Looking for deck builders is an important part of the process of building a deck. There are many different builders, and each has strengths and weaknesses. In order to get the best contractor to build your deck, you'll need to do your homework and ask the right questions.

Word of Mouth

Before you decide on the design and uses for your deck, you want to find the right person to do the deck building. One of the best ways to find the right contractor is to ask around for others who have completed this home improvement. It's possible that a contractor who does a fantastic job on room additions, for example, will not have the expertise you're looking for in decks. Ask friends who have had a deck put in recently, or ask for friends of friends. Look at the decks, and see what kinds of problems they had with the process. That will give you ideas not only for what deck builder to use, but also for what kinds of questions to ask and what proactive steps you can take to avoid similar problems. Ask those with a new deck:

• Is the end result what you wanted or better than what you wanted?
• If you needed another similar job done, would you call them again?
• Could you count on them? (Did they show up when they said they would, do the work on schedule, finish as agreed)
• Were they honest and respectful?

Deck Expertise

When you're interviewing contractors or getting bids, ask specifically about their experience with decks. Educate yourself on the different materials you can use for decks, and be sure the contractor you choose is acquainted with all of them. You want someone who knows decks so they can give you the best advice, handle any problems that come up, and know how to innovate and create as they go.

Proper Credentials

Once you are narrowing your choices of contractors down to the top few, ask to see their current insurance information, their bonding papers, and their business license. You should never have a contractor working on your home without good, current liability insurance – if they cause a problem or do something wrong, you want to have any losses completely covered. Without insurance, you are taking a very expensive gamble that is not worth the risk. Similarly, bonding and having a business license are liability issues that protect you, and frankly, that protect the contractor. A legitimate deck builder will want to have all of the paperwork in line.

Written Quotes

You want a very detailed, written quote from a deck contractor. There is so much variation in materials, size, finish and style when it comes to building decks that you want to know exactly what you are getting, and you want to know the contractor agrees with what you think you are getting for the price. A detailed quote should contain not only the basic overview of the size of the deck and building materials that will be used on the project, but also specifics on the type of screws, depth of foundation, and any extras such as stairs, railings, and benches.

Interested in a deck for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for deck price quotes.