Part 2: How to Clean Under Your Deck the Right Way So It Lasts Longer

Extra Pro Tips for Virginia Homeowners Cleaning under your deck once or twice a year is great, but there are a few extra steps and preventative measures that can make those cleanings easier and help your deck’s underside stay dry and problem-free. Consider these pro tips that especially apply to our Virginia climate and terrain: […]
Part 1: How to Clean Under Your Deck the Right Way So It Lasts Longer

An Essential Guide for Virginia Families Who Love Their Outdoor Space How to Clean Under Your Deck Introduction: The Hidden Half of Your Outdoor Living Space Picture a beautiful spring Saturday in Virginia — the grill’s fired up, the kids are chasing each other barefoot across the deck… Meanwhile, underneath that wooden deck? A forgotten […]
10 Under-Deck Storage Ideas for Virginia Families Who Love the Outdoors

Introduction Deck Storage Picture this: a sunny Virginia afternoon after a weekend of family fun. The kids’ bikes are strewn across the yard, muddy gardening tools lean against the house, and the patio cushions you forgot to bring in last night are still soggy from the morning dew. If this cluttered backyard scene feels familiar, […]
5 Best Wood Deck Board Materials Every Virginia Homeowner Should Know

It’s a Saturday morning in Virginia—birds are chirping, the kids are playing in the yard, and you’re standing on your deck with a coffee in hand, imagining how much better it could look with a new surface. Wood Deck Virginia homeowners can relate to this scene. Choosing the right wood deck board material can make […]
Deck Code Guidelines Every Virginia Homeowner Should Know (Guardrails & Stairs)

Introduction: Why Deck Safety and Codes Matter Deck Code “Picture your kids leaning on the deck railing during a summer cookout. Would you trust it to hold?” It’s a heart-stopping thought for any parent. Unfortunately, deck collapses and railing failures cause thousands of injuries nationwide each year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an […]
How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Deck in Virginia? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

Introduction: Why a Deck Is More Than Just a Deck Cost to Build a Deck Imagine enjoying a warm Virginia evening on a beautiful backyard deck. Whether it’s hosting family barbecues, watching the kids play, or simply unwinding under the stars, a deck creates a special outdoor living space that brings people together. In fact, […]
5 Outdoor Renovations Contractors Always Do in October for a Better Spring

Introduction Outdoor Renovations October isn’t just about pumpkins on the porch and leaves crunching underfoot—it’s also prime time for smart homeowners to invest in outdoor renovations that will pay off come spring. Why October? In Virginia (particularly Northern Virginia and the West Virginia border region), the weather tends to be milder and drier this time […]
House Bump-Out Additions and How They Can Add Space

Homeowners are almost universally familiar with the feeling of wanting more space. As families grow or lifestyle needs change, that once-roomy house can start to feel tight and cramped. Maybe you’ve run out of storage, need an extra corner for a home office, or wish your kitchen had a bit more breathing room. The challenge, […]
8 Fall Home Projects to Winterize Your Home and Save Money

As summer’s swelter fades and the chill of winter lurks around the corner, fall offers a golden opportunity to get your home in order. The autumn months are the sweet spot for home improvements—cool enough to work comfortably, yet before the ground freezes and winter storms roll in. Tackling key projects now can save you […]
Why Your Home Feels Like a Sauna (and How to Fix It Fast)

Introduction: Why Homes Overheat in Summer Even with air conditioning, many homeowners find their houses still feel hot during peak summer months. At MGS Contracting Services, we’ve seen this issue in hundreds of homes across Northern Virginia and beyond. The reasons can range from outdated equipment to hidden inefficiencies in insulation and airflow. Hot attics, […]