How long does it usually take to build a deck, and do you need to plan everything in advance?

[Charly Flint]

Do you really need a design plan for a yard renovation? Or can you figure things out as the project goes?

[Shadow Moon]

If you make decisions as you go, the project could drag on forever. When you have a proper plan, you already have a rough budget and a good idea of when everything will be finished. You can always make changes along the way anyway.

[Johnny Quid]

I guess it all depends on how complicated the project is, how difficult the site is, how experienced the contractors are, and a bunch of other things that just aren't coming to mind right now. Just start by talking through the project. I do think you need one. If you're still looking for a company, I recommend https://oakshs.ca/deck-builders/. In my case the project itself was pretty simple, but the materials we chose weren't available, so we actually spent more time waiting for them to come in than building the deck.