Many of us have dreamed of adding a deck to our home. Decks can provide a space for many enjoyable activities such as relaxing in the sun or outdoor dining. Decks can also add value to a home. If you are considering adding a deck to your home, here are a few tips to help you hire a deck contractor.
The first thing you will want to do is to get some referrals from neighbors, family or friends who have had decks built for them. You can also check the yellow pages or online to find contractors who specialize in deck construction. You will want to compare several deck contractors before making your final decision to hire a deck contractor.
Next you will want to personally interview each deck contractor from your initial list. You can do this over the phone or in person. Make sure the contractor has a business license and any other licenses required by local or state governments. You will also want to make sure the contractor carries adequate liability and workers compensation insurance. If there were any damages or injuries on the job and the contractor didn’t carry insurance, you could be held legally liable.
Ask the deck contractor for references from past customers. Call the references to find out if they were happy with the deck contractor’s work. If possible try to drive by to see some of the decks the deck contractor has completed. It is also important that the deck contractor is experienced with the type of deck you want to have constructed. Take note of the type of projects the deck contractor has completed.
After you have finished your preliminary investigation of the different deck contractors, you will want to get written estimates. You should get at least three different estimates so you can compare them. Don’t base your final decision on price alone. You also want to take into account the contractor’s experience, references, types of projects completed and overall professionalism.
Once you have made a final decision on which deck contractor you would like to have build your deck, make sure to get everything in writing. This should include a payment schedule, the project start and complete dates, any details concerning the type of materials used, the cost of materials and labor, and arrangements for cleaning up the site.
It really pays to spend some time upfront researching several deck contractors. If you follow these tips you are sure to find a qualified deck contractor who will build a deck you enjoy for years to come.
Sun, Mar 29, 2009
Decks