Guides & Advice
The Valart Blog
Straight answers on deck costs, permits and hiring contractors — written by the crew that builds them across New Westminster, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Hiring Guides July 28, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Choose a Deck Builder in the Lower Mainland: 9 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
The nine questions that expose whether a deck contractor actually knows what they're doing — before you've paid a deposit, not after the boards start cupping.
Read the guide → Permits & Planning July 16, 2026 · 6 min read
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck in New Westminster? (BC Rules Explained)
The height thresholds, setback rules and real consequences of unpermitted decks in New Westminster and across BC — and how the permit process actually works.
Read the guide → Cost Guides July 7, 2026 · 7 min read
How Much Does a New Deck Cost in Metro Vancouver? (2026 Price Guide)
Real 2026 deck pricing for Metro Vancouver — per-square-foot ranges for cedar, composite, pressure-treated and vinyl, plus the five things that move the number most.
Read the guide →Planning a project?
Skip the guesswork — we'll come out, measure, and give you a written quote for free.