Questions You Should Ask Your Professional Deck Installation Company

Whether you have a swimming pool or you simply love to relax or entertain outdoors, building a deck can provide you with incredible outdoor space. From simple deck designs to decks with multiple levels, adding a deck to your home offers numerous benefits. However, the quest to find the right professional deck installation company to complete your decking project often feels overwhelming and stressful. Asking your potential deck contractor the right questions up-front can help you narrow your search and end up with the right contractor who will deliver the desired results. 

Here are a few questions you should ask when interviewing a professional deck installation company to execute your decking project. Call us today for a consultation!

1. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

Working with a licensed deck builder gives you some legal recourse in case their work turns out incomplete or unsatisfactory. Ask if they are licensed and have a surety bond to safeguard against disputes. Ensure you get a copy before signing any contract. 

Also, ask if the contractor carries adequate insurance to protect both the contractor and the homeowner in the event an accident happens during the project. Ensure you see the proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance coverage that includes all employees working on your deck.

2. What types of decks do you specialize in?

While experience is a critical consideration when choosing a professional deck installation company, some contractors may still lack the skills and expertise to install certain types of decks. Asking about brand preferences for the latest materials and tools can tell you about the quality of their work. 

Ask about their prior experience with your chosen materials for your deck, whether it's composite decking, wood, or vinyl. They should feel comfortable working with your preferred deck style to be a good fit for your project.

3. Do you use in-house staff or subcontractors?

Some professional deck installation companies hire subcontractors to complete jobs on their behalf. Although this can mean highly specialized tradespeople installing your deck, it might result in potential communication issues. It’s always best to work with a deck company with their own crews whose experience and character they understand. Moreover, they will have more direct control over each aspect of the job and communicate with you more efficiently.

3. Will You Have a Supervisor On-Site?

Having a supervisor working on your project will ensure quality and authority in making decisions. Ask how often the supervisor will be present on-site to respond to your questions or concerns and update you on the progress of the project.

4. What’s Your Warranty?

Building a deck is an investment in your home. You want to rest assured your deck builder uses quality products with warranty coverage. Ask if they provide a warranty for their work and get clear on the specifics of what the warranty covers and for how long.

5. Can you share a portfolio of your completed projects or references?

Looking at a contractor’s past successes is a great way to gauge their ability to complete your project. Ask your potential professional deck installation company to share a portfolio of similar projects they have completed in the past. It also helps to ask for references and speak with a few previous customers to hear their side of the story on how smooth or bad things ran while working with the deck contractor. 

6. How do you handle unexpected issues?

Like every other building project, deck installation might face unforeseen difficulties. Asking about how the contractor has handled unexpected issues in the past can hint at how they might handle any issues that might crop up in the course of your project.  

7. How long will it take to finish the project?

Having specific timelines enables you to set up milestones for the project and keep every party accountable. Ask if the deck installer can commit to the given timeframe. While the commencement date is often easy to observe, some contractors often find it difficult to stick to a firm completion date, especially when unexpected weather or delays in material supply crop up.

8. Do you require a deposit?

Most professional deck installation companies will require some upfront deposit to cover the cost of materials. In most cases, the initial deposit is around a quarter of the project's overall cost. It will be considered unusual if your contractor asks for anything higher than half of the total contract amount.

Get Professional Deck Building Services!

Preparing yourself with these contractor questions is a great starting point and a perfect way to narrow down your choices. If you’re looking for a trusted professional deck installation company, you’ve come to the right place. We pride ourselves on our expertise in high-quality decks and railings for different types of homes and venues. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about the wide variety of decking solutions we offer.