Custom Decks, Covered Porches & Sunrooms: Engineered From the Footings to the Roofline.
Anyone can nail pressure-treated boards together for a weekend project. At Level 5 Builders, we build outdoor living spaces and four-season sunrooms that tie seamlessly into your home’s architecture, backed by properly sized concrete footings, structural Simpson Strong-Tie hardware, and a defined budget that only you can exceed.
Proudly serving homeowners who value real craftsmanship across Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Marietta, Kennesaw, Decatur, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City.
Why Decks and Sunrooms Age Poorly, and How We Build Differently
Drive through an established Georgia neighborhood and you may see builder-grade wood decks pulling away from the house, splintered railings warping in the summer sun, or tacked-on sunrooms with leaky roofs that feel too hot in July and too cold in January.
Too often, outdoor structures are treated like temporary backyard furniture instead of a permanent structural extension of your home.
At Level 5 Builders, our name comes from the highest standard of precision finish work in the construction trade. For over 25 years, we’ve brought general-contracting craftsmanship to the backyard. Whether we are building a low-maintenance composite deck, framing a vaulted cedar screened porch, or closing in a heated and cooled four-season sunroom, we build from the dirt up with lasting performance in mind.
The Level 5 Structural Standard: What Happens Beneath Your Feet
Educated homeowners know that the beauty of a deck or sunroom is on the surface, but the safety is in the framing and connections. Here is what separates a Level 5 build from a basic backyard project:
Concrete Footings & Structural Load Paths: A covered porch or sunroom adds roof, wind, and other loads that an existing open deck may not have been designed to carry. We evaluate soil conditions and size concrete piers, posts, beams, and connections for the proposed structure, local requirements, and approved plans. Structural engineering is coordinated where required, including for heavy features such as fireplaces.
Ledger Board Flashing & Simpson Strong-Tie® Hardware: The attachment to the house is a critical safety and moisture-control detail. Where a ledger attachment is appropriate, we expose and assess the supporting framing, integrate compatible flashing and waterproof membranes with the wall assembly, and use specified structural fasteners and connectors. If the house cannot support a verified ledger connection, a self-supporting design may be needed.
High-Performance Decking (TimberTech® & Envision®): Tired of sanding and staining wood? We work with capped polymer and composite decking systems, including TimberTech and Envision. Manufacturer-approved fasteners, proper board spacing, ventilation, and joist-top flashing tape help manage moisture and protect the supporting framing. These systems are low-maintenance, not maintenance-free.
Seamless Roofline, Siding & Window Integration: A covered porch or sunroom should feel like part of your home. We plan new gable or shed roof connections, flashing, exterior finishes, and window and door selections around your existing architecture. James Hardie® siding and Pella® windows and doors are options where appropriate to the agreed scope.
Under-Deck Drainage Systems: Have a walkout basement or patio beneath your second-story deck? A compatible drainage system can channel rainwater away from the area below, creating a more usable sheltered patio. Lighting and ceiling fans can be included in the design. Wind-driven rain and system maintenance still need consideration.
What Does a Custom Deck, Porch, or Sunroom Really Cost?
Outdoor living covers everything from an open grilling deck to a fully insulated glass room addition, so pricing can feel confusing at first. A deck surface replacement is not the same scope as a new structural porch or conditioned sunroom.
To help you plan before we visit your property, these are Level 5 Builders’ planning ranges for full-service, permitted projects. Final pricing depends on size, access, site conditions, structural requirements, and selections. Build timelines are estimates after approvals and material readiness, not guarantees.
Custom Composite Deck Overhaul or Expansion
Investment Range: $25,000 – $48,000
Typical Build Timeline: 2 – 4 Weeks
What’s Included: Tear-down of the old deck; new footings and structural framing with joist protection tape; premium TimberTech or Envision decking with compatible hidden fasteners; aluminum or cable railing; a wide staircase with low-voltage LED stair lighting; and required permitting, as defined in your scope.
Covered Open Porch or Screened-In Porch
Investment Range: $48,000 – $85,000
Typical Build Timeline: 5 – 8 Weeks
What’s Included: Foundation piers sized for roof loads; composite or tongue-and-groove porch flooring; a gable or shed roof integrated with the house; a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling; electrical rough-in for selected fans, heaters, and TV; a screen system when specified; and exterior trim.
True 4-Season Sunroom (Heated & Cooled)
Investment Range: $75,000 – $125,000+
Typical Build Timeline: 8 – 12 Weeks
What’s Included: A room-addition foundation or engineered framing; code-compliant insulation selected for the floor, walls, and roof assembly; energy-efficient architectural windows; appropriately sized heating and cooling; tile or hardwood flooring; electrical work; and a Level 5 interior finish for year-round use.
A Defined Budget Only You Can Exceed: We define the scope up front, review lot setbacks, and provide a clearly documented budget. Optional upgrades and added scope are approved with you before work proceeds. Your written proposal and contract set out inclusions, allowances, and the handling of unforeseen conditions.
Can You Put a Roof or Sunroom Over My Existing Deck?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask during a walkthrough, and we give you an honest structural answer.
An existing open deck may have been designed for people, furniture, and its own framing, not the additional roof, glazing, wind, and mechanical loads of a covered porch or conditioned room. There is no universal rule that those loads simply double; the actual requirements depend on the proposed design and existing structure.
During our visit, we inspect accessible footings, posts, beam and joist spans, and ledger connections. We identify whether reinforcement may be practical or whether new supports or a replacement structure are needed. Required engineering and permit review confirm the final approach before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decks, Porches & Sunrooms
What is the difference between a 3-season room and a true 4-season sunroom?
A 3-season room is generally designed for use during milder weather and may have limited insulation or no permanent conditioning. A true four-season sunroom is designed as a conditioned space, with suitable framing, insulation, weather protection, energy-efficient glazing, and heating and cooling. We evaluate the assembly and system sizing for your home and intended use.
Do I need a building permit and HOA approval to replace my deck or add a porch?
Structural deck replacements, roof additions, and conditioned sunrooms typically require permits and inspections. The local authority determines the exact requirements, while HOA approval is a separate issue that depends on your community. We coordinate required permit drawings, inspections, and HOA submission materials for the agreed scope across our service area.
How long does TimberTech or Envision decking last?
Service life depends on the chosen collection, installation, exposure, maintenance, and use. TimberTech composite collections have 25- or 30-year limited product warranties; its Advanced PVC collections have different coverage. Envision residential decking generally carries a 25-year limited warranty. Warranty coverage is not a guaranteed lifespan. We explain the current terms for your selected product and provide manufacturer-specific cleaning and care guidance.
Ready to Build an Outdoor Space That Feels Like Part of Your Home?
Whether you want a low-maintenance composite deck for weekend grilling, a breezy screened porch overlooking the yard, or a bright four-season sunroom off the kitchen, let’s walk your backyard and talk through what makes structural and financial sense for your property.
