Frequently Asked Questions

We proudly serve homeowners throughout Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in Southwest Michigan. Based in Benton Harbor, we're local to the area and happy to travel throughout the tri-county region for projects of all sizes.

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, engineered to look and feel like natural wood without any of the maintenance. Unlike traditional wood, composite never needs staining, sealing, sanding, or painting. It resists fading, staining, mold, rot, and insect damage, giving you a beautiful, maintenance-free outdoor space that lasts for decades.

It's simple and hassle-free. Give Jeff a call or fill out our contact form, and he'll schedule a time to visit your property, usually within a day or two. He'll bring the travelling showroom so you can see and feel materials in person, walk the space with you, listen to your vision, and provide a detailed quote. Most quotes are delivered same-day or next-day.

Jeff brings a mobile collection of composite material samples directly to your home. You can touch the textures, see the colors in your own lighting, and compare options side by side, all without leaving your property. It takes the guesswork out of material selection and makes the process more personal and convenient.

As involved as you want to be! We believe you should be a creative partner in every step, it's your outdoor oasis, after all. Jeff works collaboratively with you, listening to your ideas, offering creative suggestions, and keeping you informed throughout. You'll never feel left out or talked down to.

We're confident in our pricing, and we welcome you to make us your second quote. We've beaten competitor quotes by as much as half while delivering superior craftsmanship and materials. We achieve this through efficient operations, strong supplier relationships, and a commitment to honest, transparent pricing, not by cutting corners.

Project timelines vary depending on size and complexity. A standard deck might take 3-5 days, while larger or more complex projects (multi-level decks, pergola combinations, docks) can take 1-2 weeks. Jeff will provide a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the build.

Absolutely. Our composite materials come with manufacturer warranties. We stand by our workmanship, and most composite brands carry a 25–50 year manufacturer warranty. We also stand behind our craftsmanship with our own satisfaction guarantee. If something isn't right, we'll make it right. Period.

Three things: creative collaboration, Marine-grade discipline, and honest pricing. We don't push cookie-cutter plans. We listen to your vision and bring our creativity to enhance it. Jeff's Marine Corps background means projects stay on schedule, details never get overlooked, and promises are always kept. And our pricing is transparent and competitive, we welcome second-quote comparisons.

Permit requirements vary by municipality and project type. Jeff is familiar with local building codes across Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties and will guide you through the permitting process if one is required. We handle the details so you don't have to stress about paperwork.

Virtually none, that's the beauty of composite. No staining, sealing, sanding, or painting. An occasional rinse with a garden hose or mild soap is all it takes to keep your deck looking beautiful. That means more time enjoying your outdoor space and less time maintaining it.

Princess Anastasia is Jeff's daughter, and the company's unofficial quality inspector! She often joins Jeff on quotes and job sites, complete with her tiara and tutu, making sure everything meets her royal standards. She's a reminder that at Semper Gumby, family comes first, and every project is built with that same family-first spirit.

We sure do! Most decks are framed with wood, and composite on the exterior. But if you want the look and feel of real wood, we do that too! Tropical hardwoods like ipe, traditional cedar, budget friendly pressure treated pine, and others.

We follow the golden rule and we will leave your space better than we found it.

Yes! We collect construction debris daily. We always treat our job site as a G-rated family friendly space. Zero tolerance. No smoking, no drinking, and no profanity on your property. If music is played, it will be child appropriate.