![]() Once you have the references, give them a call and ask the following questions: Most contractors will have no problem providing you with the contact information of past clients. When you’re considering hiring a contractor to build your deck, it’s important to do your research and ask for references. If the contractor is not able to provide a clear process or is vague about the details, consider looking elsewhere. This will help you get a feel for their level of experience and professionalism. Find out the steps they’ll be taking to take your project from concept to completion, from the initial consultation to the final walk-through. The important thing is that you understand the company’s process and feel comfortable with it. The design process is where great communication starts. ![]() The building is only one part of the whole equation – another part of being a good deck builder is to be a great communicator. In the world of decks, cheap can be expensive.Įvery deck builder has a different process for designing and building decks. It’s important to have a written contract that includes a warranty so that you’re protected in case something does go wrong.ĭon’t be tempted by low upfront costs if it means you’re taking on all the risk. If the contractor you’re considering doesn’t offer any kind of warranty, that’s a red flag. ![]() Most contractors will offer a warranty on their materials, but not all of them will offer a warranty on their labor. Is There A Warranty Included In The Contract?Ī warranty is important in case something goes wrong with your deck after it’s built. Also, will they use heavy machinery? How noisy will it be? Find out what times of the day you (and your neighbors) will have to deal with noise.ĥ. Find out how long the project will take, what kind of equipment they’ll be using, and how they’ll deal with the situation if any problems happen.ĭelays are sometimes unavoidable, but you need to know that your contractor has a plan in place for dealing with them. You should also ask about the construction process so that you know what to expect when the crew arrives at your home. This means your property could be at risk and won’t increase in value. If your contractor does not pull a permit, the deck might not meet these standards. The local building department will inspect the deck to make sure it is safe and up to code. The point of pulling a permit is to ensure that the deck meets all the required building codes and regulations. Not only does it mean that they might not be licensed, but it also means that they could cut corners during the construction process. If your contractor is not pulling a permit, that’s a huge red flag. Make sure your contractor uses high-quality composite decking products from well-known brands like TimberTech, Deckorators, Fiberon, or Trex. There are some contractors out there who use subpar materials to get the job done for cheaper. Sometimes, this means that the contractor doesn’t have experience with newer materials – which you need if you want your deck to last for decades to come.Īlso, keep in mind that not all composite decking is created equal. If wood is the only recommendation, ask why. Your contractor should be able to tell you why they are recommending a specific material and how it will benefit your deck. Some contractors stick to tried and true methods while others are always on the lookout for new and innovative materials. Different materials have different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to know what your contractor is planning on using. Materials can vary in terms of price, durability, and even the level of maintenance they require. Workers’ compensation is also important in case any workers get hurt while working on your property. For example, if the contractor accidentally damages your property while building the deck, you would be responsible for the repairs. If the contractor is not insured, you could be left with a massive bill if something goes wrong in your home. You want to make sure that they are licensed and also insured in case anything goes wrong during the deck building process. This is the first and most important question you should ask any contractor you’re considering hiring.Īny project over $5,000 must be completed by a licensed residential builder. ![]() You will also get a feel for their process and what kind of deck they can build for you.ġ. The answers will allow you to gauge the contractor’s level of experience and expertise. Knowing the right questions to ask a contractor when building a deck is essential in ensuring that you get the deck you’ve always wanted. You don’t want to end up with a deck that’s not right for you, or even worse, one that falls apart after just a few months. Are you in the market for a brand-new deck? It’s difficult to know exactly what questions to ask a deck builder before hiring.
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