I'm planning to build a Trex deck with dimensions of 20x16 feet and an 8-foot height, including Transcend rails and structural aluminum posts. I'm also looking at adding PVC covering for the header board and trim for the support posts, along with a 4x4 bump out for the stairs, and I'm still deciding between Sonotube or concrete for the posts. I wanted to get a sense of what a reasonable labor cost is for this project in Upstate New York right now.
3 Answers
Cost can vary a lot depending on where you are in Upstate NY and the quality of materials you're using. I've seen similar decks go for anywhere between $25,000 and $50,000 due to labor costs, so keep that in mind as you navigate through your options.
The best approach is to get three quotes from reputable local contractors who specialize in this work. Depending on the specifics of your project, even the details you've shared can lead to a wide range of estimates because contractors may interpret things differently. That being said, you mentioned you've received bids between $12k and $18k, which sounds like a reasonable range considering your specs.
I think around $15k seems to be a fair estimate for the project you've described. Just make sure the quotes you get include all the materials and any nuances in labor that might affect the total cost.