8 Questions to Ask Deck Builders in Kansas City

In 2020, Americans spent a record-breaking $420 billion on home improvements. What’s more impressive is that this happened amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to the shrinking of the US economy by 3.5 percent.

The fact is each year, American homeowners spend thousands of dollars on average to modify their living spaces for leisure, work, and school. Among the most popular home improvement projects is adding a deck whose ROI is an impressive 70 percent.

Of course, when you’re involved in such an important project, you want everything to go perfectly. Choosing the right deck builders in Kansas City is your best bet in getting the job done perfectly. 

But with at least 3,904 businesses in the US that deal with deck and patio construction, how do you choose the right one for you? The answer lies in asking the right questions to help weed the chaff from the wheat. Read to learn some of these questions.

1. Are You Licensed and Certified?

One of the first signs of a credible Kansas City deck builder is that they have a valid license issued by the state. It’s not enough that the contractor tells you they’re licensed. Ask to see proof so you can tell whether the license is expired or not.

Besides a valid license, a top contractor will also have the necessary deck builder’s licenses to confirm that they indeed know how to build a deck. These certificates also reveal what types of decks the deck builder specializes in, so you can know if they’re the ideal fit for your project.

2. Do You Have Insurance?

No deck builder should do any work on your property if they can’t prove they’re fully insured. Generally, a deck contractor will have both workers’ comp insurance and general liability insurance. 

Be sure to ask what the contractor’s insurance covers. You want to be sure that your property is fully covered, as well as their workers. This way, in case something goes wrong during the project, you’re not liable. 

3. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Don’t sign the contract before ascertaining that your prospective deck builder has enough experience to get the job done correctly. A deck contractor’s experience is a clear indicator of their capability and skill to handle your project.

Sure even the most experienced deck builders started from somewhere. But when the deck building cost ranges from $4,000 to $11,000, you don’t want to risk hiring a deck builder with zero experience. Someone with at least five years of experience is a smarter choice.   

You’ll also want to see their portfolio. This way, you have a clearer idea of what to expect.

4. What Type of Deck Materials Do You Specialize in?

Some contractors only specialize in certain deck materials. Knowing what type and brand of material your prospective deck builder works with can give you a good idea of what quality of work to expect. The best builders use only top-quality deck materials.

You may also ask this question if you have a preferred material for your project. If the contractor seems unfamiliar with such material, it’s a sign you need to look elsewhere. 

5. Do You Offer a Warranty Guarantee?

The best deck builders provide a warranty guarantee as written proof that they believe in their workmanship and will deliver. Many deck guarantees last between a year and two after the project is completed. Of course, while the warranty on materials and products used in the project is much longer.

A warranty guarantee ensures that, in case something wrong happens to your deck as a result of a mistake done during the project, your contractor will fix it at no charge.

Be sure to read the fine print on the warranty guarantee, so there’s no confusion in the future. Keep the warranty safe in case you need it down the road.

6. When Can You Start?

Top deck contractors are often overbooked, so it may be difficult to find during certain times of the year. For this reason, you need to find out when your prospective contractor will be available to start your project. This is particularly critical if you need your deck to be completed before a certain time.

For example, you may need the deck ready before a specific occasion, such as a graduation, birthday, or engagement party. Knowing the deck builder’s schedule enables you to know whether they’ll fit within the timeframe you have in mind.

Find out when they can get the job done as well. Once that’s clear, you can then talk about your expectations. This way, the contractor will find ways to meet your deadline while still meeting the expected standards.

Leave some allowance on the deadline as certain unforeseen events could cause delays. For instance, adverse weather may make it difficult to work during certain days. That said, a competent contractor will look for creative ways to ensure that the project doesn’t get unnecessarily delayed.

7. What Forms of Payment Do You Take?

A reliable deck builder will not only work around your budget but also accept a diverse range of payment forms. If you plan to pay by credit, a contractor who doesn’t allow that is an inconvenience to you. Look for someone who does, so things are smoother for everyone involved.

8. Can You Provide References?

Everything you’ve read about a contractor might be persuasive, but nothing beats hearing the words from someone who has actually hired them before. And it’s not enough to get references from people they know.

It also helps if their references are people in your area who have built decks using the same materials or process that you plan on employing.

Ask the Right Questions to Find the Right Deck Builders in Kansas City

Given the scores of deck builders in Kansas City eager to bid on your project, knowing who to choose can seem like a challenge. A good way to take the guesswork out of the process is by asking the right questions to prospective deck builders. 

Are you planning a deck-building project and would like to get in touch with a reliable deck builder in your area? Contact us today to get a free estimate.