FAQ

Yes, there are different applications to make a driveway waterproof.
Many times, a driveway can be saved, it all depends on the severity of the damage. Our experienced professionals will give you a complete evaluation.
How you use your deck will affect its life span; but so will environmental factors such as humidity, sun and wind. Sound building practices and quality materials are a good investment and will extend the life of your deck and enhance the value of your home. Our new decks properly maintain under our exclusive “Deck for Life” program could last 30+ years.
You have many choices in decking materials today. Natural decking material like Redwood, Cedar or exotic hardwoods will look different as they age. You can leave them in their natural state or apply a deck stain or coating.

You also have a wide variety of composite decking and plastic materials available for your deck surface. These materials are heavier than traditional wood and may require a stronger farming structure. Please be advised composites and plastics will also look different as they age and are not completely maintenance free.

We will gladly give you advice during our consultation on the many options for your new deck.

  1. What do you want to use your deck for?
  2. How often will you use it?
  3. Will it be in direct sunlight or in a shaded area?
  4.  Do you want to achieve more or less exposure to the sun, or a balance of sun and shade?
  5. Where do the prevailing winds come from? Do you require a wind block?
  6. How many people will use it?
  7. How much privacy will you want?
  8. What type of deck amenities will you include in your plans?
  9.  A spa, barbecue, planter boxes, lighting, outdoor heater, seated bar or snack counter, are just a few of the options we can implement.
  10. Do you have sufficient room to walk around the furniture when people are seated? This is often overlooked!
  11. How much maintenance do you want to have for your deck?

The building inspection department or office of planning and zoning in your community will have a listing of permits and inspections related to building and zoning codes required for new construction or remodeling. Each community may have slightly different inspection criteria, but they generally cover structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Building codes are constantly evolving and they can vary by city or county.
We believe it is extremely important to listen and fully understand our client’s needs. Our projects create relationships with our clients, and what makes many relationships work is how well each party listen. To hear and fully understand the others perspective is the recipe for success in any relationship. Our company takes pride in all of our projects from start to finish, from our office staff to the crews. We are a system company which interacts with each other in harmony. These business practices are the back bone of our firm and this positions us in the market place as professionals. We are there when you need us! We are an e-mail or phone call away! We earn the trust and confidence of our clients! We make customers for life!
We’re often asked how far we will travel. A large majority of our work is in the Montclair area of the Oakland hills. However, we also work in numerous cities throughout the Bay Area
That depends. Our guiding principle are not to “meet or beat” the competition. Our mission is to provide excellent service and craftsmanship and therefore we cannot be the lowest-price option. Our objective is a fair price providing high quality craftsmanship with superior service. All our costs are clearly spelled out in our agreements without hidden charges.
We don’t have a minimum job requirement. We accept small, medium and large projects.
Site visits for reviewing projects can typically take place within 4-6 working days and with 4-5 construction crews, our new construction project usually start in 1-2 weeks.
Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card.

“If you need a new deck in the Berkeley Hills or anywhere in the East Bay Area, give these guys a call!”

Steph A.
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“For such a large, complex project the execution was remarkably smooth and we couldn't be happier with the way the decks turned out. I recommend Schafer unconditionally for deck remodels, especially if you have a complex project.”

Nathaniel S.

“Everyone who has seen our new decks are blown away by the transformation. Our new decks now provide an exquisite setting for entertaining and simply enjoying the beauty of the Bay. We heartily recommend Schafer Construction.”

Aileen & Bud E.

“If you need a new deck in the Berkeley Hills or anywhere in the East Bay Area, give these guys a call!”

Steph A.

“I received regular communication throughout the project and couldn't be happier with the finished product. Everyone on Rudi's team was accessible and quick to respond to questions.”

Tom W.