Choosing a Deck and Patio Builder

A deck is a great way to extend your home’s living space and increase its resale value. It can be as low as a foot off the ground or as high as a second story.

An excellent deck patio builder will put the customer first and be upfront about pricing. If a builder is blowing you off, find someone else.

1. Licensed and Insured

A licensed contractor should have the proper insurance coverage in case of any accidents or injuries that occur during construction. This will help to protect you and the patio builder if someone is injured during your project, or even after it’s completed.

Additionally, a reliable deck patio builder should have knowledge of the building codes that apply to your specific area. This includes whether or not your structure may require a zoning permit. They should also be able to tell you if your project is likely to affect your home’s resale value.

Finally, you want a patio or deck builder who is easy to work with. A grumpy or unfriendly builder can put a damper on your renovation experience, especially since home improvement projects are already stressful enough! Look for a patio builder who is a good communicator and will provide you with a comprehensive, written plan of action prior to commencing work. This should include a rough schedule with milestones, as well as cost breakdown of materials and labor.

2. Transparent End Dates

When it comes to constructing a deck or patio, you want to ensure that the final product is completed as designed, with the utmost quality and in a timely manner. You can do this by asking your contractor for a legal contract that includes specific dates that indicate when the project will begin and end.

You should also find out whether the end date is a hard-and-fast deadline or just an estimate. Construction is an imperfect science, and unforeseen circumstances can delay projects from time to time. Nevertheless, the fact that your contractor is willing to provide you with a specific end date and stick to it signifies that they are reliable and committed to providing a high-quality finish to your project.

Beware of contractors who give you an end date that is unrealistic or impossible to accomplish in a timely manner. This may be a red flag that they are not a professional deck builder or have no sense of urgency to complete your project.

3. Building Permits

Obtaining permits gives your project the chance to be scrutinized by an unbiased group of professional inspectors and plan reviewers. This can help you avoid missteps that might cost you time, money, or a future lawsuit should something go wrong during construction. It also fosters accountability in your contractor, which helps protect you and your property.

Some regions have additional requirements beyond standard building codes, such as wetlands and flood zones. In those cases, a site visit may be required before a permit is issued.

A good builder will know the requirements of your region and plan accordingly. They may even ask you for a copy of your plans to ensure they are in compliance. They can address any weight restrictions that might exist, such as requiring a higher support material to accommodate heavier structures. They can also help you understand what your yard needs to accommodate the deck if they will need to excavate dirt or construct retaining walls.

4. Experience

A good patio deck builder is going to have extensive experience with different types of construction and design. They can survey your property and come up with a plan that will make the most of your space. They will be familiar with how to incorporate different structures into your project, such as outdoor kitchens, fire pits and arbors.

A reputable contractor should also have customer testimonials you can look at and refer to. It’s a great way to get a feel for their business and see if they are a good fit for your needs.

An excellent deck patio builder will always put your needs first and do whatever they can to meet or exceed your expectations. They are open to feedback and suggestions from their clients, and they strive for a high level of customer service because it benefits their business and makes them happy. They love referrals and want you to tell your friends about their excellent work.

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