As a homeowner, when you decide that you want to add a deck to your home, you want it done efficiently and correctly. Adding a deck to your home gives you the opportunity to have a space that you can use to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and just relax. In this article we will be helping out with prospective deck buyers who want to hire a deck builder. We’ll give out 5 tips for choosing a deck builder.
When looking into starting the process of installing a deck, you want to make sure you choose a contractor that is good at his job and will build you a deck that is ideal for your lifestyle. To guarantee that your deck is built to the utmost of a contractor’s ability, follow these few tips and tricks.
Step 1: Research
You want to be informed and educated when it comes to choosing a deck builder. Ask around to your friends and family that have had decks built before and ask if they have any recommendations. If not, check reviews and read the testimonials from past customers. Don’t just pick the first person that comes across your screen because this is not something you want to mess around with. You want to make sure your contractor is educated, certified, and able to install a deck to your standards. Check to make sure they meet the standards for the state and are licensed.
Step 2: Develop A Plan
Don’t go into this process blind folded. Make sure you have an idea of what you want out of your deck and that you know the steps to take in the process. Develop a plan for the layout of the deck you want and add on any special features such as the railing, lighting, steps, and more. After you have designed a plan for your deck, you can now choose the type of material you want to use. There are many different options when it comes to decking from natural wood, composite, and exotic hardwoods. Make sure you educate yourself on the different types and choose a type that best suits your family and your home. Once you have an idea of everything you want your deck to entail, you can now create a budget and adjust where you need to, so you can make sure you stay within your budget.
Step 3: Compare Deck Builders
Once you have followed step one and step two, go through your top few deck builders and create a list of ones you want to interview. Call each company and ask them the following questions:
- Are your contractors licensed and insured?
- Can I get a list of references from past customers?
- Can I get pricing and a written estimate for my deck layout?
Step 4: Follow Up
Once you interview each builder you want to and have taken some time to decide who would be the best fit, follow up with each of them. Verify their license, talk to the references and follow up to confirm the pricing estimates they gave you before.
Step 5: The Final Step
Once you have asked these questions, choose a deck builder that you think will suit you and schedule the install. Of course there will be logistics and numbers to discuss with the builder themselves before install can begin.
Get a copy of the insurance information and a copy of their license information to have for your records. Go over the deadline for completion and discuss the breakdown of pricing one last time. Also, make sure you are knowledgeable on what they are held responsible for when it comes to damages if they occur. It is very important that you do not rush into the process of deck building. It is a very important addition to your home and you must make sure that it is done correctly and efficiently. As long as you follow through with each step and make sure you take your time working through these steps such as planning your layout, choosing materials, and hire an efficient builder- your deck should come out looking amazing!
Depending on your neighborhood you may want to check with your HOA to make sure they have no regulations that need to be met. We wish you happy deck building and hope you love the outcome of your new deck build!
