Building a new deck is a great way to transform your yard and make your outdoor space more functional. A new deck is also a major investment, and the last thing you want is to hire a builder who isn’t up to the task or doesn’t keep their word. Here, we’ll look at the most important questions to ask any deck builder you’re considering hiring. This will ensure you choose a trustworthy company that can turn your vision into reality.
Is Your Company Fully Licensed and Insured?
No matter the size of the deck you want to build, the first thing you should do is make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and fully insured. Any reputable deck builder will immediately show you proof of their license and insurance. If they hesitate or try to make excuses, it’s an obvious red flag that means it’s not worth discussing things any further.
A license isn’t always required to build a deck, but state licensure guarantees that the contractor has a certain amount of experience and is qualified for the job. It also gives you more reassurance that the company performs quality work and reasonably deals with any complaints. If not, the state can take away the license if the business fails to meet the necessary expectations and requirements.
To obtain and maintain a state license, contractors are required to carry at least general liability insurance. Hiring an uninsured deck builder can be a recipe for disaster due to the potential financial risks involved. If the builder is insured, you’re protected in case a worker gets injured on your property. If they aren’t insured, you could be held liable for the worker’s medical bills.
What Are the Permitting and Inspection Requirements?
The next question to ask is if the local authority requires a permit to build a new deck. Most municipalities require you to obtain a permit, but it can depend on the size and height of the deck and whether it’s free-standing or attached to the house. If a permit is required, the deck builder is responsible for getting it. Once the framing is in place, an inspection is typically required to confirm compliance with local building codes.
Making sure that the builder follows the permit and inspection requirements ensures that the deck is up to code. It also avoids potential issues in the future. Building the deck without a permit can result in a fine, and you could also be forced to tear the deck down.
What Does the Scope and Timeline of the Project Look Like?
Building a deck can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and height. When choosing a builder, you want to know ahead of time how long they estimate the work will take. You also want to know what each phase of the project entails and how they handle unforeseen delays.
It’s also important to ask the builder when they estimate they will start the work. The permitting requirements will often impact when the work can begin. The local authority needs to approve the plans before issuing the permit, and some offices have such a big backlog that it can take weeks or months just to get the permit.
What Material Options Do You Offer?
Some decking materials last longer and stand up better to the elements than others. As such, it’s important to ask what brands and materials the builder uses to ensure you don’t waste your money on something that isn’t going to last all that long. Making sure that the builder offers options for the deck boards and railing that match your vision is crucial for ensuring that you’re fully satisfied with the end result.
Composite, redwood, cedar and ipe (Brazilian walnut) are all popular options for decks. Redwood and ipe are both great choices if you prefer the look of real wood, but they require more maintenance. Composite decking requires almost no maintenance, and most materials are warranted against staining and fading for a certain number of years.
Can You Provide References and a Portfolio of Past Projects?
Reading reviews online allows you to get a better idea of the quality of work a builder performs and their level of customer service and communication. It can also give you insight into important things like how well they stick to the original schedule or timeline and how they handle complaints and deal with delays.
Nonetheless, it’s still a good idea to ask the builder for references. Any reputable builder should be able to provide at least a few references from their previous clients. If they can’t provide any references, it’s another major red flag either in terms of the quality of their work or how they treat their clients.
With any construction project, it’s a good idea to talk to at least a few contractors before deciding who to hire. Asking each contractor for a portfolio of other decks they’ve built gives you a visual reference of their work and makes it easier to determine if they can match your vision.
How Do You Handle Site Clean-Up and Debris Removal?
When consulting with a builder, you should always ask questions about how they clean the site and remove scrap materials and debris. Do they make sure the workers clean and tidy the site at the end of each day? Do they rent a dumpster for the scrap and old decking materials or at least haul everything away regularly? Construction is inherently messy, but that doesn’t mean you should have to deal with trash and debris all over the yard until the project is complete.
At Decks By DeCamp, our team can help you achieve the new deck of your dreams. We’ve completed more than 1,000 projects throughout the Bay Area, and we offer a wide range of decking options to match any vision. We specialize in custom deck design and permitting assistance, providing a first-class experience from start to finish.
To schedule a consultation and learn why we’re the company to trust with your new deck, contact us today.
