When you add a deck to your home, you’ll not only be extending the space that your home has for entertaining, you can also recoup between 65 percent and 90 percent of your investment if and when you decide to sell.
If you are like many homeowners, you may want to try and take on deck work alone. However, a better option is to hire professional decking contractors who are trained and experienced with building custom decks. This will ensure your new deck is structurally sound and built the right way.
Since no two deck building professionals are the same, it’s up to you to find the right person for the job. There are many decking companies in Central, PA but just like any other contractor, it’s important to find the best one for your home and your needs.
Ask Friends and Family Members for Recommendations
Do you know someone who has recently had their deck replaced or repaired? Maybe a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor has had a deck added to their home. If so, start your search by speaking with them about the experience they had with the deck building company they hired.
This is a great way to get some first-hand information about some of the local companies and individuals who provide deck work. You also might want to ask them if you can check out the work for yourself. A visit to your friend or family members house to see how their decking contractor completed the job is a perfect way to confirm the quality of the work.
Make a List of Local Service Providers
While getting recommendations from people you know is a great way to begin the search, you can’t just stop there. Once you have received recommendations from your friends and family members, make a list of every company or individual you have been given that you would consider working with.
Once you have a list of potential decking installers, you can begin moving forward to sort through the options you have.
Look at the Service Provider’s Online Presence
Take some time to consult various online forums and review sites to find the best local deck builders. There is an array of other resources to use, too, such asa simple Google Search or the Better Business Bureau, which is great for learning about the company’s background.
One word of caution: Don’t try to solely rely only on the information you find online. Not all reviews are objective, as some companies pay for positive reviews.
Speak with the Company Owners
After asking people you know, creating a list, and researching the options online, you need to call around to speak with each deck company on your list.
Make sure to introduce yourself and let the company or individual know you are trying to find a company that can build you an all-new deck or repair your existing one. If you need repair, a deck builder is likely going to need to know more about the problems you are having.
It’s important to pay attention to every company as they interact with you. You need to hire a professional who is interested in what you say and who is ready and able to work with you to ensure your vision is brought to life.
If you come across someone who doesn’t seem like they have time to speak with you and address your requests, it’s best to mark them off your list. You shouldn’t consider working with contractors that make it feel like you’re bothering them with work as this can be an indication of poor customer service.
Find Out How Long Each Company Has Been in Business
When selecting the right deck company, experience is an extremely important factor to consider. The last thing you should do is hastily select a company that has just started building decks last week.
Not that years in business is the ONLY factor that you should decide, but it is usually a very good indicator of their quality of work, customer service, and general good business practices.
Make sure to ask every company you interview how long they have been building and repairing decks.
Meet the Contractor in Person
Make sure to schedule time with a potential contractor for them to come to your home and see the project site in person. This is going to give you an idea of the customer-contractor dynamic and allow the contractor to confirm they can handle the job.
It’s also a good time to evaluate if you are comfortable with this person, and if communication is going to be clear throughout the project.
Request Photos of Each Potential Contractor’s Work
A quality deck company is going to take pride in the work they do. As a result, the owner is going to be proud to show off the work they have done in the past.
Don’t hesitate to ask a deck builder to show you what they can do or have done in the past. It’s important to work with a service provider who has plenty of proof to show they can handle any job that comes their way. Photos can also reveal things a contractor may not tell you.
Ask for Quote
Since most people are going to have a specific amount of money they can spend for a decking project, you need to make sure your contractor is going to work within your set budget.
As a result, it is a good idea to get estimates from several service providers. Once you get the estimates, make sure to find the company offering the most value.
Deck Work: Hiring the Professionals Makes Sense
If you’re ready to add that new deck to your home, then you should carefully consider hiring a professional to handle the job. The fact is, the pros are going to be able to handle the job and ensure the work meets your needs and expectations.
The last thing you want to do is to rush into this decision. Make sure to take your time and consider each of the factors listed here. Learn more about us to see why we are a smart option for your deck project. We can even help to connect you with the right decking or remodeling contractor for your project.
