Adding a deck to your home can allow you to enjoy the fresh air while relaxing outdoors with friends and family. Although it is a fantastic place to gather, a deck also provides you with more space and can be an attractive feature for your property. But, because deck installation is a large job, it’s important to work with a reliable contractor who can meet your requirements.
Unfortunately, some businesses are more interested in making a profit than supplying their customers with a high-quality deck. This can leave you with an outdoor area that looks unsightly and will likely deteriorate quickly. Before hiring a decking contractor, it’s important to do your research and only work with a partner who puts your interests first.
Read on to find out how you can find the best deck installer for your needs.
Decking Contractor Experience
Before you choose a contractor, you’ll want the peace of mind of knowing they have considerable experience in installing decking. A contractor still learning their trade could make unnecessary mistakes that increase costs and delay production. But, someone who has completed the process on many occasions can identify potential problems before they occur.
An expert craftsperson can also offer valuable insights and advice, coming up with ideas you may not have thought of in the planning stage. This creative phase is the perfect time to ask about various decking options.
Licensing and Insurance
Before any deck installer begins work on your property, it’s essential to ensure they have the proper licensing and insurance. Even the best contractor can make an error, and this could have severe financial implications. Without adequate insurance coverage, they may not be able to pay for the repairs, leaving you out of pocket.
A reputable decking installer will have no issue producing their documents to prove they are qualified and safe to work on your property.
Past Customer Reviews
It is easier than ever to find out what previous clients think of a contractor’s work. For example, you can search on sites such as Google My Business or Yelp and read client comments. But, this can sometimes be misleading. There can be fake reviews, and some customers will always complain even if the contractor was professional and skilled.
You can get a more accurate picture by asking a contractor if they have a list of reviews that clients gave them after they finished a job. This could be in the form of typed letters or even handwritten notes. In some cases, customers may even be happy for you to contact them and ask for their opinion over the phone.
Communication Skills
You may have a clear idea of the decking style you desire and believe you have explained this to the contractor. But, if they do not have good communication skills, you could find they build a deck that looks completely different. A good contractor will discuss your design in detail and explain how they will achieve the end result.
You should also ask if they have guidelines for how quickly they respond to queries. If you change your mind about a certain decking aspect or need to ask about work progress, you won’t want to wait several days for a reply. If you find a company is slow to respond to phone calls or emails before you sign a contract, this could be a warning sign that you should look for another partner.
Deck Installer Availability
Many popular deck installers will have a waiting list because of their high work standards. While this can be a positive indication, you also might not want to wait six months for them to complete the work at your property. Ask if they can confirm start and completion dates before agreeing to hire them.
Pricing and Financing Options
While it is not a good idea to choose a company based only on deck installation cost, you also don’t want to overpay for services. A trustworthy contractor will provide you with a detailed quote and explain the pricing for each job. They can also confirm the costs of materials, so you can be sure you are not paying too much.
It can also be helpful if a decking installer provides financing options. This is likely to be through a third party, but the contractor can point you in the right direction. This means you could spread the costs and make the payments more affordable.
Is There a Deck Installation Guarantee?
If a company does not take care when installing deck framing or during railing installation, you could find your deck is not safe or secure. You may need to replace items or even redo large parts of the work. You should always ask if your contractor offers a guarantee so you know they will come back and complete any repairs.
When you work with an excellent decking installer, it is unlikely you will encounter any problems. But, it is still nice to know they are available should there be any unexpected issues.
Contact Contract Exteriors Today
Contract Exteriors is a market-leading company with many years of experience creating beautiful decks for our customers. We work closely with you to design your dream deck, and our expert team ensures your receive the highest-quality decking for your property.
We stand over our deck installation work and take pride in our outstanding reputation amongst our loyal clients. If you’re looking for the best decking contractor in South Carolina, we’re confident we can meet and exceed your expectations.
For a consultation and a free quote, contact the Contract Exteriors team today.
