If you are thinking about building a new deck for your backyard entertainment, it pays to hire the right deck builder for the job. This is because it serves as a nice addition to your home, so it’s important to get it right.

 

 

Not only will this provide an outdoor space for entertainment but also for relaxation. Therefore, it is important that any deck installation project should be done properly. So this includes the installation of solid footing, structural support, and an efficient egress and ingress of the house.

 

 

Create a Plan

 

Having a plan should help the contractor get your deck installation into perspective. Thus, it is important that you have a great idea about the scope of your project before you contact professional and reputable decking companies like those at WICR Waterproofing and Decking. For instance, you need to consider the components that your project may require, which can include the following:

 

  • Number of stories
  • The layout of the deck
  • Coverings and staircases
  • Type of railings
  • Materials
  • Benches, fire pits, or other special features

 

 

Licensing, Recommendations and Reviews Matter

 

You may ask your neighbors or friends regarding a deck they may have had built with help from a trusted deck contractor. They will surely have something to say or recommend a contractor to finish the job.

 

 

Interview Deck Builders

 

When you are done with your research, you can narrow down your list into 3 or 4 potential deck builders. Then, you can contact them and ask them the following questions:

 

  • Are you licensed locally?
  • Are you insured?
  • How many years have you been in the deck contracting business?
  • Do you have an insurance carrier?
  • Is it possible for you to handle local permitting concerns?
  • When can the project be started and how much time will it take?
  • Is it natural for your supervisor or owner to be on site during the work?
  • Would you be comfortable working with materials I chose for the construction of the deck?
  • Are there any references that you can give me to verify your previous contracts?

 

 

Written Estimates

 

From the shortlist of decking companies, invite a couple of deck builders to the site and request a written estimate of costs. This should include some detailed breakdown of materials being separated from the labor cost per hour. If possible, try to ask for details of any landscaping job that could be included. Such would include cleaning up and hauling away any debris.

 

 

Check the References

 

Now that you’re rounding out your final list and ranking different contractors, including the backup, it might be a good idea to contact the references to ask questions, like:

 

  • How professional were the contractor and his/her crew?
  • What was the quality of the work done?
  • Did the estimate match closely with the final price?
  • Did they complete the project on time as they specified?
  • How would you rate the follow-up service if there was any?

 

 

Hiring the Deck Builder

 

After making the decision, it is about time that you sign the contract your preferred deck builder. Make sure that you include the important components in the document, such as the following.

 

 

  • Total price and breakdown of deposit against the final payment terms

 

  • Cost for any changes in the direction

 

  • The complete scope of work

 

  • Clean up details

 

  • Date of completion and financial impact if there are delays

 

  • Details about the design approvals and permits secured

 

  • A statement indicating that the contractor is responsible for any damage to property during the construction.

 

  • Ground rules for the crew

 

 

Finding the right decking contractor can be daunting, and with the typically high costs of contracting work, it’s important to find the right people. At WICR Waterproofing and Decking we understand this, so feel free to contact us today if you have any questions on how we can help!

 

 

 


WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com