About ELC
Our skilled trade, developed over generations
The story of The Exterior Living Company begins long before it opened its doors. Alex Chekanoff worked as a carpenter building furniture in Yugoslavia before immigrating to Akron, Ohio in the 1960s. His son, future ELC Owner, Mike Chekanoff, was "born with a hammer in [his] hand" and has been building things ever since.
Growing up, Mike got the kind of education that trade schools can only hope to replicate. From a young age, he got started building decks, running appointments, handling licensing and absorbing every aspect of the business alongside his father. It is precisely this early, ground-up learning experience that spurred Mike on to four long and successful decades in the industry.
In 2024, it was time to embrace the next challenge. Inspired to build on the multi-generational dynamic that brought him to where he is today, Mike launched his own operation — a true family business. The Exterior Living Company now spans three generations and serves Central Ohio as a highly regarded name in the world of residential outdoor living spaces.
Process
5 Steps to the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams
Schedule Appointment
Complete our contact form to get the ball rolling. Once you submit, you'll be prompted to schedule an in-home appointment, where we'll discuss your vision and evaluate your space firsthand.
In-Home Consultation
During our in-home visit, we discuss various design options and other possibilities tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring your goals and ideas remain at the foundation of all future project plans.
Personalized Estimate
Based on the consultation, we will provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate. Should you choose to move forward, we’ll establish expectations, determine a clear timeline, and sign the standard contract.
Preparation & Installation
At this point, our experienced team will handle all material ordering, permit acquisition, and installation scheduling. From there, we break ground on the project with a constant focus on delivering exquisite craftsmanship.
Finalization & The ELC Pledge
After installation, we'll conduct a comprehensive quality check and manage any and all required inspections. With the ELC Pledge, your continued satisfaction is a guarantee, ensuring total peace of mind along with the completion of your brand new outdoor living space.
The ELC Pledge
“We pledge to always honor the trust placed in our team through a commitment to consistency, craftsmanship, and integrity as we design, build, and follow up on projects around our Central Ohio community.”
Frequently Asked Questions
About ELC
We serve Franklin and the surrounding Ohio counties.
ELC is a third-generation, family owned and operated team of deck and patio room professionals. As locally born and raised graduates of Olentangy and OSU, our Central Ohio roots run deep. That's part of why we love getting to know our customers (and they're pets) so much! Our fully bonded and insured team closely adheres to the Ohio Revised Code of Deck Building Standards to guarantee your new outdoor living feature remains safe, sturdy, and downright stunning for years to come.
Warranty
We offer a five-year structural warranty on all of our builds. Additional manufacturer warranties may apply. Vinyl windows and doors carry lifetime manufacturer warranties. Provia and Azek product warranties typically run between 30 and 50 years.
The ELC Pledge is as follows:
"We pledge to always honor the trust placed in our team through a commitment to the core operational values of consistency, craftsmanship, and integrity as we quote, design, build, and follow up on projects around our Central Ohio community."
Service
Simply contact our office. We will then schedule a visit to assess the situation and schedule any necessary work.
Call ELC or contact us via our website.
Get started today with a complimentary, no-obligation estimate.
