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stom deck construction to structural repairs and complete rebuilds, Specialty Improvements Unlimited brings over 40 years of hands-on construction experience to every project. We focus on structural integrity, quality materials, and lasting craftsmanship
Specialty Improvements Unlimited builds and repairs decks in Santa Rosa and across Sonoma County, including custom composite decks with Trex and TimberTech, fire-resistant decking for wildfire zones, custom stairs and railing systems, and structural deck repair. Owner Eric Wilson, a CA-licensed general contractor (Lic. #669482), personally oversees the project and coordinates all phases of construction.
A well-built deck is about much more than the boards you see. Its long-term performance depends on
properly designed footings, structural framing, secure connections, and effective waterproofing where
the deck meets your home.
At Specialty Improvements Unlimited, we bring over 40 years of residential construction and structural
repair experience to every deck project. Whether we're building a new deck, repairing deteriorated
framing, correcting water damage, or rebuilding an aging structure, we approach each project with the
same attention to structural integrity, durability, and craftsmanship.
At Specialty Improvements Unlimited, we bring over 40 years of residential construction and structural
repair experience to every deck project. Whether we're building a new deck, repairing deteriorated
framing, correcting water damage, or rebuilding an aging structure, we approach each project with the
same attention to structural integrity, durability, and craftsmanship.
After the 2017 fires, many Sonoma County homeowners started looking at their decks differently. A wood deck attached to the house can carry fire right to your walls and windows, and in designated fire hazard severity zones, California's building code (Chapter 7A) sets specific requirements for deck materials.
We offer decking materials and construction methods designed to meet applicable wildfire-zone
building requirements. Depending on your property's location and fire hazard designation, certain
decking products and assemblies may be required to comply with California's Chapter 7A standards. We
evaluate the specific requirements for your project and help select appropriate materials, including
qualifying composite decking options and noncombustible components where required
Composite decking holds up better than wood in Sonoma County's mix of wet winters and hot, dry summers. It won't rot, splinter, or need sanding and staining every few years. We install Trex and TimberTech decking, with hidden fasteners, matching fascia, and railings that fit the style of your home.
As a TimberTech-certified contractor, Specialty Improvements Unlimited brings manufacturer-specific product knowledge and installation experience to composite decking projects. Composite boards still need a solid frame underneath. We build with properly sized joists, Simpson Strong-Tie hardware, and joist protection, to help protect the framing and extend the life of the deck.
Wood or composite? Wood costs less up front and has a natural look, but needs regular maintenance. Composite costs more to install but saves years of upkeep. We'll walk you through both based on your budget and how you'll use the deck.
Not every deck needs to be torn out. Many can be repaired, reinforced, or resurfaced for much less than a full replacement. We handle deck repair across Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, including:
We check the structure underneath before recommending anything, so you know whether a repair will last or whether replacement makes more sense.
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Step 1. Site Visit:
Eric looks at your yard, the house connection, slope, and access, and talks through what you want.
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Step 2. Written Proposal:
You get a clear scope with materials, layout, and honest recommendations.
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Step 3. Design and Permits:
We finalize the design and handle permits, including fire-zone requirements where they apply.
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Step 4. Build:
Footings, framing, decking, stairs, and railings, with inspections along the way.
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Step 5. Final Walkthrough:
We check every board, rail, and connection with you before calling it done.
A deck finished ahead of schedule
John Dunlap hired SIU for a deck project that was completed sooner than expected. Eric also suggested a plan improvement and handled the specialized metal fabrication the project needed.
A difficult deck that's still holding up
Roy Halpern had Eric build a deck he described as not an easy job, and says it's holding up perfectly.
Deck reinforced for a new hot tub
For Sherie Ambrose's Russian River cottage, Eric refinished and shored up the existing deck so it could safely support a new hot tub.
Large deck and staircase as part of a whole-home remodel
Rick Watson's home remodel and addition included a large new deck and outdoor staircase, built alongside the rest of the project.
Most raised decks, decks attached to the house, and decks in fire hazard zones need a permit, from the City of Santa Rosa inside city limits or Permit Sonoma in unincorporated areas. We handle the permit and inspections.
Cost depends on the deck's size, height, materials, and railings.
After a site visit, we provide a written proposal based on specific scoping of your project.
We build with Trex and TimberTech composite decking, Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and hardware, and quality railing systems, materials chosen to hold up through wet winters, dry summers, and fire season.
We build and repair decks in Santa Rosa, including Fountaingrove, Bennett Valley, Rincon Valley, and Oakmont, as well as Petaluma, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Forestville, Kenwood, Bodega Bay, and the surrounding communities.
If the frame is solid and only the boards or railings are worn, repair or resurfacing usually makes sense. If the joists, posts, or ledger connection are rotted, replacement is often safer and more cost-effective. We inspect the structure before recommending either.
For most Sonoma County homes, yes. It costs more up front but doesn't rot, splinter, or need staining, and fire-resistant composite options are available for homes in wildfire zones.
It's decking made from materials that meet California's requirements for homes in wildfire zones. We select the specific product based on your project and the requirements that apply. We'll confirm what your property requires.
Usually, if the deck is raised, attached to the house, or in a fire hazard zone. We handle permits as part of the job.
Yes. Hot tubs are heavy when filled, and most existing decks need added framing and footings to support one safely. We've reinforced decks for exactly this.
Yes. We install both Trex and TimberTech composite decking and railings.
Contact
Planning a new deck, or worried about the one you have? Send us a few photos and tell us what you have in mind. Eric will get back to you about next steps and set up a site visit. Prefer to talk? Call or text (707) 328-3555.
