Hiring the right person to undertake your next deck project is exciting and nerve-filled! You more than likely have your deck envisioned in your mind, and you do not want to lose that vision when hiring a contractor. This is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly, especially with the amount of money you will be putting forth for the deck. There are several useful services such as Thumbtack and Angie’s List that will help you find contractors in your area and allow you to read reviews. But you should still conduct a thorough interview and ask a comprehensive list of questions. Here is our list of considerations when it comes to choosing the right contractor.
Why Hire a Contractor to Build Your New Deck?
If you are limited on time, past building skills, or you would just rather pay a professional you will need the help sifting through which contractor is right for you.
While building a deck isn’t actually that hard, technically speaking. The hard part is making sure it checks all of the boxes of a quality deck:
- Is it properly shored up?
- Will the foundations settle or give?
- Is the deck earthquake safe?
- Are there any lawsuit dangers?
- Is it up to building codes?
If you can’t guarantee all of the above questions will be taken care of, then it is best to hire a professional in this situation. While many homeowners could handle the building of a wooden deck, they aren’t as knowledgeable about using composites or aluminum, one of the sturdiest and longest lasting materials on the market. You need a contractor who knows about all of the above.
How to Interview Contractors to Find the Right One
Always conduct multiple interviews before hiring a contractor. Helpful questions to ask include:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How many clients like me have you served, and over how many years?
- Can you provide examples of the type of deck I am interested in?
- What kind of warranty do you offer in case something goes wrong?
- What is the upkeep for this type of deck?
- What are the main drawbacks associated with the type of deck I am interested in? (Please note: there are always a few, and an honest contractor will tell you what they are, so you can compare your opinions objectively.)
- What type of materials do you use?
The last question is one of the most important. A contractor who is willing to buy cheaper materials in order to increase their profit margin does not have your best interests at heart. They’re less likely to do a thorough job on the build and to honor any warranties, so you will want to avoid them at all costs.
What You Need to Know When It Comes to Deck Material
The best way to avoid working with inferior contractors is to ensure upfront that they use the best processes and materials. You have several options when it comes to decking, and you should be aware of what they are before you start talking with prospective contractors. Your options include:
- Wood – which you must paint or stain to get the long-lasting effects.
- Composite – which mimics the look of wood but is still noticeably artificial.
- Aluminum – which is sturdy, long-lasting, and available in a variety of colors.
Ask your deck contractor about their experiences with each material before deciding on a path forward.
Are you ready to move forward with contacting potential contractors to build your new deck? First, get in touch with a quality decking company to find the decking material and style that will work for you.
If you are a contractor interested in working with Wahoo Decks products, please send an email to info@wahoodecks.com or give us a call at (877) 270-9387.
Our friendly team is ready to help you create an approach that pleases your clients, helps you build trust with your prospects and fills out your portfolio with aplomb. Don’t wait; get in touch with us today!