How to Find the Right Deck Builder

With so many homeowners opting to entertain guests al fresco, the popularity of decks, patio covers, arbors, and other outdoor spaces have grown as a result. Not all deck builders are the same, however, and for a lot of people, finding the right one is easier said than done. Here are some tips on how to find a contractor that you can work with over the long term and give you the results that you want.

1. Find a builder that is licensed by the state. In some cases, a company will acquire only a city business license that allows them to build projects up to $1,500, anything larger requires a State Contractors License. Hire a properly licensed contractor to avoid any possible hassles, e.g. illegitimate builders can incur fines or in some cases even be asked to dismantle a deck that was built without a permit or built without regard for building code compliance.

2. Determine if there are any additional services that come with your project. Some companies merely build the deck, whereas others also help with the design. A few will assist you with homeowner’s association submissions or finding contractors for electrical or plumbing work. While some builders offer all of these services, in general they will hire subcontractors then add their markup to the original cost. The best companies will often help you find the right contractors for the job and let you hire them directly. Keep in mind that carpenters are neither electricians nor plumbers, so make sure to hire only qualified professionals.

3. Find a company that has its own supply chain. This isn’t always easy, but you can try asking your builder where they obtain their materials from. Since the costs of building materials are irregular, you can usually get more value for your money by working with a company that controls its own supply chain.

4. Always read the fine print. A lot of companies will claim that they offer five-years to lifetime warranties on their projects, but these are usually contingent on several prerequisites that render them practically useless. Also look out for warranties that have fees. Good companies may require a small trip charge, but be wary of hourly service charges for warranty work. If warranty service costs can accumulate without your direct control, then it is a service contract and should be represented as such.

Bonus: There is an industry rhetoric about the different species of cedar. But the fact is, the only real cedar is from Lebanon, and everything else is a subspecies of the cypress family. The University of Oregon website provides plenty of information on the different types of cedar. Terms such as “certified by” or “real cedar” are only invented by trade associations of lumber manufacturers who are trying to guard their market share and seldom indicate the quality of the lumber.