Do you want to buy a brand-new deck? Before hiring a deck builder, it’s hard to know what questions to ask. You don’t want to end up with a deck that doesn’t work for you or, even worse, one that falls apart just after a few months.
When building a deck, you need to know the right questions to ask a contractor to make sure you get the deck you’ve always wanted.
You can figure out how experienced and skilled the contractor is based on how they answer.
You will also get a sense of how they work and what kind of deck design they can build for you.
Is The Contractor Licensed And Insured?
This is the first and most critical question you should ask any contractor you’re thinking about hiring.
In Tennessee, an unlicensed contractor can do work for up to $25,000. You should make sure they have a license and insurance in case something goes wrong while they are building the deck.
If something goes wrong in your home and the contractor is not insured, you could get stuck with a huge bill. For instance, if the contractor accidentally breaks something on your property while building the deck, you would have to pay to fix it. Workers’ compensation is also important in case any of your workers get hurt while working on your property.
What Materials Are Used And Why?
It’s important to know what your contractor plans to use because different materials have different pros and cons. Some contractors only use methods that have been tried and tested, while others are always looking for new and different materials.
Your contractor should be able to inform you why they are recommending a certain material and how it will help your deck.
If wood is the only thing you’re told to do, find out why. Sometimes, this means that the contractor hasn’t worked with newer materials, which you need if you want your deck to last for decades.
Also, remember that not every composite decking is the same. Some contractors use cheap materials to get the job done faster and for less money. Make sure your contractor uses high-quality composite decking from well-known brands like TimberTech, Deckorators, Fiberon, or Trex.
Will They Need To Request A Permit?
If your contractor doesn’t get a permit, that should be a huge warning sign. Not only does it mean they might not have a license, but it also means they might cut corners while building.
Getting a permit is a way to make sure that the deck meets all the rules and codes for building. The deck will be checked by the local building department to make sure it is safe and up to code. If your contractor doesn’t get a permit, it’s possible that the deck won’t meet these standards. This means that your property could be in danger and its value won’t go up.
What Is The Building Process?
You should also ask about the construction process so you know what to expect when the crew comes to your house. Find out how long the project will take, what kind of tools they’ll use, and what they’ll do if something goes wrong.
Sometimes delays can’t be helped, but you need to know that your contractor has a plan for how to handle them. Will they also use big machines? How loud is it going to be? Find out when the noise will be the worst for you and your neighbors.
What Experience Do You Have?
It’s essential that you ask this question. Although, a contractor that is newly qualified mat have high standards, the more experience they have the better. It means that they are more likely to know how to deal with any issues that may arise and have the knowledge from previous builds to help with your build. Ask them how much experience they have and if they are able to show you some of their previous work.
What Is The Planning Process?
Deck builders all have their own ways of planning and building decks. The building is only one part of the job. To be a good deck builder, you also need to be able to talk to people well. Great communication starts with the design process.
What matters is that you know how the company works and are comfortable with it. Find out what they will do to take your project from an idea to a finished product, from the first meeting to the final walk-through.
This will give you an idea of how skilled and professional they are. If the contractor can’t explain the process or isn’t clear about the details, you might want to look elsewhere.
Our services include a new deck, deck rebuild, re-deck, deck railings, pergola, pavilion, patio cover construction, stairs, and steel framing.
Contact us today at (865) 919-3470.