Decks, Verandas & Lanais
Ventures is your premier design and build company for custom decks, verandas and lanais in southeast Michigan
Building a Custom Deck, Veranda or Lanai
With over a decade of experience building beautiful custom decks, terraces, verandas, lanais, and three seasons rooms, Ventures is southeast Michigan’s #1 choice. Whether you’re looking for a multi-level lakeside terrace, A deck with a three seasons room and outdoor kitchen, or a balcony overlooking your custom pool, Ventures is your premier choice.
What is the Difference Between a Deck, Veranda, Lanai, Terrace, and Balcony?
Decks, verandas, lanais, terraces, and balconies are all platforms on the exterior of a house or building designed to create outdoor living space. The distinctions come from the level of the platform, whether they are roofed or uncovered, walled or open air, attached to the home, or free standing. Many exterior platforms could accurately be labeled with more than one of these terms. The following is a quick breakdown of each.
What is a Deck?
Decks are elevated platforms constructed of wood or composite decking, often but not always, connected to a house. A deck is a great option for an expanded porch, surrounding a swim spa, above-ground pool, or hot tub. Decks are also a wonderful option for expanding your outdoor living space with a dining or lounge area.
What is a Veranda?
A veranda is a roofed, open-air structure attached to the exterior of a home at ground level. A veranda often wraps around a house or spans the length of the home rather than a traditional porch that is located on the front, or street-facing side of a home.
What is a Lanai?
The term lanai originated in Hawaii and is growing in popularity as a way to define a roofed outdoor living space. The term lanai could be used to describe a covered porch, veranda, patio, or terrace.
What is a Terrace?
A terrace is a series of raised platforms built along a slope, creating level outdoor space for dining, lounging, and more. Ventures has a stunning portfolio of custom terraces, such as our West Crooked Lake project; a stunning multi-level terrace built on the sloping property of a lakeside home. A terrace can be a combination of stone or paver-laid patios, raised decks, balconies, and retaining walls.
What is a Balcony?
A balcony is a platform that projects from the wall of a home or building and is enclosed by a railing. It provides an outdoor space where you can enjoy the fresh air and a view of the surrounding area. Unlike a deck or terrace, balconies are typically accessed through a single entry door and are not connected to the grounds by a stairway. A balcony is a wonderful way to add an outdoor extension of your living space, especially if you have limited space to build in.
How long has Ventures been building custom decks, verandas and lanais?
Ventures has been building custom decks, verandas and lanais for over 10 years. Over the years we’ve built a reputation as one of Michigan’s best contractors to hire for custom decks, verandas, lanais, terraces and balconies.
What types of decks do we specialize in?
Ventures specializes in the design and construction of fully customized decks, verandas, lanais, terraces and balconies. Our team of carpenters are experts in the field and have years of experience. Ventures sources only the highest quality building materials. During the selections stage of your project, our specialist will walk you through selecting the perfect materials, colors, textures and patterns. We build wood and composite decks. For composite decks we use Trex and TimberTech.
How much does a custom deck, veranda or lanai cost?
Having a custom deck, veranda, lanai or terrace built can range from $5K - $400K. With fully customized decks and terraces, there is a huge range depending on size, materials and intricacy of design. Many of our deck clients choose to build full outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens, pools and spas, fire features and shade cover such as a pergola or pavilion. Lakeside homeowners often want multi-level terraces leading from the home down to the water with fire features, grilling areas and a hot tub overlooking the water. Our experienced team of designers and sales consultants will work with you and your budget to build the custom deck, veranda, lanai or terrace of your dreams.
How long does the design and build process take?
The construction process for a custom deck, veranda or lanai can take anywhere from 1 week to a couple months. That doesn’t include time spent on design, selections, permitting or other landscaping features. On average a simple project that includes a custom deck and surrounding landscape will take 2-4 weeks to complete. Like everything in Michigan, the time of year and weather can also have a big impact on the overall timeline. If you’re thinking about adding a custom deck or terrace to your home it’s never too early to start planning.
Are permits required to build a deck, veranda or lanai?
Yes, permits are almost always required to build decks, verandas, lanais and terraces in Michigan. We have extensive experience working with local Building Departments and are familiar with local building codes. When you choose us to build your deck or patio we manage every step of the permitting process from application to final inspection.
Ventures is the premier source for your custom outdoor living space. Check out our portfolio to see the full breadth of what we build:
Athletic courts for Basketball, Pickleball, Tennis, Volleyball
Driveways
Decks
Fireplaces and pits
Landscaping and irrigation
Outdoor Bars
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Lounge areas
Patios
Pergolas, Pavilions and Shade cover
Pools and spas
Putting greens
Retaining walls
Terraces
TV & Outdoor Entertainment centers
Water features
Ready to get started?