Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Deck Builder Near You

While some homeowners prefer building their decks on their own, smart homeowners hire reputable Kansas City deck builders to do it for them. Decks are not only an aesthetic highlight but also boost your home’s value. In fact, a wooden deck should recover about 106% of its building costs when you sell your house.

There’s no shortage of deck builders in the country, and a simple Google search will expose you to hundreds of them eager to do their bidding. This can make finding a proficient deck builder a real challenge. However, asking the right questions can help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

In today’s post, we’ll be highlighting a few questions you should ask any deck builder before hiring them to build a deck.

"Do You Have Insurance, and What Does It Cover?"

Don’t let a Deck contractor work on your property unless they have general liability and workers’ comp insurance. However, having insurance isn’t enough; you should go the extra mile and inquire what the insurance covers. Make sure the insurance covers your property, plus all their employees.

Doing so ensures that your property is fully protected from any damage, and you won’t be liable for any injuries to the builders’ employees. A deck builder without proper insurance isn’t worth your time.

"How Much Experience Do You Have Building Decks?"

Ask about the contractors’ experience before signing any papers. The deck builder’s experience directly correlates to their skill and capability of handling your project. Look for a company with at least five years' experience for the best results.

While the number of years in the industry is a good indicator, don’t let it blind you. The number of clients the builder has worked with before will give you a better idea of the contractors. Ask to see the contractor's portfolio to know whether you made the right choice.

"Do You Specialize in a Specific Type of Deck Material?"

It’s a good idea to ask what type of materials the contractor use for their projects. The type of tools and material brands the contractor uses speaks volumes about their quality of work. High-quality materials will outperform substandard ones and create a sturdier deck that lasts much longer.

What’s more, the contractor may not be familiar with the material you want for your deck. Most builders won’t confess their unfamiliarity and will proceed with the project. As you’d expect, you’ll end up with a substandard or structurally unsound deck.

"Do I Need Any Permits? Will You Handle Them?"

Most regions require building permits before homeowners can put up decks. Usually, you’ll have to handle the permit yourself; however, some contractors would be happy to do it for you.

The contractor should tell you whether you need a permit for your deck. If so, ask whether they can get a permit for your deck project. If they can, the better for you because it’ll save you the time and hassle of getting one.

"Does Your Work Come With a Warranty?"

A warranty guarantees the deck builder’s workmanship and is written proof that they can deliver. Most deck warranties run up to a year or two years from the time of completion. The structure may have a short warranty, but the products’ and materials’ warranty run for far longer, sometimes up to 25 years.

Ask whether the deck contractor has a warranty and if they do, ensure you read the fine print. Remember to keep all warranty information safe because it may come in handy in the future.

"When Can You Start? When Will You Finish?"

Deck builders are hard to find during specific times of the year because they’re overbooked. That’s why it’s important to know the exact date the builders can start on your project. This is especially important for homeowners who want the deck completed before a specific event.

For instance, if you’re planning a birthday, graduation, or engagement party, you better know the contractor's schedule. Find out whether they can complete the construction within your timeframe. However, don’t tell them about your plans, or they may rush through the project.

Once they tell you their time frame, you could discuss your expectations so they can find a way to meet the deadline without compromising the deck’s quality. It's worth noting that there’s no guarantee that the contractor will complete the project within the time they stipulate. Stuff like adverse weather, mistakes, and financial constraints may lead to unexpected delays.

The time it’ll take to complete your project depends on its size, location, material, and the contractor you pick. Of course, the weather will also have a significant impact on how long it’ll take to complete your project.

"Who Will Handle the Job? Do They Have Proper Credentials?"

Any frontline deck builder will only hire the best staff to handle their projects; bottom-tier builders don’t. As such, it’s important to ask the contractor what kind of staff they hire and who will handle your deck-building. Also, inquire about their credentials and how much experience the staff has building decks.

Apart from credentials and certifications, take note of how the contractor treats you. Polite and respectful language is an indicator of professionalism and client appreciation. You can check review sites like the BBB to find out how the contractor’s staff treat their clients and clients’ property.

"Do You Have a Valid License and Certifications?"

Ask whether the deck builders have a valid license from the state. Lip service is not enough; ask to see the license to tell whether the license is expired. An expired license is not a valid license.

Aside from the license, ask about the deck builder's certificates and confirm whether they’re a good fit for your project. You can never go wrong with a contractor that holds all the right certificates.

The Right Questions Equals the Right Deck Builder  

You’ll have to ask all the right questions to find the best deck builder for your deck-building project. So the next time you’re looking for a deck builder near you, ensure they get everything right. Don’t forget to explore all your options before settling on the best contractor.

Luckily, the best deck builder in the country is just a phone call away. Contact us today so we can start on your deck-building project  ASAP.