Our Process

How Tech Five Builds Your Deck — Our 4-Step Process

Defined scope. Predictable results. Every Tech Five project follows a structured design-build process focused on clarity and long-term performance.

Why Process Matters

Most Problems Come From Unclear Scope — Not Poor Craftsmanship

Most construction problems do not come from bad materials or unskilled labor. They come from unclear scope, open-ended material selections, and undefined expectations. When details are not resolved upfront, confusion and cost surprises follow.

Our process eliminates that risk by defining structure, materials, and sequencing before construction begins. The result is clearer communication, controlled timelines, and projects that perform as intended.

What This Means for You

  • Fewer surprises during construction
  • Clear expectations before work begins
  • Better material and structural decisions
  • Predictable timelines and defined outcomes
  • Protected pricing through defined scope
The Design-Build Process

Four Steps to a Predictable Outcome

This process applies to custom decks, covered decks, patio roof structures, and select interior projects across Northeast Wisconsin.

01On-site meeting — ballpark pricing same day

Design Consultation

We meet on-site at your property. We review your goals, assess site conditions, and discuss budget. At the end of most consultations we deliver ballpark pricing on the spot — so you leave knowing what to expect before the formal proposal process begins.

Clear project goals and performance priorities
Site conditions, setbacks, and structural constraints
Budget alignment and material expectations
Code compliance and overall feasibility

Most projects we build begin at $20,000 or more depending on scope and structural complexity. By clarifying feasibility and priorities upfront, we eliminate ambiguity before design work begins — preventing costly revisions and mid-project changes later.

02Exact quote delivered within 24 hours

Design & Scope Definition

After the consultation, we produce your fixed-price proposal using our proprietary quoting software. It includes an exact bill of materials — calculated board by board, hardware piece by hardware piece — and a build schedule showing how long each phase of construction takes. This proposal arrives within 24 hours of your consultation.

Finalized layouts and dimensions
Material selections and finishes
Structural approach and framing details
Clearly documented project scope

This step protects pricing accuracy and prevents mid-project changes caused by unclear decisions. Every detail — from board direction to railing style — is resolved during the design consultation, not discovered during construction.

033–6 weeks

Planning & Pre-Construction

Permitting, scheduling, and material coordination are handled before construction begins to ensure the project moves forward without delays.

Permit applications and approvals
Material ordering and delivery coordination
Project timeline scheduling
Subcontractor and crew sequencing

This preparation ensures your deck, covered structure, or patio roof is ready to move forward without delays or last-minute surprises. We coordinate every moving piece so day one of construction is productive.

041–3 weeks

Build & Professional Execution

With a defined plan in place, construction proceeds according to documented scope and schedule with consistent communication from first footing through final walkthrough.

Built according to documented scope
Ongoing quality control during construction
Daily progress updates and defined checkpoints
Final walkthrough and completion review

Communication remains consistent throughout the build. You always know where your project stands, what was completed today, and what comes next. No guessing, no chasing updates.

Timeline Expectations

Your project timeline from first call to final walkthrough

Most deck projects are completed within 5 to 10 weeks from initial review to final walkthrough. More complex structures — covered decks, multi-level builds, and patio roof systems — may extend timelines based on scope and permitting.

01Design ConsultationOn-site meeting — ballpark pricing same day
02Design &Exact quote delivered within 24 hours
03Planning &3–6 weeks
04Build &1–3 weeks

Timelines are defined, not estimated. Because scope, materials, and scheduling are resolved before construction begins, your project timeline is based on defined decisions — not open-ended assumptions. This protects both schedule and pricing.

Investment Protection

How Process Protects Pricing

Clear scope definition before construction prevents pricing instability caused by undefined materials, structural revisions, or design changes. By resolving decisions during review and design, we protect both timeline and investment clarity.

When scope is not clearly defined before construction, changes become expensive. Material swaps, structural adjustments, and design revisions mid-build create delays, waste, and cost overruns. Our process prevents those situations by front-loading every decision that affects price.

Fixed-Price Proposals

You receive a detailed, itemized proposal with a fixed price before any work begins. No estimates that balloon mid-project.

No Change-Order Surprises

Because scope is fully defined upfront, change orders are rare. If changes arise, they are documented and approved before proceeding.

Material Decisions Locked In

Every material, finish, and product selection is confirmed during the design phase — not guessed at during construction.

Communication Standards

You Always Know Where Your Project Stands

Clear, consistent communication is not a bonus — it is a standard part of every Tech Five project.

Daily Progress Updates

You receive a summary of what was completed each day and what is planned for the next, delivered before you need to ask.

Defined Checkpoints

Key milestones are identified before construction starts. At each checkpoint, we review progress, address any questions, and confirm alignment.

Single Point of Contact

One person manages your project from review through completion. No handoffs, no repeating yourself to different people.

Proactive Problem Solving

If something changes or an issue arises, we bring solutions to you immediately — not surprises at the end of the project.

What Makes Us Different

What makes our proposals different

Most deck builders deliver a quote in 2–3 weeks. It is usually a single number — no line items, no material specifications, no build schedule. You accept it hoping the final invoice matches.

We work differently. We use proprietary quoting software that calculates an exact bill of materials for your specific project. Every board, every post anchor, every linear foot of fascia is counted before we price the job. You also receive a build packet that shows how long each phase of construction takes — footer installation, framing, decking, railing, and final inspection — so you know exactly when your project starts and when it ends.

The result: a fixed-price proposal in your hands within 24 hours of our consultation, with documentation detailed enough to hold us accountable to every commitment we make.

See what your project costs — within 24 hours of our first meeting

Book a design consultation. We walk your property, discuss your vision, and deliver ballpark pricing at the meeting. Your full fixed-price proposal — exact materials, exact timeline — arrives within 24 hours.

Book My Design Consultation