Outdoor Living Spaces in Lakeville, Farmington & the South Metro
Bischel Building plans and builds outdoor living spaces in Lakeville, Farmington and the south metro, including decks, patios, covered porches, screened and three-season porches, pergolas and outdoor kitchens.
- Family owned & operated since 2005
- BBB accredited
- Licensed MN contractor BC634092
- Based in Farmington, MN
- Free estimates
We build them to handle Minnesota winters, so you can enjoy every warm day we get.
Our summers are short. A well-planned outdoor space helps you make the most of them, and it can extend your season well into fall.
Outdoor spaces we build
- Decks: new decks, replacements and repairs in wood or low-maintenance composite. See deck installation.
- Patios and walkways: stamped, colored or plain concrete, and stone and brick work.
- Covered porches and roofs over decks that tie into your home's roofline.
- Screened and three-season porches that keep the mosquitoes out, and four-season porches as part of a home addition.
- Pergolas for shade and a sense of an outdoor room.
- Outdoor kitchens and fire features, coordinated with licensed trades for gas and electrical.
- Railings, stairs and lighting for safety and evening use.
See more of our outdoor living projects in the project gallery ›
Built for frost, snow and sun
Outdoor structures in Minnesota face freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow and strong summer sun. Deck and porch footings need to go below the frost line so they don't heave, and covered structures have to be built for local snow loads. We flash ledger boards carefully where a deck meets the house to keep water out of your walls, slope patios to drain away from the foundation, and choose materials that won't crack, rot or fade quickly.
Materials and options
Pressure-treated lumber is an affordable, sturdy option for decks and framing. Cedar offers natural beauty with regular upkeep. Composite and PVC decking cost more up front but need far less maintenance and don't splinter. For patios, broom-finished concrete is practical, stamped and colored concrete adds style, and natural stone or pavers give a classic look. We'll walk you through the trade-offs so your space fits your budget and how much maintenance you want to do.
Our process
- Site visit. We look at your yard, sun and shade, views, drainage, and how you want to use the space.
- Plan. We plan the size, layout and materials, and how the space connects to your home.
- Estimate and permits. A detailed written estimate, then permits for decks, porches and other structures as your city requires.
- Construction. Footings, framing and finishes, with your yard protected and cleaned up as we go.
- Walkthrough. We review the finished project and care tips with you.
When to plan your project
Spring and early summer are the busiest time for outdoor projects across the south metro. Planning over the winter gives you time to plan the space, pull permits and get on the schedule, so you can be outside as soon as the weather turns. Footings can be dug once the ground thaws, and much of the work continues into late fall.
Why Bischel Building
Because we're a general contractor, we can build the deck, add a roof, install a new patio door and have a concrete patio poured by our trusted concrete subcontractor, all as one coordinated project. We're a family-owned company based in Farmington, and customers tell us we're careful with their property; one noted the dumpster in their driveway never left a scratch. We'll treat your yard the same way.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck or porch?
In most Minnesota cities, yes, especially for decks attached to the house or more than a short height above the ground, and for covered porches. Rules vary in cities like Lakeville, Savage and Prior Lake, and we handle the permits.
How deep do deck footings have to be in Minnesota?
Footings must go below the frost line set by the Minnesota building code, which is deeper than in warmer states. That keeps your deck from heaving as the ground freezes and thaws.
Is composite decking worth it?
For many families, yes. It costs more up front, but it needs no staining and less upkeep. We'll compare it with wood for your project.
Can you add a roof over my existing deck?
Often, yes, if the deck's structure and footings can carry the load. We'll check the framing and footings and tell you what's needed.
Can you build in the fall or winter?
We can do a lot of outdoor work into late fall. Winter is a great time to plan and get permits so construction can start in spring.
Areas we serve
We build outdoor living spaces in Lakeville, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Credit River and Rosemount, and in every town on our service area page.
More town pages: Bloomington
Related services
Ready to plan your outdoor space?
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll set up a time to visit. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with weekend appointments by request.