19 May How to Find a Good Deck Builder
It’s starting to get into “outdoor season” here in the Hill Country. We’ve officially put winter and the cold fronts in the rear-view mirror, and now it’s time for sun, grilling and backyard parties. If you’re planning to add a deck to your home, it may be time to investigate hiring a deck builder. Building a deck on your own is definitely doable, but even the home remodeling experts consider it a difficult project. So unless you’ve been to the deck construction rodeo once or twice already, it may be time to call in the pros.
There are several things you’ll want to have prepared prior to hiring your deck builder. It’s always a good idea to start your project by figuring out the rough dimensions of the deck. This will give the contractor an idea of the project’s scope – both in terms of costs and materials.
Next, you’ll want to decide whether your deck will have one or multiple tiers or levels. If there will be multiple levels, will they be connected by stairways or passageways? Will the deck be adjacent to any other landscaping or hardscaping, or a swimming pool or garden? Knowing each of these gives your general contractor more information to work with and thus give you a better estimate of costs and time involved in the project.
You’ll also need to provide your deck builder with specific information on the type of material and finish you want for your deck surface. You’ll have many choices, from traditional pressure-treated wood to exotic, tropical species of wood, or even composite or plastic decking. Each comes with benefits and drawbacks, as well as vastly different material costs.
Finally, decide on a feature set for your deck. Will it sport a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, a barbecue or dining area? Would you like a pergola over part of the space? Does it need to be able to accommodate a hammock for those lazy afternoons?
Once you’ve gotten all of this information together, it’s time to find your contractor. Start within your network — nothing means more than a personal endorsement of work from a friend or family member. When talking to your friends and family, be sure to ask about the timeliness, quality and price of the contractor’s former projects. Once you’ve found a contractor you’re interested in using, establish what their work schedule would be, how payments would be handled, and who would be in charge of permits, coordinating with local utility companies, and other logistical factors. Some things to watch out for when hiring contractors are requirements of large advances or cash only payments, lack of proof of insurance, or that you’re required to obtain any necessary permits.
At CMW General Contractors, we excel at building beautiful decks and backyard spaces. Give our team a call and we’ll be happy to put together a free estimate and help you get started on building your dream space in no time!