Adding an outdoor living area to your home can be a significant investment. So, it only makes sense that you will want to put effort into choosing the right deck contractor. Because the reality is, if you don’t you can be out a significant amount of money as well as time. You may have seen the recent news about these types of unfortunate situations. For example, a deck contractor allegedly took over $160,000 from Colorado families. The contractor promised new decks but never delivered. The unfortunate reality is these types of situations happen way too often.

The Deck Company has over 30 years of experience in Denver. As a result, we are often called to help clean up the mess left by other contractors. So, we’ve seen the aftermath of poor workmanship all the way to downright deceitfulness. Moreover, we’ve seen the financial and emotional impact on families. So, we put together the following information o help you in your due diligence.

Here are 5 things to look for when choosing the right deck contractor.

1 – The Deck Builder’s History

Most homeowners will ask – or at least research how long a company has been in business. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Secretary of State. You can look for a filing history or dates when the company was established.

But the years of experience go beyond the ability to set hidden fasteners and align deck boards. You should be asking; how long have they been in business in the Denver area. That’s important because of the Colorado dirt and sun. Why are those two factors important? Depending on where you build in the Denver area, you may have different soil conditions you need to be aware of. These soil conditions can impact your foundation. Are Diamond Piers a good solution or is a concrete caisson the best solution? Then you have to consider the sun at our altitude. Here in Denver, UV radiation is about 20% stronger than it is at sea level. As a result decking materials can age and fade faster. Only experience leads to understanding these factors. As a result of our experience, we can help guide clients in the right direction. The last thing you want is a deck that looks worn out after a few short years. Or worse, a deck that needs replacement.

2 – Client Referrals

A good place to start is to look at Google and Facebook reviews. From these reviews, you can get a general sense of their work. Even better, be sure to look for specific names to called out in the reviews. Are those team members still part of the company? Besides reviews, it’s always a good idea to ask to speak to references. A couple of quick phone calls or emails can save you a lot of time, frustration, and even money in the long run.

3 – Pricing Against the Market

If it seems too cheap, there’s a reason.

This seems obvious, but the price can frequently be overlooked. It’s amazing how many homeowners look at their outdoor living space investment as a commodity. As a result, they may be willing to work with whoever offers the lowest price. It’s better to look at the value and experience a contractor brings to the table. That said, it’s a good idea to get several bids for your deck to see if anything stands out as odd. For example, some contractors offer a bare-bones estimate that appears low. But once you pay the deposit, needed add-ons come to light. This means escalating costs.

4 – Specialization

Specialization in the outdoor living space is important as well. Over the last couple of years, the demand for decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens has been massive. So much so, that contractors with no real experience in the space have appeared out of nowhere. Not to mention, contractors who bill themselves as a handyman service want to play too. There are a lot of talented handyman services out there. However, you need to ask if you want someone building your deck who the day before was cleaning gutters. The reality is, technology and processes around deck building are always advancing. Only by staying on top of those trends, can you be sure your project is done right. If it’s not, the results can be disastrous.

5 – Do They Stand Behind Their Work & the Product

There are some exceptions to the rule. You may get lucky and find a brand new deck contractor, who recently moved to Colorado who will do a great job. But, what is their experience in fixing issues and solving problems? Either their own or those caused by others. Do they have a strong relationship with the local manufacturer’s reps? Are they certified “Pro” by any of the industry-leading manufacturers? A certified Pro, the manufacturers verify the quality of your work to ensure it meets their exacting standards. That’s a good sign you’re getting the highest quality work available in the market. More than that, it means that if there are workmanship or material issues, you’ll be able to get the problem solved fast.

The Deck Company is proudly Certified Pro with the four premier composite manufacturers – Trex, Deckorators, Timbertech, and Fiberon.

In conclusion.

At the end of the day, choosing the right deck contractor for your project can be a bit of a challenge. However, investing a little time and effort can help save you a lot of money and frustration down the road. We urge you to use our suggestions to help you find the right deck builder for your project.

Want a free estimate for your deck or outdoor living project? Contact The Deck Company today.