Q. I've been watching HGTV and I notice that almost all of the homes have pool enclosures, like sunrooms enclosing their pool areas. Why?

A. It keeps it from getting too hot, and the one's with a screen are great for keeping bugs, frogs, snakes, and in some areas even alligators out of your pool. Much easier to maintain. Maybe you could help me with mine. I could use a girl's opinion, and I think you'll have fun answering it! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ao0VG58EUe.rPAYLvf.3lNsazKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20100428164454AAkfb6p

Q. Hi you all, I have a question for all the deck builders out there. I am trying to create a wood Deck but I would like to know if someone can give me an estimate about how much will cost ??? First I live in an apartment of a 3 family home and I am in the 3 floor, so the deck have to be from the 3 floor to the back yard in which is about 15 feet hight and I want to create with a stairs to go down to the back yard. The size, I am planning to build will be 10' x 15' with the stairs which is a 15 feet hight. I would like to know also if there are requiered any permits to do that. I live in NYC. Any opinion will be appreciated on this matter. Thank you Ok any one interested in doing the job? with all the permits and materials just give me a price a and is ok with the landlord as long everthing is done legaly with the city code etc...Any takers? If the price is right you may get the job.

A. Pressure treated deck boards, 2x4's for railings,4x4's or 6x6's for up rights,2x8's or 10's for frame,stringers and lumber for stairs, concrete for footers, stain and sealer,and hardware will run you around 1,000 to 1200 depending on your lumber selection. labor costs about 2500, permits 10 to 60 bucks, inspection costs 100 to 200 bucks, owners permission PRICELESS. you can also check lowes web site they have a project helper and calculator online which tells you how to do it and what you need and the cost. good luck

Q. We are either looking at the Oasis Sunroom by Joyce Mfg. or a sunroom by Patio Enclosures. We have convinced ourselves to by a vinyl sunroom as compared to a aluminum. Joyce only makes vinly where Patio Enclosures expertise seems to be more with aluminum. They make a vinyl sunroom, but they don't seem to make a big effort in selling that style. Any information would help.

A. Is it Vinyl, or plastic? What is warranty against fading? What is the glass warranty? What about workmanship (leaks) warranty. I have dealt with both, Each has their faults. Good Luck

Q. Our current front porch is 88 years old and is rotting away. We want to replace it before it gets worse. We'd like to retain the roof as it seems like it's in great shape. It's 22 feet wide and has a depth of about 7 1/2 feet. There are four columns we'd like to replace as well as railings around the entire porch. There are 3 options we are considering: 1. Concrete stairs with the columns and rails pressure treated wood or deck composite material. 2. All pressure treated wood (probably cheapest option). 3. All deck composite material (most desired but not sure how expensive). If you have any info, I'd love to hear it! Trying to figure out how much more to save before we can be very serious and contact contractors.

A. The only way you're going to get accurate figures is to talk to local contractors. They will need to see your house to determine what needs to be done. They can discuss the various options. Labor and material rates vary widely from one place to another, so that will factor into costs as well. Get several bids, compare them closely, ask for and check references, and remember that the low bid is not necessarily the best value. Hope this helps.

Q. Me and my brothers play Naruto. and I wanna change my deck around some cause I dont like the build against my brothers Uchiha deck. I know the amount of cards in a deck is a 40 card limit. But do I have to have, 25 ninjas or can I have less ninjas and bring out more jutsu or missions in my deck?

A. Cool

Q. Is the deck builder obligated to remove the sod under the deck? I read the contract; it did not mention anything about removing the sod.

A. You're paying him to build a deck, not landscape. After a while the grass will die from lack of sun anyway.

Q. I just had a 12x12 deck built in my back yard about 4 months ago and the builders said to wait around 4 to 6 months before sealing it.Well its about that time now any ideas of what exactly to get and how much i would need for a 12x12 deck. Thanks for the help.

A. I have used thompsons and it seems to last around a season and then the water puddles again on the deck.Its a good product but i think there is something better out.Additionally i applied this to my deck that was already 10+ years in age.It might make a difference if the wood is newer.

Q. I have a large (about 10x12) deck outside an upper story loft. I want to convert the deck below (8 x 24) into a sunroom and mudroom (will be extending the deck that isn't under the upper deck to allow for the sun room). I know I've seen rooms under decks before, but how do you go about creating the 'roof'/ceiling when there is an existing deck? I wouldn't mind taking the deck back to just a couple feet if that would be easier, but there are sliding glass doors up there and removing it completely would look silly. Of course I'll be consulting a contractor in the next several weeks but would greatly appreciate ideas now.

A. The trick is ensuring proper drainage from above. There are water-channeling products (like a gutter system) that can be applied to the bottom of the upper deck. From there, the rules are the same as any addition; good foundation and quality construction.