Frequently Asked Questions | Ace of Decks LLC

Ace of Decks FAQ — outdoor living Chicago suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions
everyone asks first.

Pricing, process, permits, materials, timeline — everything you need to know before reaching out. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us directly.

Our Process Pricing Design Retainer Materials Permits Timeline Services

Free Discovery Call

$150 Consultation

$3,000 Design Retainer

Fixed-Price Builds

Our Process

How the A.C.E. Method works.

Every project follows the same three-phase framework: Align, Create, Execute. Here's what that means in practice.

What is the first step to working with Ace of Decks?+

Start with a free discovery call — a 15–30 minute phone conversation where we discuss your project, your goals, your timeline, and rough budget expectations. No cost, no commitment. If we're not the right fit for your project, we'll tell you honestly on the call — before you spend a dollar. Fill out our form or call us directly at (630) 354-8887.

What happens after the discovery call?+

If the project is a good fit, the next step is an in-person consultation ($150) — a paid site visit where we walk your property, take measurements, review grades and drainage, discuss layout options, and walk you through TimberTech material samples in your actual environment. You leave with real project pricing ranges, not guesses. After that, if you want to move forward, we proceed to the Design Retainer.

Do I have to go through every step in order?+

The discovery call and in-person consultation are always required unless you already have construction-ready architectural plans from a licensed architect. The Design Retainer is required before a build contract — it's what allows us to lock in accurate pricing and a detailed scope. Skipping these phases leads to inaccurate estimates, scope creep, and surprises during construction, which is why we don't do it.

Can I skip straight to construction if I know exactly what I want?+

If you have fully permitted, construction-ready architectural drawings from a licensed architect, we can sometimes move directly to a construction proposal. If you have ideas, sketches, or Pinterest boards but no formal plans — the Align and Create phases are required. They're what makes our estimate accurate and our permit submission clean.

Pricing

What projects actually cost.

We give real ranges, not ballparks. Here's what to expect depending on what you're building.

How much do your projects typically cost?+

Our projects range widely based on scope, size, materials, and features:

Custom composite / PVC decks — from $60,000
Motorized louvered pergolas — from $35,000
Covered patio / roof systems — from $45,000
Retractable power screens — $5,000–$7,000 per opening
Complete outdoor living rooms — from $120,000

We give you real pricing ranges on the free discovery call once we understand your scope. The in-person consultation ($150) produces actual project-specific numbers based on your property.

Why don't you take on projects under a certain budget?+

Our process — design retainer, architectural drawings, permit management, premium materials, and professional construction — has real costs built in. Budget builds and commodity deck installations require a different business model than ours. We focus on projects where the investment justifies the design and process rigor we bring. If your project is below our minimums, we'll tell you on the discovery call so you're not wasting time.

Is the $150 consultation fee applied toward the project?+

The $150 consultation fee is not credited toward the build — it reflects the professional value of the site visit itself. The $1,500 credit comes from the Design Retainer ($3,000), and is applied toward your build contract when you move forward with us.

Are your prices fixed or can they change?+

Once a build contract is signed, the price is fixed. We do not do surprise change orders. The only exception is if you request a scope change after the contract is signed — we review those case by case and are always transparent about the pricing impact before proceeding.

Not sure if your project is in our range? The discovery call is free and takes 15 minutes. We'll give you honest feedback on fit and rough pricing — before you commit to anything.

Start Free Discovery Call

Design Retainer

The Design Retainer explained.

This is the most common set of questions we get. Here's exactly how it works.

What does the $3,000 Design Retainer include?+

The Design Retainer covers the full creative planning phase:

Custom 3D renderings of your finished outdoor space
Material and finish selections locked in
Layout, flow, and scope definition
Detailed line-item estimate — no vague ranges
Two design revisions included

Not included: Architectural drawings and permit-ready construction documents. Those are produced after the build contract is signed, as part of the Execute phase. This keeps our proprietary construction process protected.

Why aren't architectural drawings included in the Design Retainer?+

Architectural and permit-ready drawings are tied to a committed build — they're produced once a construction agreement is signed. The Design Retainer covers the visual planning and scope definition that happens before construction is contracted. This protects our proprietary construction process and ensures the architectural work is only done for projects that are moving forward.

What if I want changes after seeing the 3D design?+

Two design revisions are included in the $3,000 retainer at no extra cost. Additional revisions beyond that are $300 each. Changes requested after the build contract is signed may affect scope, pricing, and timeline — we review those case by case.

What if I decide not to move forward after the Design Retainer?+

The $3,000 Design Retainer is non-refundable. However, you keep everything produced: the 3D renderings, material and finish selections, layout plan, and line-item estimate. Since architectural drawings are not produced during the retainer phase, there are no construction documents to transfer. The $1,500 credit only applies when you sign a build contract with Ace of Decks.

Is the $1,500 credit automatically applied?+

Yes. When you sign the build contract with Ace of Decks, $1,500 of the $3,000 Design Retainer is applied toward your build investment — bringing your net design cost to $1,500. This credit is only available when you build with us.

Materials

What we build with.

What decking materials do you use?+

We are an exclusive TimberTech dealer for the Chicago suburbs. TimberTech produces two premium product lines: Composite (capped wood fiber — natural look, excellent performance) and Advanced PVC (fully cellular PVC — maximum durability, ideal for shade or moisture exposure). Both come with industry-leading warranties and require no staining, sealing, or painting. We review samples with you in your actual space during the in-person consultation.

Do you build with wood?+

We specialize in TimberTech composite and PVC decking exclusively for deck surfaces. For structural framing, we use treated lumber or steel framing depending on the project scope and load requirements. We do not build traditional wood deck surfaces — our focus is on premium low-maintenance materials that last and perform in the Chicago climate.

What pergola systems do you install?+

We install motorized louvered roof systems — premium aluminum structures with adjustable louvers that open and close via remote or app. These are full outdoor room systems that can be paired with integrated lighting, retractable screens, radiant heaters, and ceiling fans. We are a dealer for top-tier louvered roof brands and help you select the right system for your space and budget during the design phase.

What railing systems do you offer?+

We offer aluminum railing, cable rail, glass panel systems, and composite railing — all available in a variety of finishes and styles. Railing selection is part of the Design Retainer phase. We review options during the in-person consultation and present detailed selections as part of the 3D design.

Permits & Inspections

Permits handled completely.

Do you handle permits?+

Yes — completely. Once the build contract is signed, we produce the architectural and permit-ready construction drawings, submit all permit applications to the relevant municipality, and manage the approval process and inspection scheduling. Permit costs are included in your project quote. You never touch a permit office.

How long does permit approval take?+

Permit approval timelines vary by municipality. Most suburban Chicago municipalities approve standard deck and structure permits in 3–5 weeks. More complex projects or municipalities with longer review queues can take 6–8 weeks. We factor this into your project timeline and set realistic expectations during the build planning phase.

Do all projects require permits?+

Most outdoor structure projects in the Chicago suburbs require permits — decks, pergolas, covered patios, and most structural work. Some smaller features (like lighting, screens, or furniture-scale additions) may not. We assess permit requirements for your specific project and municipality during the planning phase and manage everything that's needed.

Timeline

How long does everything take?

How long does the full process take from first call to finished build?+

Typical timeline from discovery call to final walkthrough:

Discovery call — Day 1
In-person consultation — Within 1–2 weeks
Design Retainer phase — 2–3 weeks after kickoff
Build contract signed + arch drawings produced — Week 4–5
Permit submission & approval — 3–5 weeks (varies by municipality)
Construction — 5–10 business days once permitted

Most projects complete in 1–3 months total from signed build contract to final walkthrough. The sooner you start the process, the better your build season timing.

How far out are you booking?+

Summer 2026 build slots are actively filling. We work with a limited number of projects at a time to maintain quality. If you want a specific season, starting the discovery call and Design Retainer early is the best way to secure your slot. We discuss timing honestly during the free discovery call.

How long does construction actually take?+

Most builds are completed in 5–10 business days once all permits are approved and materials are staged. More complex projects — multi-level decks with pergolas, outdoor rooms with multiple systems — may run longer. We give you a specific construction timeline during the build planning phase and keep you informed throughout.

Services

What we build and what we don't.

What services do you offer?+

We design and build premium outdoor living environments:

Custom composite and PVC decks
Motorized louvered pergolas and roof systems
Covered patios and roof structures
Retractable power screens
Patio pavers and hardscapes
Outdoor features — lighting, fire, heaters, kitchens
Deck railing systems
Commercial outdoor living
Complete outdoor rooms (multiple systems combined)

Do you do repairs or smaller projects?+

No. We focus exclusively on full outdoor living projects and do not take on one-off repairs, board replacements, or small-scope fix-up work. Our process — design retainer, architectural drawings, permit management — is built around full project scope. If you need repair work, we're happy to point you in the right direction.

Where do you work?+

We serve DuPage County, Kane County, and Will County in Illinois — including Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Plainfield, Aurora, and surrounding communities. Our warehouse is in Aurora at 2600 Beverly Drive, Unit 105.

Financing

Financing options.

Do you offer financing?+

Yes. We've partnered with Acorn Finance to offer flexible financing for qualified homeowners. Approval, rates, and terms depend on the provider and applicant qualifications. Ask about financing options during your in-person consultation — we'll walk you through what's available based on your project investment.

Can financing cover the Design Retainer?+

Financing through Acorn Finance is typically available for the build investment. The Design Retainer ($3,000) is generally paid separately as part of the planning phase before construction financing is structured. Ask about your specific situation on the discovery call — we'll give you honest guidance on how to approach it.

Still Have Questions?

The fastest answer
is a free call.

Fill out the form and we'll call you within 1 business day. Or reach us directly — we pick up during business hours.

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(630) 354-8887

Same-day response during business hours.

outdoorliving@aceofdecksllc.com

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Frequently asked questions about Ace of Decks LLC — custom composite decks, motorized louvered pergolas, retractable screens, covered patios, patio pavers, outdoor kitchens, and complete outdoor living spaces throughout Aurora, Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Plainfield, and the Chicago suburbs. DuPage County, Kane County, and Will County, Illinois.