Howie Conley started building decks 30 years ago in Rhode Island. He moved south to have the weather on his side. His wife, Martha, who serves as vice president of the company, says her husband's knowledge and experience are what make the business successful. "He's very good at what he does," she says. "Howie can help people decide what's best for them."

Why should I consider adding a deck or porch to my home?

"It definitely increases your house's value. They're also great for entertainment. Decks are typically made of wood or a composite material, while porches are concrete. We only do decks. Most people choose a deck because it's more visually appealing and cheaper than concrete. Decks are great because they give you a place to relax and escape to your own oasis."

What kind of materials do you use to build a deck?

"We offer the finest available materials. We sell a lot of composite now. There are different kinds, but most of them are made of recycled plastic. Our goal is to design and build an ecologically friendly space that blends with the natural environment. Composites look like real wood, hold up much better than lumber and are beautiful, coming in many colors. It lasts three times longer, but of course it costs three times more."

What do I need to do to maintain my deck?

"Composites are very low maintenance. Basically, you just have to hose it off and maybe use a mild cleaner on it. There's no sealing or staining like there is with lumber. If you use real wood, sealing and staining are required."

What's the average price for a deck?

"That's hard because there are so many variables. For a wooden deck, it could be $3,000 and up. Composite decks start around $5,000. We warranty our work for a year and provide free estimates. We also do computerized drawings and designs to meet specific needs and take care of the permitting process. We're the working man's deck builder. We offer a very high-quality deck for a very reasonable price."