Let’s face it! Building a new deck is a major home addition and a substantial asset to the homeowners. A well-designed deck increases curb appeal, thus accentuating the value of the property. Whenever a homeowner decides to build a deck, one should understand that it isn’t an easy task. It entails budget allocation, labor cost, and time management to create an exquisite outdoor space. If you are planning to custom build a deck yourself, make sure to study and consider a lot of factors before you move into construction. On the other hand, if you desire to work with local deck contractors, the process would be less complicated and more manageable. So, before you kick-start your journey to building a new deck, it is important to find the right deck builder who can manage to complete the job perfectly. Here are the steps you can follow to guide you through the process of choosing the right deck builder.
First Step: Planning
Thorough planning is critical to a major home addition project like in deck building. Prior to choosing a contractor you want to work with, you must have a better grasp of information and ideas about the project. This will guide you properly towards the process and strategically determine the timeline of the project. So, before contacting any deck builders or professionals, here are the things you need to consider right off the bat:
Layout or Design Ideas
If you’re planning to custom build a deck, you need to have a rough dimension and layout of the deck. It would be a less-hassle to start a project if you know what you’re looking for. A well-thought-out plan related to the process and designs ideas makes it easier for a deck builder to narrow down your options. You can work on your simple sketches of the deck that you want to construct. These include the size of the deck, an overview of how it should look like, or a clear scope of what feature would you like to add. If you’re not that good into sketches or layout, you can collect pictures of decks and present it to your deck builder.
Materials and Finishes
One important aspect of deck building is to know which material you prefer to utilize. You need to ascertain that the materials you choose would complement the overall accent of the house. Not to mention that it should also provide you with a world of benefits such as longevity, less maintenance cost, durability, and sustainability. You need to let your deck builder know the specific materials and finishes you wish to use for the project. At this time, you should be aware of the material selections such as traditional timber deck, hardwood, or composite decking. However, seeking an advice from your deck builder would help, as you can be informed of other pros and cons of the materials you desire for your deck.
Budget
Getting a bigger picture of how much would you like to spend on the project is an essential step in planning. Deck building is a major renovation project which may require an overwhelming cost of materials, finishes, and labor. Don’t hesitate to inform your contractor of the budget you allocated for your deck. In this manner, they can offer you a less expensive solution or suggest materials and design options that will right-fit your budget.
Deck Features and Elements
As an added appeal to your deck, you can incorporate features and elements therein. These features include a firepit, furniture, an outdoor dining set or barbecue station, a pool area or garden, or a hammock, just to name a few, that will increase the overall architecture of the deck. You should need to decide whether you want to have one or multiple stories on your deck. In this case, a sturdy supporting structure or foundation is required. Also, take into consideration the number of steps or staircases, and the types of railings you want to build for your deck. Let your deck builder be aware of these features, so it will hasten the process as you move into construction.
Second Step: Background Research and Reviews
To make an informed decision, you must have all the required information. The more informed customer you become, the less frustrating it is to look for the right deck contractor. The search begins with the process of listing the best and the worst. Of course, in this case, we only settle to talk about the best deck builders and how you can narrow down your options until the last one stands out. Consider these ways for background research:
Personal References and Recommendation
Make it personal. When we say personal, we mean starting your options within your network. If you know someone who owned a perfectly-made deck, arrange a talk with them and seek for their recommendations or references. Speak to a family or relatives, and neighbors who have worked with them in the past. These references can tell you the quality of work, efficiency, and expertise of the local builders they’ve worked with previously. A personal endorsement is a perfect way to get in contact with the best deck builders in your community.
Online Research and Forum
Online research and forums are probably the fastest and easiest way to check for reviews connected with the local deck contractors in your community. Talking or chatting with a customer like you will help you decide which company stands out or not. You can derive information from these previous customers and get a bit of advice based on their experiences. The online reviews, on the other hand, will give you an idea of how they work with the clients and what will you expect from these deck builders. Also, you can search in the Yellow Pages for contractors or builders that specialize in deck building services.
BBB (Better Business Bureau) Reviews
You might probably have at least three local deck builders of your choice. It would be advisable to write a list of them, so it is effortless to pick the best one. Now you got the list ready, the next step is to do a simple background check. You can visit trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau to find out if they are affiliated with, or a member. Take time to consider a background research before you call them for an estimate.
Third Step: Interview the Deck Builders
Making a list of at least three local deck builders would help in deciding the best choice. After you have found the rightful contractors who can possibly complete the job for you, the next step is to create comparisons. The goal is to schedule a time to talk to them, to better know them, and throw some questions that need to be answered. At this point, you are getting closer to signing a contract with one of them.
Call for an Estimate
So, once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time to contact these local deck builders. Use the list you created before and ask some questions on a phone call. Some questions, however, can be asked on the day of the consultation. By this time, you can also gauge how they value their prospective customers and how adept they are in answering deck-related questions. While on a phone, make sure to discuss important details like availability, licensing and liability warranty or scope of the project. Don’t be hesitant speaking about the project itself to know if it aligns with your ideas and plan. In this way, you can already eliminate from your list the ones who do not. The objective of the call is to find out which contracting services suit your design ideas and plans. Then, you can book an appointment or estimate on your available date and time. It would be highly recommended to benchmark at least three deck builders, so you can test the water and pick the rightful one.
Appointment
Like any other products or services, we need to test the water. It is not a good move to just pick any company without taking the time to gauge their skills and verify expertise. Setting up a time for prospective deck builders to visit your home is a great way to ask all the questions needed. If you have two or three prospects, or maybe more, make sure to ask them the same questions. Watch out for some important cues and signs like how they answer your question, how they provide you samples of their work, how long they have been in the deck building business, or what expertise or skill sets they can offer to align with your deck plans.
Ask questions
Remember to provide the same questions if you have two or more prospective deck builders in your list. These are some guiding details that need to be addressed, so you can verify their expertise. You need to be keen to gather all the answers, so you can readily make an informed decision.
Expertise in Deck Building Industry. A company who has been in the business for quite a long time usually offers quality services amongst others. The number of years they’re active in the deck building industry may speak about their expertise and working ethics. Though it is not absolute, the more experienced they are in the business, the more design or plan options and solutions they can provide.
Contractors’ Proof of Licensing or Insurance. Make sure to ask if the deck builder has proof of licensing or insurance. This is one way to determine their legitimacy.
Local Permitting Related Concerns. Don’t forget to talk about obtaining permits. Each community has different standard codes and requirements for permit approval. It would be better to find a deck builder who can help you with the process of obtaining necessary permits.
Architectural Plans or Samples of Project Designs. Remember the design ideas and plans you have in sketches or pictures. Feel free to discuss this with your deck builder. You must know if they can provide architectural plans or project designs that align your ideas. It would be better if they can give you any samples of their work, so you can figure out if they are telling the truth.
Knowledge of Chosen Deck Materials. Gauge your prospective deck builder’s familiarity with the materials you want to use for your deck. It would be nice to work with someone who’s comfortable with this. Let them also laid out some options for you.
A Team of Specialists and their Work Schedule. It is important to know what kind of team you will be working with as the project progresses. Align with this factor, you must ascertain their work schedule and how it would affect yours as well.
Timeline of the Project. The timeline of the project is very essential. This needs to be addressed, so you can determine how long will it take for the project to complete. Make sure to discuss the details of the deadline and possible problems to anticipate.
Cost or Rate of the Service. A price quote or rate is basically one of the vital factors in choosing the right company. However, let’s take in consideration that cheaper price does not mean the best choice. Some deck builders offer a slightly extra rate among others because they usually have technical competence and expertise in finishing the project. Listen to your instinct. Try to figure out if the contractor has knowledge of the cost of the materials and labor, or if they are just simply throwing in a quotation. Don’t just rely on a very tempting low-cost deck services rate. You need to ask all the expenses and cost, including those hidden.
Payment Terms or Installment and Financing Options. Ask your prospective deck builders the payment terms and when will it be due. Also, find out if they do have financing options or instalment plans offered to lessen the burden of the project cost. Some contractors require down payment before you move into construction. You need to take note of this, as well.
Subcontractors. It is also better to include on your questions if these deck builders will partner with subcontractors, designers or landscape professionals. You must be aware of which part of the project they will be working on.
Get a written estimate
Once you’ve asked all these questions, make sure to secure a written estimate with all the necessary details of the project. This should contain the breakdown of cost on materials, hourly labor, and other landscaping plans that are included in the project.
Fourth Step: Follow Up
The search for the right deck builder doesn’t end after you’ve talked with a few contractors. A follow-up is needed to determine which one is perfect for your deck building project. You need to take a little bit of time to review all the information you have gathered and compare apples to apples. You might want to consider the following details to make your decision-making much easier.
Contact Contractors’ References
Don’t just rely on what the company says. It is better to get and contact the contractors’ references as another basis for comparison. By contacting these references, you can determine the quality of their service and verify their expertise.
Verify Licensing
Before signing a contract from any of your prospective contractors, it is important to verify their license. Ask a proof or certificate of insurance. This process is essential in deck building project. You are building a substantial investment in your property; thus, you need to secure a written warranty from these deck builders. Obtaining a proof of liability insurance indicates that the company will stand behind if there are any damages or fault.
Fifth Step: Hiring a Deck Builder
After you have compared apples to apples, completed follow-ups and reviewed all the necessary contractors’ details, the last thing you want to do is to choose the ONE. This is the time where you have already found the right deck builder and hired them for your project. But, make sure to complete these important processes.
Sign a Contract
Take time to review this essential document. Remember that your contract would include these details:-Detailed Breakdown of Cost on Materials and Labor-Complete Scope of Work or Design Plan-Insurance or Warranty Coverage-Deadline or Timeline-Possible Changes on Project-Copy of the Company’s Insurance and License Information
Obtain Permits and Design Approval
Seek assistance from your deck builder in obtaining permits for the project. They are usually aware of the standard codes and requirements based on each county. This will hasten the process in the long run. Final ThoughtsIt is always true that our house is an investment, thus we should take all the necessary steps to increase its value. Whether it is a simple home remodelling service or a deck building project, it is important to ascertain the factors to consider before you move into construction. In the event of hiring a deck contractor, you can follow the guidelines above to boost your confidence in choosing the best one. You may not want to ruin your perfect deck plans and ideas along the way. So, it’s time to contact a professional deck builder near you and delight yourself to a better outdoor oasis.
If you’re planning to custom build a deck, you need to have a rough dimension and layout of the deck. It would be a less-hassle to start a project if you know what you’re looking for. A well-thought-out plan related to the process and designs ideas makes it easier for a deck builder to narrow down your options. You can work on your simple sketches of the deck that you want to construct. These include the size of the deck, an overview of how it should look like, or a clear scope of what feature would you like to add. If you’re not that good into sketches or layout, you can collect pictures of decks and present it to your deck builder. 
One important aspect of deck building is to know which material you prefer to utilize. You need to ascertain that the materials you choose would complement the overall accent of the house. Not to mention that it should also provide you with a world of benefits such as longevity, less maintenance cost, durability, and sustainability. You need to let your deck builder know the specific materials and finishes you wish to use for the project. At this time, you should be aware of the material selections such as traditional timber deck, hardwood, or composite decking. However, seeking an advice from your deck builder would help, as you can be informed of other pros and cons of the materials you desire for your deck. 
Getting a bigger picture of how much would you like to spend on the project is an essential step in planning. Deck building is a major renovation project which may require an overwhelming cost of materials, finishes, and labor. Don’t hesitate to inform your contractor of the budget you allocated for your deck. In this manner, they can offer you a less expensive solution or suggest materials and design options that will right-fit your budget. 
As an added appeal to your deck, you can incorporate features and elements therein. These features include a firepit, furniture, an outdoor dining set or barbecue station, a pool area or garden, or a hammock, just to name a few, that will increase the overall architecture of the deck. You should need to decide whether you want to have one or multiple stories on your deck. In this case, a sturdy supporting structure or foundation is required. Also, take into consideration the number of steps or staircases, and the types of railings you want to build for your deck. Let your deck builder be aware of these features, so it will hasten the process as you move into construction. 
Make it personal. When we say personal, we mean starting your options within your network. If you know someone who owned a perfectly-made deck, arrange a talk with them and seek for their recommendations or references. Speak to a family or relatives, and neighbors who have worked with them in the past. These references can tell you the quality of work, efficiency, and expertise of the local builders they’ve worked with previously. A personal endorsement is a perfect way to get in contact with the best deck builders in your community. 
Online research and forums are probably the fastest and easiest way to check for reviews connected with the local deck contractors in your community. Talking or chatting with a customer like you will help you decide which company stands out or not. You can derive information from these previous customers and get a bit of advice based on their experiences. The online reviews, on the other hand, will give you an idea of how they work with the clients and what will you expect from these deck builders. Also, you can search in the Yellow Pages for contractors or builders that specialize in deck building services. 
You might probably have at least three local deck builders of your choice. It would be advisable to write a list of them, so it is effortless to pick the best one. Now you got the list ready, the next step is to do a simple background check. You can visit trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau to find out if they are affiliated with, or a member. Take time to consider a background research before you call them for an estimate. 
So, once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time to contact these local deck builders. Use the list you created before and ask some questions on a phone call. Some questions, however, can be asked on the day of the consultation. By this time, you can also gauge how they value their prospective customers and how adept they are in answering deck-related questions. While on a phone, make sure to discuss important details like availability, licensing and liability warranty or scope of the project. Don’t be hesitant speaking about the project itself to know if it aligns with your ideas and plan. In this way, you can already eliminate from your list the ones who do not. The objective of the call is to find out which contracting services suit your design ideas and plans. Then, you can book an appointment or estimate on your available date and time. It would be highly recommended to benchmark at least three deck builders, so you can test the water and pick the rightful one. 
Like any other products or services, we need to test the water. It is not a good move to just pick any company without taking the time to gauge their skills and verify expertise. Setting up a time for prospective deck builders to visit your home is a great way to ask all the questions needed. If you have two or three prospects, or maybe more, make sure to ask them the same questions. Watch out for some important cues and signs like how they answer your question, how they provide you samples of their work, how long they have been in the deck building business, or what expertise or skill sets they can offer to align with your deck plans. 
Remember to provide the same questions if you have two or more prospective deck builders in your list. These are some guiding details that need to be addressed, so you can verify their expertise. You need to be keen to gather all the answers, so you can readily make an informed decision. 
Once you’ve asked all these questions, make sure to secure a written estimate with all the necessary details of the project. This should contain the breakdown of cost on materials, hourly labor, and other landscaping plans that are included in the project. 
After you have compared apples to apples, completed follow-ups and reviewed all the necessary contractors’ details, the last thing you want to do is to choose the ONE. This is the time where you have already found the right deck builder and hired them for your project. But, make sure to complete these important processes. 