CJM Builders is a deck and porch builder serving North Reading, MA and the surrounding towns. Since 1992, we’ve designed and built outdoor spaces that survive Massachusetts winters and shine all summer — decks, farmer’s porches, screened porches, and the stairs and railings that tie them together.
New England gives you a relatively short outdoor season. A well-designed deck or porch helps you use every week of it, from the first warm Saturday in April to the last cookout in October.
We serve Andover, Middleton, North Reading, Reading, Wakefield, Wilmington, and surrounding towns.
Decks & Porches We Build
Every yard, house, and family is different, so we design each project from scratch. Our deck and porch work includes:
- Custom decks — single level, multi-level, and wraparound
- Farmer's porches, the classic New England front-porch addition
- Screened porches and three-season rooms
- Deck replacement and rebuilds on existing footprints
- Stairs, landings, railing systems, and built-in benches
- Pergolas and privacy screens
Adding a porch can change the whole face of a colonial or cape. A new deck can turn an unused backyard into the most popular room of the house.
Built for Massachusetts Winters and Summer Cookouts
A deck in our area carries snow load all winter and rides out repeated freeze-thaw cycles in the soil beneath it. That’s why the parts you never see matter most.
We set footings below the frost line, 48 inches deep in most local towns, so frozen ground can’t heave the frame. We flash the ledger connection properly, because a poorly attached ledger is the number-one cause of deck failures. And we size framing for our snow loads, not for some milder climate’s code minimums.
Massachusetts requires a building permit for deck construction, plus two inspections: one of the footing holes before concrete is poured, and a final check of framing, railings, and stairs. We handle the drawings, the permit, and both inspections for you.
Wood or Composite? We'll Help You Choose
Pressure-treated wood keeps the upfront cost down and still looks right on a traditional home. Plan on staining or sealing it regularly — in our humid, four-season climate, deck boards typically last 10 to 15 years.
Composite and PVC decking costs more upfront but pays it back in time saved. Quality composite resists rot, splinters, and fading, lasts 25 to 50 years, and needs little more than an occasional wash. Either way, we build the frame from pressure-treated lumber engineered to outlast the boards on top.
We’ll walk you through samples and real cost comparisons, with options to see and handle at our Design Center & Showroom.
Our Deck & Porch Building Process
Every project follows our White Glove Five-Step Process™ — Survey, Strategize, Solidify, Secure, Showcase — so nothing is left vague:
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Step 1: Consultation & design planning
We measure your space, talk through how you'll use it, and design a deck or porch that fits your home and budget.
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Step 2: Material selection
Decking, railings, stairs, lighting, and finish choices, with samples in hand.
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Step 3: Permits
We prepare the plans and pull the building permit with your town.
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Step 4: Construction & installation
Footings, framing, decking, and railings — inspected at every required stage.
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Step 5: Final walkthrough
We review every detail with you before we call the project complete.
Why Choose CJM Builders to Build Your Deck
More than 30 years of building in Middlesex and Essex counties means we’ve seen what fails on local decks, and we build so it doesn’t. Our crews are licensed and insured, our lumber and composite come from suppliers we’ve worked with for decades, and our finish carpentry shows in every railing and stair.
A deck or porch project is also a natural time to fix what’s around it. Many clients pair a new deck with window and door replacement — a new slider or French door opening onto the deck makes both projects better. Decks and porches are one part of our full exterior remodeling services for the North Reading area.
Tell us what you’re picturing — a farmer’s porch out front, a bigger deck for entertaining, or a screened room to escape the mosquitoes near the Ipswich River. Ask about 0% financing for 21 months through our partner Hearth (opens in a new tab).
Call (978) 649-7300 or contact us online to start your design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Massachusetts?
Yes. Deck construction requires a building permit in Massachusetts, plus two inspections — one of the footing holes before concrete is poured, and a final inspection of framing, railings, and stairs. We handle the drawings, permit, and inspections for you.
How deep do deck footings need to be in our area?
Most local towns require footings 48 inches below grade so they sit beneath the frost line. Shallower footings can heave when the ground freezes, which racks the frame and loosens connections over time.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
For most homeowners, yes. Pressure-treated boards last roughly 10 to 15 years in our humid four-season climate, while quality composite can last 25 to 50 with almost no upkeep. If you plan to stay in your home, composite usually wins the long game.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Most decks take one to three weeks of build time once the permit is issued. Farmer's porches and screened rooms run longer because of roof framing and finish work. We give you a firm schedule before we start.
Can a deck be built in fall or winter?
Yes, within limits. Footings need to go in before the ground freezes hard, but framing and decking can continue through cold weather. Booking in the off-season often means your deck is ready the day spring arrives.
