(October 27, 2005, Richmond, VA)

Archadeck, the premier deck and porch builder in the United States, was ranked among the top ten in the Qualified Remodeler list of the 2005 Top National Remodeling Firms. Archadeck placed 8th on the National List, which was announced in the September 2005 issue.

“We are very proud that Archadeck is ranked so highly on the list and we make sure to tell our potential customers about the ranking. It is great to be part of a nationally recognized system,” says Vicki Kiger, Director of Marketing for Archadeck, a Richmond, Va based company.

The Qualified Remodeler National List is published annually to recognize remodeling firms for outstanding success in terms of sales volume. In the latest list, Archadeck had a 2004 volume of more than $42 million.

Archadeck has completed 60,000 projects nationwide and has over 90 offices in the U.S. and Canada, as well as an international presence in Japan. Their work has been featured in several publications including Fine Homebuilding, Idea Wise Decks & Patios, and Womens Day Home Remodeling among others.

“We make it a point to list this ranking on our brochures, flyers, ads and other sales materials because we see it as another way to distinguish ourselves from our competition,” said Kiger.

“We have been in business since 1980 and I think the fact that we are so highly ranked is a testament to the strength of our system and of our owners and operators, as well as the faith that our customers have in us as a company,” added Kiger.

Data for firms listed on the National List is provided by the companies and verified by accounting firms, certified public accountants, banks and suppliers.

(June 30, 2005, Richmond, VA)

Do you want the look of a white porch retreat, but fear the maintenance and work it takes to keep it clean and looking good all year long?

New low-maintenance materials may be the solution to your problems, says Ed Repak, director of construction and drafting for Archadeck, the country’s leading deck specialists.

According to Repak, composite and PVC materials have become very popular in recent years.

In fact, Repak observes that clients’ preference of low-maintenance materials has skyrocketed.

A few years ago, vinyl and composite decking materials may have been used in about ten percent of porch and deck projects. Now that number is closer to 40 percent with our customers, Repak says.

Since porches can extend your living space significantly during warmer months, using a low maintenance material that has the beauty of a finished wood product makes sense, Repak says.

“More and more people want the clean look of white, and now that there are so many of these materials on the market, our customers are realizing they can achieve the look they want without having to worry about too much work to keep it looking good,” Repak explains.

The biggest advantage to using the new materials is that you don’t have to replace it, or repaint it. While it may get dirty, it’s easier to clean a white vinyl or PVC covered porch than to clean and repaint a wood porch, Repak says.

By crafting the structure of the porch with wood, and then finishing the ceiling with vinyl “soffit” material that fits together in a tongue and groove fashion, homeowners can have the classic look of wooden bead-board without the hassle of wood. Wrapping support posts and beams with vinyl or PVC trim finishes the wall structure.

Panel inserts for screened porches are also available. Screened porches have also been increasingly popular to avoid insects – particularly West Nile-bearing mosquitoes.

About Archadeck
Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 55,000 projects across the country, with an installed base worth over $200 million. Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck as the #1 deck and porch builder in the United States, as well as the sixth ranked remodeler out of the Top 500 in the United States. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Fine Homebuilding, Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in HOME, Additions and Decks and Gardening and Deck Design as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

(May 6, 2005, Richmond, VA)

As spring rolls in and summer is not far behind, homeowners find themselves on their decks so often, it becomes like an outdoor living room. According to deck experts, adding lights to your deck has become a popular option for homeowners looking to improve safety, enhance the look and extend the use of the deck well into the night.

“Lights on and around your deck are an excellent, cost effective way to improve security around your home, prevent mishaps and extend the usage and value of this important gathering place,” said Ed Repak, Director of Construction and Drafting for Archadeck, the country’s leading deck specialists.

The key decisions on lighting are based on how the deck is used and what types of lights – line voltage, low voltage, solar – the homeowner wants.

“We work with our customers to plan how the deck will be used first and then determine where the lighting should go,” Repak said. “Lighting can be broken down into three groups: task, ambience and safety.”

Task lighting around grill areas should be strong enough to provide ample light and usually requires a line voltage light. Stairs and elevation changes can benefit from low-voltage lighting that simply illuminates areas where there is potential for a fall. Solar products can be used effectively to create mood lighting on post caps and railings.

Archadeck also helps clients install lighting around the deck to enhance landscaping, trees or water features.

“A well-designed lighting plan can really boost curb appeal and greatly increase the enjoyment of your deck,” Repak said.

Adding lights to your deck is not a budget buster. A typical lighting plan can add between five and 15 percent depending on type and amount of lights. Archadeck recommends against using inexpensive fixtures because they will end up costing you in the long run.

“We install high quality fixtures that are made of durable materials that look better and last longer,” Repak said.

Repak offered these tips for making your “outdoor living room” the place everyone wants to be.

Stairs and Railings – Lighting kits for your stairs and railings not only create dramatic looks but also reduce the possibility of falls and accidents.
Step Lights – These are mounted flush with the decking and can be placed to accentuate the use of space, enhance the shape, or for traffic flow.
Landscape Lighting – Strategically placed spotlights at the base of trees or around the perimeter of a deck can help to create an outdoor theater effect.
Sensors – When installed, sensors not only help conserve energy but can act as a deterrent to unwanted visitors.

The variety of deck lights is as endless as the designs that Archadeck has created and installed, Repak said. A consultation with a professional can help you narrow down your choices.

For more information, log on to www.archadeck.com.

About Archadeck
Founded in 1980 in Richmond, Va., Archadeck is ranked as the top deck and porch builder in the United States by Qualified Remodeler magazine (Sept. 2003), and has designed and built more than 65,000 projects worldwide, including decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, arbors, and other outdoor structures.

(May 4, 2005 Atlanta, GA - PRWEB)

Archadeck of North Atlanta received the 2005 Consumers’ Choice Award in the Atlanta metropolitan area for back to back third years of quality workmanship and trust by residents.

The Consumers’ Choice Award polls consumers in more than 100 product and service categories for outstanding business achievements in specific areas such as quality, service and value. Archadeck of North Atlanta earned the gold medal award (the top honor) in the Home Improvement, Deck Builder category. Archadeck has won this coveted award three years in a row. Winning this award in 2003, 2004 and 2005 signifies that Archadeck of North Atlanta has attained both client loyalty and trust.

"We are thrilled to be chosen by the Atlanta community for excellence in our field," commented Guy Pearson, owner of the Cobb and North Atlanta Franchise. "This award is the feedback we work toward every time we build a deck, screened porch and sunroom."

Archadeck of North Atlanta has been serving Buckhead, North Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth, North Gwinnett, and Dunwoody area homeowners since 1989.

Archadeck of North Atlanta is the only Archadeck franchisee in the United States that operates its own lumberyard. All decks, screened porches, and sunrooms are backed by a national warranty program. Archadeck of North Atlanta is a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and the Better Business Bureau of Greater Atlanta. Over the years, Archadeck of North Atlanta has earned many honors and awards including the Gold Professionalism Award presented by the Atlanta Home Builders Association.