Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that a custom outdoor living project often comes with many questions. Below are some of the most common questions our clients ask throughout the process.
Company & Credentials FAQ's
FAQ: How Can I See Other Completed Projects?
Yes — we’ve completed thousands of projects throughout local neighborhoods over the last two decades. Chances are, we’ve built something within walking distance of your home. That said, out of respect for our past clients, you cannot visit their property without our...
FAQ: How Do Your Prices Compare To Other Contractors?
Homeowners often ask how our prices compare to other contractors. The truth is, not all contractors operate the same way. We generally see three categories: 1. Category One: “Chuck in a Truck.” A single individual with a business license, minimal bond, and insurance....
FAQ: How Long Until We Submit For Permit?
On average, it takes 60 to 90 days from your initial consultation before we submit your project for permit. Here’s what happens during that time: Project scope & pricing: Your project consultant works with you to finalize details and pricing. Property research: We...
FAQ: Do You Handle City Permitting?
Yes — we handle all city permitting requirements for your project. Our team deals with jurisdictional regulations every day, including: Impervious surface coverages Lot coverages ECAs (environmental critical areas) We conduct full property research and draft a...
FAQ: How Long Have You Been In Business?
We’ve been serving the Pacific Northwest since 2006. Originally, our founder was the regional manager for Undercover Systems. In 2009, following the financial crisis, he purchased the local operations when ownership pulled out of the market. By 2016, we had expanded...
FAQ: Where Are You Located?
We proudly serve the entire states of Washington and Oregon, where we are fully licensed and insured. Our primary headquarters is located in Kent, WA at 640 Central Avenue South. This is our main showroom and customer hub, where we have: Functioning grills and fire...
FAQ: Do You Outsource Work to Contractors?
Most of our work—about 90%—is done entirely in-house by our own trained staff. However, during peak seasons or when demand is especially high, we sometimes partner with what we call trusted trade professionals. These contractors are carefully vetted through a process...
FAQ: Why Doesn’t The Owner Do Project Consulting?
As the owner, my role is to oversee the business as a whole—not to serve as a project consultant. While I’ve seen countless projects over the years and can usually estimate budgets within about 10%, the truth is that our customers deserve exact, accurate proposals....
FAQ: What Happens After I Fill Out A Form On The Website?
We understand that filling out an online form can cause a little hesitation—you may worry about getting bombarded with calls or having your information sold. Rest assured, that’s not what we do. We are not a lead aggregation company, and we do not sell your...
FAQ: What Type of Customers Are You Looking For?
While we’d love to say that everyone is our customer, the truth is that our services aren’t the right fit for everyone. Fixed pricing, no haggling: We don’t negotiate prices. Unlike companies that use commission-based reps, our pricing is transparent and built on...
FAQ: What Make Our Customers Great?
Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of customers, and there are a few things that truly set them apart. They treat our staff well. Many of our clients go out of their way to show appreciation—sometimes even bringing coffee or cookies to our crews. It means a...
FAQ: What’s It Like Working At the PCF Construction Group?
Our team members genuinely enjoy working here, and we’re proud to provide some of the best benefits in the industry. Contrary to the idea that construction companies often hire the lowest-cost labor, we do the opposite: We pay top-dollar wages, comparable to union...
Brand & Services FAQ's
FAQ: How Can I See Other Completed Projects?
Yes — we’ve completed thousands of projects throughout local neighborhoods over the last two decades. Chances are, we’ve built something within walking distance of your home. That said, out of respect for our past clients, you cannot visit their property without our...
FAQ: What’s the Difference Between PVC and Composite Decking?
PVC and composite decking may seem similar, but they’re actually very different. Composite Decking: Made from a blend of resins, recycled plastics, and ground wood fibers. The core is a mix of various wood types and recycled materials. Ends of boards should be sealed,...
FAQ: Can I Paint Aluminum Products That Have Been Installed?
We often get asked if aluminum covers, railings, or galvanized steel under-decking can be painted after installation. The short answer: it’s not recommended. Painting over these products will void your warranty, since they already come with a durable, factory-baked...
FAQ: What Staining Product Should I Use?
When it comes to staining your project, there are a few options: Translucent stain – Clear, allowing the natural wood and product details to fully show through. Transparent or semi-transparent stain – Darkens the wood slightly while still letting the grain show. This...
FAQ: Can I Pressure Wash My Railings
Yes, you can safely pressure wash your railings. Most railings are aluminum, which is durable enough to handle pressure washing without damage. It’s a good idea to use a rag for wiping them down as part of regular cleaning. Be cautious around the bases of the posts....
FAQ: Can You Match The Existing Design Of My House?
Yes — that’s exactly what we specialize in. Our goal is to design your project so it looks like it was part of your home’s original design, not an addition. One of the techniques we use is installing pocket posts inside the wall. To do this, we carefully remove or cut...
FAQ: How Do I Properly Clean My Deck?
We often get calls from homeowners worried about how to clean their deck without damaging it. This concern usually comes from those who previously owned cedar or hardwood decks, where using a pressure washer too close to the surface could cause serious damage....
Design & Planning FAQ's
FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Get Renderings?
The timeline for your first set of renderings depends on two major factors: The time of year – During spring and summer, demand is highest, which often pushes timelines closer to 6 weeks. The complexity of your project – If your property is flat and straightforward...
FAQ: How Long Will My Project Take?
We aim to respond quickly, with an initial site visit scheduled within 48 hours. Our team works 7 days a week, but actual project timelines vary depending on the type of work: Electrical work: Often scheduled within 1–2 weeks, and sometimes within 24 hours....
FAQ: Will You Work With My HOA?
Yes — we regularly work with HOAs and can help streamline the process. For most projects, we provide you with all the necessary drawings and renderings to submit to your HOA. Because our designs are built to blend seamlessly with your home, they are generally very...
FAQ: What’s the Difference Between PVC and Composite Decking?
PVC and composite decking may seem similar, but they’re actually very different. Composite Decking: Made from a blend of resins, recycled plastics, and ground wood fibers. The core is a mix of various wood types and recycled materials. Ends of boards should be sealed,...
FAQ: Do You Offer Financing?
Yes — we provide a wide range of financing options to make your project more affordable. You can pay with a credit card. We offer 0% same-as-cash financing for up to 12 months. We also offer long-term financing options of 5, 7, 9, and even up to 12 years. We...
FAQ: Can You Give Me An Estimate Over The Phone?
It’s very difficult to provide an accurate estimate over the phone or by email without seeing your space in person. Even with a set of plans, there are always details that need clarification to ensure the price is correct. That’s why we schedule a conversation to...
Permits and Regulations FAQ's
FAQ: How Long Will It Take To Get The Permit?
This is one of the most common questions we get—and one of the most difficult to answer with certainty. Permit timelines vary based on many factors, including: The city or county where your project is located Whether your property has been recently surveyed The age...
FAQ: Will You Work With My HOA?
Yes — we regularly work with HOAs and can help streamline the process. For most projects, we provide you with all the necessary drawings and renderings to submit to your HOA. Because our designs are built to blend seamlessly with your home, they are generally very...
FAQ: How Long Until We Submit For Permit?
On average, it takes 60 to 90 days from your initial consultation before we submit your project for permit. Here’s what happens during that time: Project scope & pricing: Your project consultant works with you to finalize details and pricing. Property research: We...
FAQ: Do You Handle City Permitting?
Yes — we handle all city permitting requirements for your project. Our team deals with jurisdictional regulations every day, including: Impervious surface coverages Lot coverages ECAs (environmental critical areas) We conduct full property research and draft a...
FAQ: How Much Does The City/County Charge In Permit Fees?
Permit fees vary widely and depend on several factors, including: Your property value and taxes The scope of the project How much value the improvements may add to your property Some jurisdictions even calculate fees as a percentage of the total project value. Because...
FAQ: What Does The Permit Admin Fee Cover
The permit admin fee helps cover the additional labor and coordination required when special conditions apply to your project. Examples include: Third-party scheduling and inspections that may be required during the build process. Structural engineer reviews,...
FAQ: Will An ECA Prolong Permit Review?
Yes. If your property has an ECA (Environmentally Critical Area), it will typically extend the permit review process. Jurisdictions often bring in environmental specialists—either as third-party consultants or through staff experts—to evaluate the site. These...
Pricing and Budget FAQ's
FAQ: How Long Will It Take To Get My Estimate?
One of the advantages of our process is that we can often provide on-site estimates—something that’s rare in the custom outdoor living industry. For projects that are custom but not highly complex, we can usually give you an estimate the same day, on site, and walk...
FAQ: How Do Your Prices Compare To Other Contractors?
Homeowners often ask how our prices compare to other contractors. The truth is, not all contractors operate the same way. We generally see three categories: 1. Category One: “Chuck in a Truck.” A single individual with a business license, minimal bond, and insurance....
FAQ: How Much Will My Project Cost?
We’re asked all the time if we can give a price over the phone. The answer is simple: no, we can’t—and here’s why. Every project is custom. Even homes that look identical on the outside can have completely different backyards, layouts, and site conditions. Because of...
FAQ: Do You Offer Financing?
Yes — we provide a wide range of financing options to make your project more affordable. You can pay with a credit card. We offer 0% same-as-cash financing for up to 12 months. We also offer long-term financing options of 5, 7, 9, and even up to 12 years. We...
FAQ: How Is The Price of My Project Estimated?
Unlike buying a piece of furniture, where the price is clear and simple, estimating the cost of a custom outdoor living project is much more complex. We take a forensic approach to every project, carefully examining all the details and measurements to determine an...
FAQ: Can I Get a Discount if I Pay Cash?
No — we do not offer discounts for paying with cash, check, or electronic transfer. Here’s why: Credit card rules: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express have clear regulations that prevent merchants from offering discounts to customers who avoid credit...
FAQ: How Much Does The City/County Charge In Permit Fees?
Permit fees vary widely and depend on several factors, including: Your property value and taxes The scope of the project How much value the improvements may add to your property Some jurisdictions even calculate fees as a percentage of the total project value. Because...
FAQ: What Does The Permit Admin Fee Cover
The permit admin fee helps cover the additional labor and coordination required when special conditions apply to your project. Examples include: Third-party scheduling and inspections that may be required during the build process. Structural engineer reviews,...
FAQ: Can My Project Be Expedited?
We understand that deadlines like graduation parties, birthdays, and other special events often create urgency. While we do our best to accommodate, expedited projects depend on the timeline you provide. When expediting is possible, there are expedite fees. These fees...
Project Process FAQ's
FAQ: How Long Will It Take To Get My Estimate?
One of the advantages of our process is that we can often provide on-site estimates—something that’s rare in the custom outdoor living industry. For projects that are custom but not highly complex, we can usually give you an estimate the same day, on site, and walk...
FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Get Renderings?
The timeline for your first set of renderings depends on two major factors: The time of year – During spring and summer, demand is highest, which often pushes timelines closer to 6 weeks. The complexity of your project – If your property is flat and straightforward...
FAQ: How Long Will My Project Take?
We aim to respond quickly, with an initial site visit scheduled within 48 hours. Our team works 7 days a week, but actual project timelines vary depending on the type of work: Electrical work: Often scheduled within 1–2 weeks, and sometimes within 24 hours....
FAQ: Do You Offer Financing?
Yes — we provide a wide range of financing options to make your project more affordable. You can pay with a credit card. We offer 0% same-as-cash financing for up to 12 months. We also offer long-term financing options of 5, 7, 9, and even up to 12 years. We...
FAQ: Can You Give Me An Estimate Over The Phone?
It’s very difficult to provide an accurate estimate over the phone or by email without seeing your space in person. Even with a set of plans, there are always details that need clarification to ensure the price is correct. That’s why we schedule a conversation to...
FAQ: Do You Outsource Work to Contractors?
Most of our work—about 90%—is done entirely in-house by our own trained staff. However, during peak seasons or when demand is especially high, we sometimes partner with what we call trusted trade professionals. These contractors are carefully vetted through a process...
FAQ: Why Doesn’t The Owner Do Project Consulting?
As the owner, my role is to oversee the business as a whole—not to serve as a project consultant. While I’ve seen countless projects over the years and can usually estimate budgets within about 10%, the truth is that our customers deserve exact, accurate proposals....
FAQ: What Happens After I Fill Out A Form On The Website?
We understand that filling out an online form can cause a little hesitation—you may worry about getting bombarded with calls or having your information sold. Rest assured, that’s not what we do. We are not a lead aggregation company, and we do not sell your...
FAQ: How Is The Price of My Project Estimated?
Unlike buying a piece of furniture, where the price is clear and simple, estimating the cost of a custom outdoor living project is much more complex. We take a forensic approach to every project, carefully examining all the details and measurements to determine an...
FAQ: Can I Get a Discount if I Pay Cash?
No — we do not offer discounts for paying with cash, check, or electronic transfer. Here’s why: Credit card rules: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express have clear regulations that prevent merchants from offering discounts to customers who avoid credit...
FAQ: What Does The Permit Admin Fee Cover
The permit admin fee helps cover the additional labor and coordination required when special conditions apply to your project. Examples include: Third-party scheduling and inspections that may be required during the build process. Structural engineer reviews,...
FAQ: Why Don’t You Offer Painting and Staining Services?
We’re often asked why we don’t include painting and staining services—or at least provide quotes for them—with every project. The answer is straightforward: Many customers prefer to do it themselves. Roughly 60% of our clients enjoy painting or staining on their own...
FAQ: Can My Project Be Expedited?
We understand that deadlines like graduation parties, birthdays, and other special events often create urgency. While we do our best to accommodate, expedited projects depend on the timeline you provide. When expediting is possible, there are expedite fees. These fees...
FAQ: Can You Match The Existing Design Of My House?
Yes — that’s exactly what we specialize in. Our goal is to design your project so it looks like it was part of your home’s original design, not an addition. One of the techniques we use is installing pocket posts inside the wall. To do this, we carefully remove or cut...
FAQ: Will I Get Refunded For Excess Materials?
Your project has come to an end, and you may notice a pile of leftover material still sitting in the driveway. Naturally, you might think those materials belong to you and wonder if you’ll receive a refund for them. Here’s how it works: As a company, we order 10–15%...
Materials & Products FAQ's
FAQ: What’s the Difference Between PVC and Composite Decking?
PVC and composite decking may seem similar, but they’re actually very different. Composite Decking: Made from a blend of resins, recycled plastics, and ground wood fibers. The core is a mix of various wood types and recycled materials. Ends of boards should be sealed,...
FAQ: What Staining Product Should I Use?
When it comes to staining your project, there are a few options: Translucent stain – Clear, allowing the natural wood and product details to fully show through. Transparent or semi-transparent stain – Darkens the wood slightly while still letting the grain show. This...
FAQ: How Do I Properly Clean My Deck?
We often get calls from homeowners worried about how to clean their deck without damaging it. This concern usually comes from those who previously owned cedar or hardwood decks, where using a pressure washer too close to the surface could cause serious damage....
Maintenance & Longevity FAQ's
FAQ: What Staining Product Should I Use?
When it comes to staining your project, there are a few options: Translucent stain – Clear, allowing the natural wood and product details to fully show through. Transparent or semi-transparent stain – Darkens the wood slightly while still letting the grain show. This...
FAQ: Can I Pressure Wash My Railings
Yes, you can safely pressure wash your railings. Most railings are aluminum, which is durable enough to handle pressure washing without damage. It’s a good idea to use a rag for wiping them down as part of regular cleaning. Be cautious around the bases of the posts....
FAQ: How Do I Properly Clean My Deck?
We often get calls from homeowners worried about how to clean their deck without damaging it. This concern usually comes from those who previously owned cedar or hardwood decks, where using a pressure washer too close to the surface could cause serious damage....
Please feel free to contact us.