Around 25 percent of new homes have decking in the United States. Decking offers a great place for you to relax outside your home.
If you’re in the market for new decking, you’ll need to hire a deck contractor to carry out the work for you, however, trusting a stranger to do such a big job for you can be quite an ask. With so many decking companies out there, how do you know that you’re getting the right people for the job?
Let’s take a look at the six top tips for choosing a decking contractor for homeowners.
1. Asking for Deck Contractor Recommendations
When choosing a deck contractor, the first thing you need to do is ask around for recommendations. If friends or family have recently hired deck contractors to install a deck in their garden, then ask them who they hired.
You could also ask neighbors who they would recommend. Often, word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way to learn about how good a contractor is.
2. Getting the Right Deck Installation Experience
You’ll want to hire a deck contractor that has plenty of experience. Often, contractors may specialize in several areas, so you’ll want to find someone whose primary focus has been on installing decks.
Don’t be afraid to ask how long a contractor has been in the business of installing decks. You don’t want to be one of their first clients.
3. Finding the right Designs for Decks
Getting the right design for you is important. You may have decided that you want Trex decking. If that’s the case, you’ll want to find a decking contractor that has the designs that you’re interested in.
4. Reading Online Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a great way of learning about the experience that others may have previously had. This will give you an insight into what you can expect from your experience with them.
5. Checking for Licensing and Insurance
Find out whether the deck contractor that you’re thinking about hiring has all of the necessary licenses and insurance.
Licenses will vary from state to state so it’s important you find out what a contractor will need to hold in your state.
Liability insurance will be essential. If your contractor does anything that causes an accident or damages your property, you’ll want to know that they’re covered.
6. Comparing Contractor Fees
Get quotes from as many deck contractors as you possibly can. Be wary of contractors that say they can do the job for much less than anyone else. They may either rush the job or use inferior materials.
Choosing a Deck Contractor
When choosing a desk contractor, ask around for recommendations from people you know. Make sure and get quotes from several companies and read online reviews. You’ll also need to check they have the necessary license and insurance.
For more similar articles, check out the household section of the site.
