7 Questions for Your Potential Outdoor Builder

Improving your outdoor living experience requires a little bit of imagination, a lot of organization, and 100% confidence in those executing your vision. It’s difficult though to know when hiring your team who is going to serve your needs best, and who will end up costing you time and money in the long run. With just a few qualifying questions you will be better equipped to move forward, and sleep easier knowing the right people are caring for your project.

1. “Are you insured?” Expensive complications are rare but can arise along the way, and an uninsured contractor simply will not have the resources to remedy them. 
2. “How do you ensure the longevity of a deck’s wood framing?” Seeing as this is an investment toward your property’s long term joy and overall value, it’s important the end result is built to last.
3. “What is the difference between Composite and PVC decking?” Knowing that your provider is aware of these important differences and what is best for your purposes speaks to the extent of their expertise. 
4. “Are you able to provide a master design plan, and in what phases and timeframe are you forecasting they can be accomplished?” Any professionally built deck should follow a detailed step-by-step plan for safety and an aim toward perfection. 
5. “What sort of warranty coverage can I expect on my chosen materials?” If you are being sold on lesser goods, or overall costs seem favorable, it might be at the expense of warranty coverage, as well as ongoing upkeep.
6. 6. “How is your decking designed so that ownership of it is worry-free and low maintenance?” A thoughtful construction will include methods that mitigate the collection of dirt, foliage, and other yard debris, as well as be thoroughly painted for a clean, cohesive, and ultimately complete deck. 
7. “What are the current municipal codes by which we are required to abide in my specific area?” Beam width and length limitations, post size requirements and footing practices, handrail and stair riser height ranges are all unique to your local ordinances, and your contractor should have a keen awareness so as to maintain compliance. 

In short, confidence in your deck builder should be centered around their industry knowledge, craftsmanship, and experience. Building a deck and yard features isn’t too different from building the home itself, something you would not entrust to the most affordable bid, or a neighbor with a rented table saw. Ask the hard questions ahead of time, and reap the rewards of your vigilance for a lifetime of outdoor leisure.