Building a new deck is not only an excellent investment that can add value to your home, but it’s a great way to extend the useable space of your home outdoors! A professionally built deck is a great place to spend time outdoors with friends or family or to relax alone and enjoy the tranquillity the outdoors has to offer
Choosing the right contractor for your deck project can be a daunting task. You want to make sure you're getting a quality product, and you want to make sure you're working with someone you can trust. Here are a few tips for selecting the best contractor for your deck project.
Planning and Research:
It's a good idea to start by doing your research. Look for local deck contractors with a good reputation and references you can trust. One way is to google "Deck builders near me". Read online reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, and look for contractors who specialize in the type of project you're looking to complete. If a deck contractor has no online reviews, this can be a red flag that the builder is potentially inexperienced or has changed business names frequently.
Every good project starts with a plan. Here are some other points to consider before speaking to a potential deck contractor:
What decking material do you like?
Will your deck need railings?
What railing styles do you like?
Will your deck need staircases?
Will your deck be multi-level or all the same level?
Will your deck be at ground level or elevated?
Will your deck incorporate a covering such as a pergola or a gazebo?
When selecting a deck contractor, it's important to consider the materials they will use for your deck. Are you looking for a traditional wood deck, a composite deck, or a PVC deck? Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do your research and select the material that best fits your needs. It is important to have a clear vision of your new deck so that contractors have a specific scope of work. While there may be some details that you need advice from your contractor (such as local building codes), it's critical for the customer to have answers to design-related specifics.
Licensing and Insurance:
Make sure the contractor you choose is properly licensed and insured. This will help protect you if something goes wrong during the project. An important question to ask is: Is your crew employed directly by you and covered under your insurance, or are they subcontracted? Often contractors will delegate work to other companies in a process known as subcontracting. It’s important to know if any subcontractors will be working on the project so you can fully vet them and their credentials.
Communication:
Communication is key when working with any contractor. Make sure you feel comfortable speaking with the contractor and that they are willing to answer your questions.
Once you have a short list of potential contractors, conduct phone interviews. This will enable you to further gauge the deck builder’s fit for your project. Start by determining the deck builder’s availability. If the contractor can’t start work until August, but you need your new deck finished by July, they obviously aren’t a good fit and can be eliminated right away. Other things to determine over the phone with your potential deck builder include ensuring they are licensed and insured. Speak with the builder about your budget and design preferences so they can determine feasibility and product offerings.
When speaking to potential builders, use your judgment to determine if they sound like trustworthy professionals. If you get a bad feeling from a particular contractor, it’s best to trust your gut instinct and move on to another potential builder.
Estimates:
Meeting with your deck contractors face-to-face can help you determine if the vision you’d previously discussed over the phone aligns with the reality of what can actually be done. Having quotes from multiple qualified candidates can help provide peace of mind with regard to pricing, and helps provide a comparison point between potential builders. Is one of your quotes much, much higher than the others? Why is that? Weeding out contractors that lowball the job can also help avoid potential headaches down the road.
Contract:
When selecting a contractor for your deck project, it is important to look at their experience and references. Ask to see pictures of previous projects they have completed and speak to past customers to get an understanding of their experience. Finally, make sure to get a written contract that outlines the scope of the project, materials to be used, and payment terms. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and the project is completed to your satisfaction. The contract should outline the scope of work, timelines, payment structure, and any other details related to the project.
These tips will help you find the best contractor for your deck project. Take your time, research, and make sure you feel comfortable with the contractor you choose.
At HPM Craftsmen, our team is highly experienced in all aspects of deck building, from design to construction. We know the ins-and-outs of deck construction and can offer expert advice on the best materials and methods for your project. We also have access to the best tools and equipment to ensure your deck is built to the highest standards.
We will work closely with you to ensure your project is completed to your exact specifications. We also provide friendly and helpful customer service, so you can rest assured that your deck will be built to the highest standards!
If you’re looking for an experienced deck builder to build a deck for your home, HPM Craftsmen is the perfect choice. We offer top-notch service and quality materials, all at competitive prices.
Have more questions about hiring a deck contractor in the Hudson Valley? Contact us here
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