By | Rachel Song
Home renovations vary considerably. From interior painting to kitchen remodeling, there’s always plenty to do. However, some home improvement projects are more profitable than others. You’ll need to consider expenditure and ROI, how it will improve your life, and more.
A deck installation is among the very best renovations for your property and outdoor landscape. Whether you replace or install, a deck has multiple benefits. Homeowners can improve living standards by combining indoor comfort with their outside area. Aside from regularly hosting summer barbeques and family get-togethers, a new deck offers a high ROI. For example, Wooden decks return 106% once their home is sold.
Materials chosen are also a significant component in any deck. Some are incredibly durable, while others excel in aesthetic appeal.
Regardless of design or material, constructing and installing your deck is paramount. And opting to DIY is a possibility, we recommend hiring a professional deck builder unless you have sufficient experience.
Follow these suggestions to make the best possible choice for your deck builder:
Find Local Contractors
The first checkpoint on your list should be to find deck professionals within your local area. Even finding one in your state is acceptable, as companies offering nationwide services tend to be stretched thin. Local deck contractors or businesses in general typically rely on their work reputation, stemming from the community. Therefore it’s highly likely they’ve served nearby acquaintances and have done a great job.
Here are some advantages to hiring a local:
- Receive service reviews from people you know in the area. Friends or neighbors are far more likely to give an honest account of their experiences. Furthermore, you’ll probably be able to see the finished deck first-hand.
- Local deck builders should know the local community inside and out. They’ll possess knowledge of building codes, permits required, and local home designs.
- Popular local deck companies continuously compete with larger renovation corporations, which generally offer cheaper services. They’re clearly doing something right if they’re able to compete.
- If your deck has sustained considerable damage, a local deck builder will quickly respond. This is ideal for emergency repairs since damaged decks pose a security risk.
Find Contractors Who are Licensed, Bonded, and Have Insurance
Credentials play a major part in selecting a qualified deck builder. While a deck expert doesn’t have to have a degree, it’s indeed becoming more commonplace. However, beyond education, you’ll need to find out if they are licensed.
By going with an unlicensed contractor, you are taking a huge gamble. It may be tempting to go with one that offers a substantial discount, but consider these risks:
- Professional results are not guaranteed. If your deck does not meet local standards, you’ll need to make the necessary changes to ensure it does.
- Your contractor may not have the necessary permits. For any renovation project, you’ll need these to get the go-ahead. A licensed contractor can acquire the permits on your behalf.
- Workers may not possess the necessary insurance. These include liability and workers compensation insurance. If your home is damaged during construction, or your contractor gets injured, it may be on you to pay their medical bills indefinitely.
Check their Resumes
For any renovation costing a considerable amount, your contractor’s past work should validate that cost. It’s essential, therefore, not to accept everything said at face value. Do yourself the due diligence of checking their resumes and find out the following information if you can:
- Ask how long their company has been in business. As a general rule of thumb, length of time is a good indicator of performance.
- Check online if their business is mentioned. Check local directories, and review sites. Yelp and Google are excellent places to start.
- Look into their portfolio. Most contractors take pride in their work, keeping a portfolio for clients. Check their company website if they have one, or request to see their work.
Make Price Comparisons on Potential Deck Builders
Although a deck installation is financially lucrative, it will depend on a multitude of factors. Home construction is a competitive industry. So it’s always best to compare prices on what’s available.
Deck professionals who typically overcharge do so based on their premium service. Expensive materials and service may sound attractive, but it may diminish your deck’s ROI. Expect to recover an average of 65% of deck costs after selling your home. An overpriced build and service may lower that percentage.
Contrarily, a cheap deck professional may slack on the actual work, especially if they’re unlicensed. Bad labor practices typically mean purchasing inexpensive materials to save costs and cutting corners during the installation process.
It’s always best, therefore, to find a deck specialist who charges reasonable prices. Like any professional, you get what you pay for. By following all of the steps above, you’re more likely to find the most competent contractor.
