Posted by Bealing Roofing Comments Off on How to Hire a Deck Contractor Uncategorized

Adding a deck to your home can be one of the best projects you can undertake. Decks are the ultimate place for relaxing and eating with friends and family. They also make a great place to kick back and relax outdoors after a long day. Before your dream deck becomes a reality, you will want to hire a contractor to move your deck from an idea in your head to reality. Here are a few tips on how to hire a deck contractor.

Things to consider

You can take two routes here. Either you design the deck yourself or you can have a contractor tackle that for you as well. Even if you design the deck yourself, you will want to have your chosen contractor review what you have designed to ensure it meets local code requirements and is feasible. When planning a deck, consider the following.

1 – Size: Measure the area where you plan on adding your deck to get a rough idea of what you have to work with. This will help give your contractor a good idea of the project scope. 

2 – Levels: Do you want a deck that is all one level, or do you want to mix things up with multiple levels. 

3 – Materials: Review the available options with your deck contractor. Pressure-treated wood is a common option but needs maintenance and upkeep every few years with stain or sealant. More advanced composite decking is more expensive upfront, but you save on the maintenance requirements. 

4 – Features: This is where things get interesting. How about a fire pit? Waterfall feature? Metal, wood, or composite railings? The only limit is your creativity.

Finding your contractor

Before seeking out a contractor, have a clear idea of what your ballpark budget will be. After establishing your budget, ask around. Talk to family and friends who have had decks constructed and see who they chose. Word of mouth is always the best way to find out who good choices in contractors are. You will quickly find out how certain contractors work with their clients, how they perform on a timetable, and their quality of work. 

Once you have narrowed your list down, then it is time to ask potential contractors some questions. First and foremost, ask to see a copy of their state license. Next, ask for their proof of insurance. Third, you will want to find out what warranties they offer on their workmanship. After addressing these items, the fun begins. Have an open discussion with each contractor on your list about what you envision for your new deck. Make certain they have a clear understanding of what you do and do not want. Finally, ask for a quote in writing. 

At Bealing, Roofing & Exteriors, Inc., we have been part of many deck designs and projects. Give us a call and find out how we can help you make your outdoor dream deck a reality!