Deck Replacement With Unexpected Foundation Repairs in Riverwest

Rebuilding Front and Back Decks for Safer Home Access

Shirley reached out to Chisel and Vine with a clear concern: both the front and back decks of her Riverwest home were in rough shape, and they were also her only safe entry and exit points. Her top priority was to make both spaces safe again.

She had already spoken with a few other contractors, but she didn’t feel like anyone was really listening to her concerns or providing the kind of thoughtful options she wanted. After our first meeting, we followed up with a second visit to walk through the space again, talk about project phasing to help with costs, and go over decking and railing material options. Shirley appreciated being included in every step and felt confident moving forward.

A Two-Phase Deck Replacement With Added Structural Repairs

To minimize disruption and maintain access to the home during the build, we started by removing the back deck and rebuilding it first. Once that section was safe and complete, we moved to the front of the home.

During the demo of the front deck, we uncovered an unexpected complication — the original deck had been built in a way that actually formed part of the ceiling of the basement below. Removing the deck revealed a section of the basement that was now fully exposed to the elements. We paused the project to collaborate with the team at Holton Brothers to properly seal and repair the foundation. A rubber membrane was installed to protect the space below, and we added a new subfloor before continuing with the deck rebuild.

Both decks were built using TimberTech decking and fasteners for long-lasting performance, and Shirley selected colors and materials that complemented the style of her home.

Thoughtful Work Built on Trust and Communication

The project took extra time and care, but the results were worth it. Shirley was thrilled with both decks and how we handled every step of the process — from color choices to unexpected surprises.

She let us know that these new decks were just the beginning of her plans to breathe new life into her home, and she was excited to keep the momentum going.

Start Your Deck Replacement Project with Confidence

If you’re planning a deck replacement project in the Riverwest area, Milwaukee, or beyond, we’re here to help — not just with the build, but with the guidance and communication that make the entire process feel smoother. 

Reach out to Chisel and Vine today to start your project with a team that listens and builds with care.