Exterior & Outdoor Structures

Exterior work is priced by the condition of what's underneath as much as by the material going on. Siding over rotted sheathing, brick with water-damaged backing, or concrete steps sitting on washed-out fill all cost more once exposed. With masonry, the mortar has to suit the brick: soft older bricks relaid with a hard modern mortar tend to crack and lose their faces, so matching the mix matters on older houses. Deck prices move with size, height, material (pressure-treated lumber, cedar or composite), railings and stairs, and footings that must reach below the frost line.

In most Ontario municipalities, a deck attached to the house or built well above grade needs a building permit, with drawings showing footings, beam sizes and guards. Fences fall under municipal bylaws on height and placement, with stricter rules around pools. Before anyone digs a post hole or footing, a free locate request through Ontario One Call is required so buried gas, hydro and cable lines are marked. Ask contractors how they flash a deck ledger against the house wall, which fasteners and connectors they use, and who prepares the permit application.

Mortar and concrete need above-freezing temperatures to cure, so most of this work runs from spring to late fall, and good contractors fill their calendars by early summer. Spring is the time to assess winter damage such as heaved steps, cracked parging or loose siding panels. Road salt and de-icers eat into concrete, so plan repairs before the next winter arrives. For a quote, send photos from a few angles with a measurement or two, describe the problem, and mention whether the structure is attached to the house.