Deck Builders Lexington KY are experienced in designing and constructing a variety of deck options. They also have extensive knowledge of the different types of materials and building techniques.
Ask who your primary contact will be when registering with a contractor. Some companies assign a salesperson to address client queries and connect them with the designer or project manager.
When choosing a deck builder, you should look for contractors who have a history of building outdoor structures. A seasoned contractor will be able to handle your project with ease and provide you with a high-quality outcome. It’s important to ask for a portfolio of past projects and check reviews online.
If the company doesn’t have a website, then it might not be a legitimate business. You should also ask them what their standard pricing is for a specific project. Getting the price upfront can help you avoid overpaying for a project. A reputable deck builder will be more than willing to provide you with a quote.
Before hiring a deck builder, you should ask them to prepare a design for your project. This should include a scale drawing and dimensions of the deck being built. It should be detailed enough to show what materials will be used, the dimensions of the deck, and any add-ons that will be installed on it. Once you’re satisfied with the design, you can proceed to the next step of the project.
A reputable deck builder will be able to give you a timeline for the completion of your project. Construction is a delicate science that can be affected by many variables, so it’s important to choose a contractor who can commit to a time frame. If you need your deck completed by a certain date, then ask the contractor what their policy is in case of delays.
Some companies have a dedicated salesperson who communicates with clients and coordinates the project. Others assign a designer or project manager to the client, while others let the client communicate directly with all three parties. It’s a good idea to know how the company communicates with clients, as this will have a significant impact on your overall experience.
License
Everyone keeps saying it, but you should always choose licensed and insured contractors for your home project. It’s the best way to protect yourself and keep your contractor accountable for his or her work. Decks are complicated structures that require expertise, precision and careful planning to ensure they’re built correctly. Using an unlicensed builder can result in unsafe and improperly constructed structures that may cost you more in the long run.
Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a building permit before installing a new deck. This requirement is in place to ensure that construction meets safety regulations and zoning requirements. The process of obtaining a permit can add weeks to the timeline for your project, so it’s important to plan accordingly and budget for the additional time. Some contractors will take care of acquiring the necessary permit for you, saving you some hassle.
A good deck builder will be able to design your deck to match the style of your home and its surroundings. They will consider factors like sunlight and space constraints to craft a functional, aesthetically pleasing deck that fits your home’s layout. Unlicensed builders may overlook these factors, leading to a deck that doesn’t fit your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.
A good deck builder should be able to provide you with basic designs and samples of previous work. They should also be able to answer your questions about their building process and how they estimate costs. If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, ask for references from previous clients or look up their reviews online. This will give you a good idea of how well they work with customers and whether they deliver on their promises.
Insurance
A quality deck builder will have the right insurance coverage to protect them and their clients. Ask about the general liability, workers’ compensation, and completed operations coverage. These policies will provide a safety net against potential risks that may damage a contractor’s reputation and financial health.
General liability insurance is important because it will cover the costs of bodily injury claims that could be made against a deck building contractor. It also covers property damage to the client’s premises. For example, if someone trips on a power cord or a tool while on a job site, they could sue for medical costs and repair bills.
Deck construction can be very dangerous, and a good deck builder should have workers’ compensation insurance to cover any injuries that occur on the job site. Some contractors choose to skip this coverage in order to save money, but they should be aware that a lawsuit could be filed against them for not having it.
Completed operations coverage is another aspect of general liability that helps deck builders protect themselves against claims that surface after a project has been completed. For instance, if a client notices property damage months after the project is finished, they could file a claim against the contractor. Completed operations coverage will cover the cost of legal defense and damages if the claim is valid.
A reputable deck builder will be able to give you detailed answers about their experience and the services they offer. You should also be able to request references from previous customers and get a look at their portfolio of completed projects. Lastly, be sure that they can provide a warranty for their work and a clear contract for their services.
Workmanship Guarantee
A workmanship guarantee offers homeowners a safety net against any issues or defects that may arise during the warranty period. It also covers the cost of repairing or replacing the faulty work or product. It is a valuable tool that protects the homeowner’s investment in the project and promotes transparency between the contractor and homeowner.
Homeowners should ask about the length of the warranty and the type of coverage offered. Some warranties only cover the structure itself while others include products and materials as well. A quality deck builder will provide a lengthy workmanship warranty to show that they stand behind their work.
In addition, homeowners should make sure that the warranty has a clause for resolving disputes. The process should be simple and easy to follow. This will help to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and disagreements between both parties. Disputes can be resolved quickly with clear communication between the homeowner and the service provider.
The contractor’s experience is another important factor to consider when choosing a deck builder. An experienced contractor will have a solid understanding of building codes and regulations. They will also be able to give you a realistic timeframe for completion of the project. This will help you decide whether the contractor is a good fit for your project.
A reliable deck builder will provide a five-year workmanship warranty with all projects. This will ensure that your new deck is structurally sound and will last for years to come. In the event of an issue, you can contact the company and they will fix it at no additional cost. This will save you the trouble of trying to repair your deck yourself in the future.
Communication
A quality deck builder will always prioritize communication with their clients. This is important because the process can be quite volatile and it’s easy for projects to get off track without consistent client input. Ask potential builders about their building process and if they are open to incorporating client feedback throughout construction.
You’ll also want to pay attention to how long it takes them to respond to you. This is one of the easiest ways to judge a company’s professionalism. Most deck contractors will aim to reply to all inquiries within a business day and many will even answer your questions within a few hours.
If they can’t provide a time guarantee, it may be best to look elsewhere. No one wants to live in a construction zone for longer than necessary, and the contractor should be able to give you a range of dates they can finish by. It might be hard for them to commit to a specific date since it depends on various unforeseeable circumstances, but if they’re willing to communicate with you regularly and let you know about any delays, that’s a good sign.
Another way to find a good deck builder is to ask for referrals from past customers. They’ll be able to tell you about the experience they had with the builder, including how responsive and professional they were. You can also check out their websites to see what their past work looks like. This will help you decide if they’re right for your project. Moreover, you can ask them to share photos or visit completed sites if possible. This will help you assess their style and craftsmanship.