Deck Builder in Minneapolis, MN
CHS Custom Decks & Design is a deck builder serving homeowners and businesses in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We consider usable space, the connection to the house, and the city’s site-plan requirements to plan a deck that fits your property.
A deck may have room for a table but stairs that take up too much of the yard. Show us the doors, garage, and property boundaries so we can compare options for a new deck or replacement while accounting for the space you want to keep.
- Veteran-Owned & Family-Owned
- 30+ Years of Overall Experience
- TimberTech Platinum Pro
- 2-Year Craftsmanship Warranty
- Up to 50-Year Material Warranty
- NADRA & NARI Member
Make Every Foot of the Yard Count
A small city property needs a clear plan for the deck and the yard around it. Our deck builder team considers entry points, stair placement, and how the layout affects movement between the house and garage.
Put the Stairs Where They Work Best
On a raised deck, stairs can take up more yard space than expected. We can compare a straight staircase with other layouts where space allows, considering how each option affects access to the lawn or patio. Railing and guard placement are also part of the design.
Confirm the Property Line, Not Just the Fence
The city’s deck permit guidance notes that a fence does not necessarily mark the property line. A site plan must show the house, garage, proposed deck, and dimensions relative to the lot lines. If the property corners cannot be located, you may need a surveyor to confirm the placement before finalizing the design.
Assess the Existing Frame Before Planning a Replacement
An existing deck’s footprint does not determine whether resurfacing is appropriate. We assess the support and connection to the house before recommending the next step. If you want more space, different stairs, or a new height, we plan the replacement around those changes rather than relying on the old design.
Deck Permits and Plans
The City of Minneapolis generally requires a building permit for deck construction, including rebuilding an existing deck at the same size. Certain freestanding decks less than 30 inches above grade may be exempt from a building permit if they are not attached to a structure with frost footings and do not serve the home’s main entrance. Zoning requirements may still apply. As your deck contractor, we can help prepare the required site plan, framing plan, and cross section, but the city determines permit approval and inspection requirements.
Explore the city’s residential decks and building permits guidance.
If Your Home Falls Under an HOA
Some properties have HOA rules in addition to city requirements. If your home is part of an association, share its guidelines early so we can account for any design or material restrictions before finalizing the deck plan.
Decking Services for Minneapolis Properties
New deck construction, replacement, and upgrades involve different decisions. We assess the existing framing and how you plan to use the space before defining the work in your estimate.
A deck on a city property should preserve practical access to the rest of the yard. We plan the seating area, stairs, and connection to the house together as part of our decking service.
For a business, we consider entrances, circulation, and the intended use of the space. We can discuss the deck layout alongside the broader project requirements and necessary approvals.
A new deck lets us plan the footings and stairs around your property rather than an existing structure. Our deck builder team develops the layout before finalizing the components.
An older deck may be suitable for resurfacing if its underlying structure is sound. We assess the frame before determining whether an upgrade or replacement is appropriate. We do not offer standalone deck repairs or routine maintenance.
Guardrails define the edges of a raised deck, while stair railings support safe movement into the yard. We can compare materials and styles while the design is still being developed.
On a small property, a clear route between the door and stairs is important after dark. We can plan lighting around the railing and stair locations.
The city needs to assess how the deck will be supported. We plan the footings, spans, beams, joists, and house connection as part of the build rather than leaving these structural details until after the surface is selected.
Choosing the Right Materials and Brands
Wood requires regular care to maintain its finish. Composite and PVC generally need less surface maintenance, although cleaning is still necessary and requirements vary by product. We build with cedar and Ipe wood, composite, and PVC, and can compare Trex and TimberTech by AZEK options based on sunlight exposure, appearance, and your maintenance preferences.
Plan the Deck With a Patio or Pergola
If you are considering a patio or pergola alongside your deck, let us know during the planning stage. A patio can affect stair placement, while a porch may influence the structure from the start. Each feature has its own requirements and any applicable approvals.
What Shapes a Minneapolis Deck Estimate
As your deck builder, we consider factors such as deck height, footings, material access, demolition, railings, stairs, and lighting when preparing your estimate. We offer free estimates and discuss scheduling once the layout, city review, and material selections are clearer.
When Can Construction Start?
We can discuss a construction date once the layout, material choices, and required Minneapolis approvals are settled. Any necessary HOA approval is separate from city review. We will also confirm material and crew availability before setting a start date.
What Our Customer Say About Us
How We Plan Your Deck
We start with your property and priorities, then develop a plan for estimating and city review. Photos and a property survey, if available, help us assess the site.
1. Review the Existing Space
Tell us what works and what you want to change. We will ask how you access the yard and how much open space you want to preserve.
2. Plan the Layout and Components
We consider the deck layout, stairs, framing, boards, railing, and lighting. Design consultation and 3D modeling can help you review the proposed deck before finalizing the plans.
3. Prepare for City Review
We offer permit acquisition and can help prepare the site plan and construction details. Minneapolis determines the applicable permits and inspections. Any required HOA approval is a separate step.
4. Review the Estimate
The estimate should clearly describe the proposed work, including whether the existing frame will remain. If a closer inspection is needed to determine this, we will explain that before finalizing the plan.
5. Schedule Construction and Inspections
Once the work and required approvals are confirmed, we can discuss the deck construction schedule. Required inspections are incorporated into the process as the project progresses.
Why Choose Our Deck Company?
CHS Custom Decks & Design is a family-owned, veteran-owned deck company. For Minneapolis projects, we consider the available space for the deck and stairs before finalizing the layout and materials. As a TimberTech Platinum Pro Registered Contractor and NADRA member, we help you compare materials based on your design and intended use.
We offer a two-year craftsmanship warranty. Eligible products may include manufacturer material coverage of up to 50 years, depending on the product and applicable terms. Before construction begins, we explain the relevant warranty coverage and identify the city permit, zoning, and association requirements that apply to your property.
Questions Before You Build
What deck layout works for a smaller city yard?
We consider your seating needs and the route through the yard. The deck layout should leave room for stairs and usable outdoor space. Property lines and city zoning requirements determine where the deck can be built.
How are stairs and guards planned for a raised deck?
We plan stairs and guards around the deck height and access to the yard. These details must appear in the city’s construction drawings, and their placement can affect the overall layout.
How do lot lines and access affect a deck plan?
The site plan shows the proposed deck in relation to the house, garage, and property lines. A fence does not establish the lot boundary. We also consider construction access and stair placement before finalizing the layout.
Do you handle the permit process for Minneapolis projects?
We offer permit acquisition and can help prepare the application drawings. The city reviews zoning and structural details and determines the applicable permit and inspection requirements. Rebuilding a deck at the same size is not automatically exempt from permitting.
Find CHS Custom Decks & Design
- Business Name: CHS Custom Decks & Design
- Address: 14607 Felton Ct #115, Apple Valley, MN 55124
- Phone: (952) 236-0276
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM
- Certifications: TimberTech Platinum Pro
- Website: www.chsbuildersmn.com
Request a Minneapolis Deck Estimate
Tell us your property address, where the deck will connect to the house, and whether an existing deck needs replacing. As your deck contractor, we can discuss the property, design, and material options before preparing a free estimate for the proposed work.
Call (952) 236-0276 to get started.