Frequently asked questions

Yes. Any deck over 30 inches off the ground or attached to the house requires a building permit in Kootenai County and the cities of Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. The permit process includes a plan review (showing joist sizing, footing depth, railing details) and inspections at footing stage and final. Typical permit turnaround is 1–2 weeks. United General Construction pulls permits for all deck projects and schedules inspections with the local building department.

Footings must extend below the frost line to prevent heaving. In most of Kootenai County that's 32 inches; in higher elevations or Bonner County it can be 36–42 inches. We dig footings to the depth required by local code, pour concrete, and set posts or brackets on top. Shallow footings heave in freeze-thaw cycles and cause the deck to shift or fail.

Fiber cement (James Hardie, Allura) is the most durable—it doesn't rot, handles moisture, and lasts 30–50 years. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) is a close second and costs less, but it requires more maintenance on trim and cut edges. Vinyl is the budget option and works fine if installed correctly, but it won't hold up as well on high-UV exposures. United General Construction is a certified installer for James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and CertainTeed systems.

2–3 weeks for a full-home siding replacement on a standard single-family home. Larger homes, complex roof lines, or homes with stone or board-and-batten accents take longer. We remove old siding, repair sheathing, install house wrap or rainscreen if needed, then install new siding and trim. Single-wall repairs or additions take 3–5 days.

If it's load-bearing, yes—but it requires a beam or header to carry the load, and that requires a permit and often an engineered plan. We determine if the wall is load-bearing (look at the framing in the attic or crawlspace), size the beam, install temporary support walls, remove the old wall, and set the new beam. Non-load-bearing walls come out in a day; load-bearing walls take 2–3 days plus permit time.

Renovation means updating finishes and fixtures within the existing layout—new flooring, paint, cabinets, appliances, lighting. Remodel means changing the layout or structure—moving walls, relocating plumbing, adding space. Renovations are faster and cheaper; remodels require permits, structural work, and more time. United General Construction handles both kitchen and bathroom renovations and full remodels.

Not always. If your existing septic system is sized for the additional bedroom (based on the original design capacity), you can often tap into it with a new lateral. If the system is undersized or old, you may need a new drainfield or tank upgrade. We coordinate a site evaluation with a septic designer or the health district to determine what's required before starting construction.

Depends on size, materials, and complexity. A basic 12x16 pressure-treated deck with stairs and railings typically runs $8,000–$12,000. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) adds 30–50% to material cost. Multi-level decks, covered decks, or decks with integrated benches and lighting cost more. United General Construction provides a detailed bid after measuring the site and discussing materials.

Yes, if we're doing retrofit (pocket) windows that fit into the existing frame. For full-frame replacement, we remove the exterior trim and cut back the siding around the opening, install the new window with proper flashing, then patch the siding and reinstall trim. If the siding is old or brittle, full-frame replacement often damages it and we recommend replacing that wall's siding at the same time.

2–3 weeks for a renovation (new cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances within the existing layout). 4–5 weeks for a full remodel with layout changes, structural work, or plumbing relocation. United General Construction provides a detailed schedule at the start and updates you as the project progresses. Igor walks the project daily to keep sequencing on track.

Yes. We pull permits for projects that require them (decks, ADUs, structural remodels, siding on new construction) and schedule inspections with the local building department. We make sure the work passes inspection the first time so there are no delays. Permit turnaround is typically 1–2 weeks depending on the jurisdiction.

United General Construction works throughout Greater Kootenai County and parts of Spokane County, Washington—including Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Newman Lake. Travel to Bonner County (Sandpoint, Priest River) depends on project size. Call Igor at (509) 995-2063 to discuss your project location.