A beautiful deck would adorn your home wonderfully. You not only get an outdoor space for relaxing and entertainment but you can also add a unique curb appeal to your home with a perfect deck. But, for all these benefits, you need to ensure that the deck installation work is done properly with solid footings, structural supports and an easy access from the house. So, for that, you would need a good composite decking builder. This task is not as easy as picking up a phone and dialing a number. You need to do proper research and choose a good composite decking builder. If you fail to do this properly, you may end up having a wobbly deck which would be good for nothing. So, here are some tips to choose a quality composite decking builder:
- Know what you want: A composite decking builder would give you several deck plans to choose from but he would not know what your expectations are until you are clear about it. Firstly, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and only then you should go looking for a composite decking builder. You should know what type of a layout you want for your deck. If you are confused, look up all the different deck pictures available on the internet and find the one you can point to and tell the composite decking builder, “This is what I need.” Figure out the number of stories you need as well as the type of staircases and coverings.
- Do your research: look around, ask neighbors and friends, check reviews, and get opinions of people who recently had a deck built. Ask them to recommend composite decking builders and make a list. Meet all of these builders and ask several questions like:
→ How long have you been in the business of deck building?
→ Do you offer a warranty?
→ Are you completely insured?
→ Are you licensed?
→ Do you handle all the paperwork of local permits for a project?
→ When can you start my project?
→ Approximately, how long will you take to complete the project?
→ Will you handle the material requirements yourself?
Get satisfactory answers to all these questions and then compare the responses of all the composite decking builders you consulted and then narrow down to the top 3 or 4 builders that you feel are the best. - Get all the details: After you are done telling the builder, ask him how he will go about to implement it. An experienced builder will have a clear plan laid down in his mind with every detail. Ask about the materials that he will use in the deck and ensure that the material matches your requirements. Also ask about the features he may add in the deck like fire pits, benches, etc. If a composite decking builder sounds vague with these details, then either he is keeping things from you or he is not that experienced. Both of these possibilities mean that you need to move on to the next builder.
Before finalizing on a composite decking builder, ensure that you discuss with him on about the below-given points so that there is no misunderstanding:
→ Hidden charges if any.
→ The complete scope of work with every minute detail.
→ A copy of the insurance of the builder.
→ A written contract.
→ The completion date and the consequences of delays.
→ Clean up details.
→ Consequences and costs of changes in the plan.
→ A schedule and breakdown of deposits and final payment.
→ An agreement mentioning that the composite decking builder is responsible for any home or ground damage during the construction work due to the workers.
After all, this is decided, you can sign the dotted line and get started with the building of your deck.
Author: Jack Louis
