Before You Hire a Pro — What to Consider When Selecting a Contractor

Choosing to build a deck is a big step, but it's also a very rewarding one. Not only will it add value to your home, but it will also be where you relax when the weather is nice. A deck is more than just a new addition to your home; it's almost like an extra "room." So it is almost natural that you are a little skeptical about hiring a deck builder in Orange County. It would mean having a new face come into your home and money leaving your pocket. We want to help you. In this article, we show what to consider before hiring a deck builder.

First, Consider Asking for Referrals.

To make your search easier, ask trusted friends and family who have recently had their decks built or fixed for suggestions. Their knowledge and advice will help you find a reliable contractor.

If you don't get recommendations from people you know, you can look online for the best deck builders in Orange County, CA. You can use Google or Yelp to do a deep search. You can also look for review sites that are just for home services. Another idea is to look at the websites of groups that run builders' and contractors' associations. They usually have a list of professionals they can trust.

Choosing a Deck Builder in Orange County

It would help if you ticked some boxes before hiring a contractor. What do we mean? There are certain qualities to look out for in your deck builder. Some of them are:

Good Communication Skills:

We are not even joking! It would be best if you were sure that your potential deck or patio contractors in Orange County, CA, have good communication skills. Communication is the key to a successful business relationship, even in the construction industry. Know how the contractors communicate, and you will save yourself some trouble.

Track Record:

What are people saying about the contractor? Were their previous clients satisfied with their work? Building a deck is no small feat. You want to be sure of the person you are trusting.

Proof of Licensing:

Deck or porch builders in Orange County, CA, must be able to provide a contractor's license and appropriate insurance before the project. You do not want to hire someone without a license. It is bad news!

Adequate Knowledge of Your Project:

We don't have to say much on this. Hire someone who knows and understands the kind of work you want for your deck. If you know what your deck or porch should look like, they should be able to explain how it would happen.

Now, Here is What You Should Do:

Establish Your Budget

You should establish a budget and inform prospective deck builders of it. Although the entire procedure can be overwhelming if you are unsure of what competitive pricing is, you must begin with a budget.

A clear concept of how much you are willing and able to spend on your deck renovation will help you get the most value for your money. Similarly, it will help the designer understand the job's scope and the appropriate materials.

Because decks are available for nearly any budget, you shouldn't have trouble fixing one that can fulfill your needs. This way, you'd be able to identify the deck builder who will help you maximize your investment.

Have a Design in Mind

Before hiring a pro, you should know what you want to build or have changed. You can easily search Instagram and Pinterest for the latest deck designs online. You can also get ideas from the decks of your neighbors, friends, and people in other parts of town.

Think about what you want to do. Do you want a beautiful deck made of cedar wood? Or maybe vinyl or a composite material like wood-plastic? Think about lighting, built-in seating, and stairs for your outdoor space.

The better you can picture how the project will turn out, the easier it will be to find a contractor who can meet your specific needs. If you don't have any creative ideas, you can still talk to your potential contractor and work with them to create a beautiful design.

Check Out Your Deck Builder and Ask Them Questions.

You can start checking out potential contractors once you have a list of names. This means looking at their websites, portfolios, and social media reviews of their services. Then, you can call them to find out how they do things.

Some online reviews may be fake, making them wrong. You can learn more about them by seeing how willing they are to talk to you and answer your questions. Ask about the price, the materials, and whether or not they will help you design the deck. Ask about how they accept payment and when they will do work. Ask about their licenses and proof that they have liability insurance.

Invite Them Over to Compare Quotes.

You now know about various contractors. It's time to meet one of them in person. Write down your top three deck builders. Take them to the site and discuss how the project will work. So, both you and the contractor will know how to move forward. Choose one based on your budget, schedule, and how comfortable you are with each contractor.

Keep Track of the Building of the Deck in Writing.

Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go wrong. Unexpected setbacks, like bad weather or problems getting to the site, could make it take longer than planned to build your deck or porch. You may have asked for something that is out of stock or on backorder, or it may have gotten damaged in shipping. No matter what caused the delay, you should write down any requests or changes to your project to protect you and your contractor.

Conclusion

You might have a list of things you want in a contractor, but it's also important to be a good customer. Don't waste the time of your contractor. If you can, try to ensure they have an uncluttered workplace. Keeping pets and kids off their job site can help them do their job better and keep everyone safe.

Also, making payments on time and being kind and friendly to their crew, like offering a cold bottle of water or using your bathroom if they need it, is a nice gesture that contractors who work long days outside will appreciate.

That said, it is time to hire a deck builder today!