Archadeck of Central Connecticut

It was a pleasure working with the people at Archadeck. I have hired many contactors over the years and none have been as professional, Our project was built on time and exceeded all our expectations. I would recommend them to anyone looking to build a deck. You won't find anyone better.

After almost a decade since my deck was built, I still marvel at the incredible workmanship, design, and quality of the work Phil Brown and Archadeck did. From start to finish, they were incredible, and friends still comment on the work and the finished product. The cost was very reasonable, the job was done in a timely manner, and virtually every detail was impeccably managed and completed to my total satisfaction. I'm now considering adding another addition to the deck and very honestly, I wouldn't have anyone other than Phil and his staff handle the job. Thanks Phil and Archadeck!!

I was holding off on lighting up the internet with reviews, but their unwillingness to rectify, and their attorney’s use of threats and scare tactics, have left me no option. I will stick to the facts in this review. The contract was for a deck job, partially enclosed, dated July, 2016 to be completed September, 2016. The project is still not done, with incomplete and poor quality. I wish I could provide pictures, but here are the facts: Lateness: This job started out late and got worse. The only excuse ever provided was "the panels took much longer to mill". We went a full 2 weeks over the summer without anyone appearing for work and no contact or any other explanations were provided. Contract issues: Things promised during contract discussion and signing, but now claiming “this is not part of the contract”. Numerous examples: 1) a half-hour shelf discussion of building a shelf, 2) an access door for below deck (so that you can get under it for maintenance), 3) stairs disconnected from existing walkway. I think there is a general belief among homeowners that your new project will not make the site look worse, or, if so, then the contractor should at least tell the homeowner, for example “just to let you know-your new stair location will land on mud and will be disconnected from your current existing walkway”. 4) screen portion of the below deck is not where it should be as depicted in the rendering provided per contract. The excuse is that “it cannot be at the designed location due to unforeseen rocks”, with reference to the contract. The problem with this argument is that the rocks are giant and above ground, and were seen and even photographed on the initial site visit. All of this is evidence of promises made during contract signing, with no intention of fulfilling. Quality: Framing violation issues identified by our town inspector. Initially, this was promised to be taken care of by the contractor. Within the same day of his promise to the inspector, he reversed himself-opting instead to bundle this with other items on the “to do” list. Then, inexplicably, this framing issue is “dropped” from the list of items to be done. Other quality issues: 1) gutter downspout empties onto the below deck screen. Anyone think that screen will last long? with water pounding on it? 2) light and missing paint 3) “butt joints” used in connecting pine trim boards, rather than the more professional “scarf overlap” joint, which provides a nice smooth or invisible joint. 4) nail holes not puttied/finished 5) Hot tub not level after new placement 6) helical pier/posts not plumb by level. The bubble is outside of-but barely touching the parameter lines on the level. 7) Helical post shoes attached to frame by 1 single lag bolt, rather than 2 lag bolts, as they are designed for. 8) general carelessness, dirty, with paint splashes, portions of screen not affixed. The only excuse provided is that “the quality is at the level expected for an outside job”. However-it is not outside-it has a floor, ceiling, walls…and therefore inside. I could go on and on. I advise extreme caution when considering any contractor. You must be an expert in contracts-anything not explicit in the contract may not be done. The above are all verifiable facts. I have left out any personal feelings. Use your own judgement based on these facts. UPDATED: this contractor has responded here that "we have reached an agreement and that all issues are resolved". Not true. No issues have been resolved. None. Not even the framing issue identified by my town inspector, which means that I cannot get a CO now. The agreement was only a release stating only that we won't sue each other and that is only because it is not worth my time or money for an attorney. In fact-I have an active dept of consumer protection complaint and am seeking to have their license revoked. This won't be easy, but I really do not want this company to do to others what they did to me.

I was very pleased at the beginning of the process, after contract and money was provided became very disappointed. Constantly had to keep on top of Project Manager, delays, incorrect materials and unprofessional behavior.

Looking out my window and seeing our beautiful maintenance-free deck still makes me happy five years after Archadeck installed it. It still looks brand new and we haven't had to stain it every year like we had to do with our old deck. Last summer we had a new roof installed, and dealing with that contractor really highlighted what a good experience we had with Phil Brown at Archadeck. There were no bumps in the road - the job was completed right on schedule with no surprise price increases. It's a pleasure to highly recommend a contractor who did meticulous work on time for the price he quoted.

My husband and I hired Archadeck to design and build our new deck. We have been very impressed with their professionalism, response time and willingness to discuss options based on our needs and budget. Their project management approach made it easy for us to understand the tasks to completion. The design process and build went smoothly. It has been an easy and enjoyable experience working with Phil and Paul. We highly recommend Archadeck and plan to hire them again for our next project.

Working with Archadeck was a terrific experience! We contracted with Archadeck to remove our existing deck, install an area for a hot tub, new decking, railings, patio, lighting, bench seating, and this spring, a grill island. Basically, an entire backyard renovation. It was important to us to find someone that could offer us suggestions on what might look good and provide functional expertise since a project this size was well beyond our imagination. The material they suggested and their attention to detail far exceeded our expectations. One of the best parts about working with Archadeck is their network of contacts. They were able to refer us to quality electricians, hardscaping, and a company that builds grill islands. So not only were we pleased with Archadeck, but we were also very impressed with everyone they sub contracted with to complete this project. Everyone we dealt with from the company was courteous, good at what they did, and the project was finished ahead of schedule. They consulted with us at each phase of the project, and we made a few alterations during the build process, and they offered excellent suggestions along the way. Ultimately, we couldn't be happier to be working with Archadeck.

If you want something done right, go with a specialist. In 4 days, Archadeck of Central CT went from the initial site visit to detailed drawings of our new deck with 3 price options, explaining the difference, accommodating design requests that other contractors said weren't feasible. We signed, and everything went according to plan. The crews were prompt, friendly, and professional. Even after the final payment, calls and visits followed to ensure everything was done right. Top notch all the way.

My wife and I contacted Archadeck as one of several companies we considered to build a new deck and screened in porch. From the very beginning we knew we were dealing with an excellent company. The process of getting an estimate was thorough, honest and straightforward. The people were friendly, helpful, and clearly trying to help us decide what we wanted, not just out to get the biggest job they could. We hired them and the whole process was without surprise. They came when they said they would, did the job in the time frame they promised, and we couldn't have been happier. I was particularly impressed with the "little things" that I had never even thought of (screening under the deck to keep small insects from being able to come in through the floorboards, for example). Our screened-in porch is now my favorite room in the house. I'm in Connecticut, but I spend time in the porch 10 months a year. It is an absolutely beautiful addition and clearly shows incredible workmanship, quality and concern for the work that Archadeck performs. Finally, the owner of Archadeck has stayed in touch to be sure all is well. I know you can find someone to put up a deck/porch for less money, but frankly, not that much less, and I can't imagine anyone doing this kind of work with the kind of quality (of materials and labor) that these folks offer. I don't usually write reviews like this. But I do believe in sharing the facts when I find this kind of quality and care in someone with whom I do business. Highly recommended!!

We are currently working with Archadeck to replace our existing deck with a new screened-in porch and patio area. We are still in the designing and permitting phase, but thus far the process has been smooth and very enjoyable. Phil is a wonderful collaborator and we have thoroughly enjoyed discussing all of our ideas with him to come up with a plan for an amazing outside space.