How to Hire a Deck Contractor

A well-designed deck can be a wonderful addition to a home -- providing outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining.  It's essential that any deck installation project be done properly with solid footings, structural supports and efficient egress to and from the house. 

If you decide to build a deck yourself, make sure you learn how to do it right. If you decide to hire a deck builder, here are tips on how to get the best outcome.

Plan your deck

A contractor can help solidify plans for your deck, but you should have a good idea about the scope of the project yourself before contacting a pro. You'll want to consider some components of the job in advance, including the following:

• The deck's layout

• Number of stories

• Staircases and coverings

• Materials -- natural wood or man-made composite?

• The type of railings

• Fire pits, benches and other special features

Check reviews, recommendations and licensing

If friends or neighbors have recently had a deck built, ask about their experience, good or bad, and whether they'd recommend the contractor. 

To find reviews of deck building contractors in your area, search Angi for "decks." Most states have licensing requirements for deck builders.  You can find the appropriate website for your state by checking the Angi License Check tool.

Interview deck builders

After the research phase, you should ideally narrow your list to three or four potential deck builders. Contact them, and ask the following:

• How long have you been in the business?

• Are you locally licensed?

• Are you insured?

• Can you provide me with the name of your insurance carrier?

• Do you offer a warranty on the work?

• Do you handle local permitting concerns?

• When could you start the project and how long do you think it will take?

• Do you always have a supervisor or owner on-site during the work? 

• How comfortable are you working with the material I choose for my deck's construction? 

• Can you give me a couple of references that I can contact?

Get a written estimate

From your short list, invite two or three deck builders out to the site and ask them to provide you with a written estimate of costs.

The estimate should include a detailed breakdown of materials separated from the hourly labor cost. It should also detail any landscaping work that might be included as well as whether the project includes clean up and hauling away of any debris.

Check your contractor's references

By now you should have a good idea of the contractor that ranks first on your list as well as a backup. Take some time and contact references, asking the following questions:

• What was the quality of the work they did?

• How professional was the crew?

• How closely did the final price match the estimate?

• Was the project completed in the time they specified?

• How would you rank the follow-up service, if provided?

Also, be sure to get a certificate of insurance directly from the carrier. Don't always trust what a contractor gives you because some disreputable companies can forge this.

Hiring a deck builder

Once you've made your decision, it's time to sign the contract with your chosen deck builder. This document should include some important components including the following:

• A total price and a breakdown of deposit versus final payment terms

• The cost for any changes of direction

• The complete scope of work

• A copy of the insurance documentation and contractor's license

• The completion date, and financial impact for delays

• Details on securing permits and design approvals

• Clean up details

• A statement that the contractor is responsible for any damage to the home or grounds during constructionground rules for crew

Editor's note: This is an updated version of a story that originally posted February 15, 2013.