Finding A Reliable Deck Builder

Not all decks are the same and this also applies to deck builders. Installing a new deck with the design and style you want in your home or perhaps refurbishing an existing one and enhance its privacy can be a very expensive project. The last thing that you want to do is increase your risks of encountering problems down the road. Hiring the right deck builder is not easy but with time, effort, and patience in doing your research, you’ll be able to find and contact a good one and this will give you some peace of mind throughout the course of the project.

Even though there are several online resources that can help you narrow down the list of contractors, it does not guarantee that the ones left won’t give you problems later on. As a matter of fact, many things can go wrong as you prepare to take on the services of a professional decking builder. Fortunately, all these things are avoidable. So, here are some pointers to make sure you hire the right deck contractor who can bring your deck pattern designs, which you might have sourced from Pinterest, to reality.

Check Their Credentials

Contractors and deck builders have different levels of credentials. Before you ask for bids, you need to make sure that the list of potential builders that you are considering to hire are insured, bonded, and can provide references. If you can, make sure to drop by their offices. You should also check their status with the Better Business Bureau, the local chamber of commerce, and consumer groups not only for the 2018 but also for the past years that they were offering their services.

You should also consider talking to their suppliers and past clients so you’ll a get an idea of their work quality and ethics. Take every measure you can to make sure that you’re getting bids from reputable builders whatever their level of certification is. The professional attitude of the builder is also important. It is better to look for a perfectionist who cares about completing their project the best way they can.

Bids Vs. Estimates

You should also make sure that you are getting bids to help make your floating deck design ideas or front deck designs and patterns come true. Get bids from three vetted contractors or more. Always double check that you are receiving bids and not just estimates. The bids should include everything including the materials like composite wood and co-extrusion timber to labor.

Don’t Pay Large Deposits

Asking for deposits is not necessarily a red flag. There are some contractors who need deposits so they can maintain their schedules and avoid underbidding after the fact on projects that they have not yet started working on. However, it’s all a different story if the contractor is asking for a large bid like 50% of the actual bid. This could be an indication that the contractor is financially unstable, which could affect his timely completion of the project. So, always be careful.

Everything Should Be In Writing

It is important for you to get everything in writing. This includes the contract, the bid, and even the construction schedule. Each element and all the terms involved the project should be put in writing well before the job starts to protect your rights. You should not settle for verbal agreements alone. Protect yourself and the builder from potential issues like misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Don’t hesitate to ask for details. A reputable contractor will offer you bids that are complete with all the details. This includes the products and materials used like composite timber or co-extrusion timber and an estimated timeline for the completion of the project. Ask for details of everything that you are looking for whether it’s a railing detail or something else. An honest deck builder who possesses the right skills will not hesitate to do this for you because they want to make sure that all of their clients are satisfied with their service regardless of how big the project is.