Decks and More, a metro Atlanta-based remodeling company, has won two national Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards from NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  Decks and More received the honors in the Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100 category for a home in Johns Creek/North Fulton and in the Green Residential Exteriors category for a home in Buckhead.

The National CotY awards are NARI’s premier awards for the remodeling industry.  The annual accolades recognize excellence in remodeling across 48 categories.  NARI members throughout the nation submit their best work for consideration by a panel of expert judges.  Over the years, Decks and More has been honored for outstanding work at the local, regional and national level by NARI, the North American Deck and Railing Association and other professional organizations. 

“It’s always rewarding to win a CotY Award, since the entries are judged by a panel of remodeling peers,” said Frank Pologruto, president of Decks and More.  “As always, the competition was extremely tough, since remodelers from across the country submitted their best work.  Decks and More is truly honored and grateful to receive these awards.  I’d like to thank our clients, design team, creative carpenters, Southeastern Underdeck team, painters and our amazing electricians.  These projects were total team efforts and I am honored and blessed to work with these professionals every day.”

National CotY Winner for Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000, Johns Creek, Ga.

“For this busy family who loves to entertain, we replaced an outdated and non-descript deck with a beautiful two-level outdoor entertainment area,” said Pologruto.  The home features a professionally landscaped backyard with a pool, outdoor kitchen and flagstone patio, but the dated, existing deck hampered the flow from the house to the yard and detracted from the lovely landscape.  The homeowners wanted two levels of attractive and functional outdoor living spaces, but they wanted their view preserved.  We worked with partner Southeastern Underdeck on the project.  It took a strong team effort, creativity and innovation to design and install the components in a way that did not block the view.  First, a pressure-treated engineered beam was installed to support the new wooden deck with its Chippendale handrails, custom corbels and diagonal decking.  Below, Southeastern Underdeck installed an under-deck system made of custom aluminum panels to protect the homeowners from weather on the ground level.  To complete the project, we added stacked stonework at the steps, LED lighting and a two-color paint scheme for the deck and rails.  The lower level features a clear span design with only four columns supporting the upper deck.  This creative engineering maintained the clear view of the landscape.”

National CotY Winner for Green Residential Exteriors, Atlanta, GA (Buckhead neighborhood)

“The couple who lives in this Buckhead home had the house custom-built and the grounds professionally landscaped, but for some reason, the back deck was too small and didn’t span the home.  It almost looked like it was added as an afterthought,” said Pologruto.  “The homeowners asked my team and me to design a low-maintenance deck to provide easy access to the backyard with a wide, sweeping view.  To avoid installing railings across the entire back of the deck, we designed a grand, 28-foot-wide staircase that gently descends to a landing before reaching the ground.  The deck features gray birch composite decking placed at a diagonal with a picture frame border and open, fortress iron handrails.  Additional green solutions include LED lighting and PVC white trim at the perimeter of the deck.  Where the old deck made you feel cramped and confined, this new outdoor deck and grand staircase are gracious and open.  They are a perfect match for the beautiful home and meticulous landscape.”