Adding a new deck to your home is a big project that needs to be taken on with care. When a new deck is built right, it will be safe and durable for years, add value to your home and become your favorite spot in the house. As such, it’s crucial to get the right contractor to build a deck. Check out these tips to learn how to spot a good deck contractor.
Prepare Yourself
First and foremost, it’s important to brush up on deck building basics. Do some online research to learn about the most common types of materials used to build decks, building codes for your area, average prices and the various types of decks and add-ons available.
From there, brainstorm how you want your deck to look, what materials you want and what your budget is. Once you’re caught up to this point, you can begin looking online for deck contractors.
Certifications, Licenses, Insurance
Depending on where you live, a contractor may be required to have a certification, license, or insurance to build onto a residential building. When you begin to look at contractors, ask them about any local regulations for such legal requirements. At the minimum, you should ask them if they have any liability insurance or worker’s compensation insurance to be sure you’re not liable for bills in case any accidents arise.
Look for Communication Skills
With a project as big as a home addition, communication is key for successful completion. Talk to contractors about their building process to learn about general expectations. You want to be certain that if issues arise, you’ll be informed immediately. What’s more, you want to be sure that you and the deck builder are in complete understanding of all aspects of the deck before it’s too late to change something.
Check for Client Testimonials
Looking at the experience and track record of a contractor will tell you a lot about them. However, be sure to go beyond the contractor’s website to look for reviews. Check on Google or sites like Houzz to find reviews. If you can’t find any testimonials about a contractor on their website, you can ask them for past clients to reach out to.
Get an Estimate and Ask Questions
Once you’ve picked out a few options, you can start reaching out to the contractors and set up a call. Most contractors will offer a free consultation and provide you with an estimate for your deck.
Before the meeting, be sure to get some questions together as this is your opportunity to resolve any doubts and see how well the contractor communicates.
Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the estimated time frame for your project. You should also ask for a cost breakdown of each aspect of the project. Once you have all of this information, you can make an informed decision about which deck contractor is right for you.
The Bottom Line
McHenry Deck Builders are the premier deck builders in Chester County, PA. We have built a reputation with our clients for professionalism, quality builds and great customer service. If you need a top-class deck builder, contact us today to schedule a free estimate.