during your consultation appointment. Next, they’ll share their personalized recommendations and a basic layout of your project, along with an accompanying budget range. At this point, you and Sales will decide if it makes sense to move forward into the Planning & Design phase, where material selections and other details will be decided in order for the budget to be finalized. If P&D is the next logical step, you’ll receive the contract and invoice from your Sales Consultant.
How can I prepare for a Consultation?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How can I prepare for an Estimate meeting?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What happens during a Style & Curation meeting?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How can I prepare for a Style & Curation meeting?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How long are your estimates good for?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Should I get multiple estimates for my project?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How do you handle additional work requests?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
I have kind of a crazy idea for my outdoor space. Can you do it?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Can I buy my own materials?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Can I buy the materials from you and do the work myself?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Who is responsible for getting the required permits?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you offer design assistance or will I need to find my own?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Can we reuse the parts of my deck that are still good?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Cost & Billing
Do you require a deposit?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How much do decks cost?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you accept credit cards?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What is the payment schedule?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you offer financing?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What is your markup fee?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
I got a cheaper bid somewhere else. Why do you cost more?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Are there any additional costs or fees I should know about?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you charge by line item or project?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How much should I budget for my project?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What forms of payment do you accept?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
During Your Project
How can I prepare before the job starts?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What hours of the day will you be here?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How are you able to build in the winter?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you have your own crew or do you hire subcontractors?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
How will my project be supervised?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What steps are taken to protect my property?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do I need to be home while work is happening?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Do you clean up at the end of the day?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Business
Is there a warranty on the materials you use?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
What type of training and certifications do you have?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Is there a warranty on your service?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.
Is your company licensed for this work?
Yes! We only do work that we’re licensed for, and if there’s additional work that needs to be done which we don’t have a license for – for example, plumbing – we’ll call in a licensed professional to complete that portion of the job.
What type(s) of insurance do you carry?
It varies, but typically we book out around 2-3 months.