Do You Need A Contractor To Build A Deck?
Are you thinking about building a deck or updating your existing deck in the coming months? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Creating outdoor living spaces has been a growing trend in recent years and the coronavirus has only spurred the demand to extend living spaces beyond the interior walls. And one way of doing that is by… you guessed it, adding, repairing, or upgrading your deck.
Decks have come a long way in regards to features and amenities so as you embark on this particular exploration, there are three things you really must consider during this project. The first is what kind of features you want your deck to include. The second and third considerations are whether or not you want or need a contractor to build a deck for you or if you’re going to grab your toolbelt and attempt the project on your own.
Option 1: DIY deck building
If you’re looking at it from a purely numbers perspective, building your own deck could be the more economical solution. We say it could be because in theory, you’re paying for materials. Those materials could be expensive, however, depending on how complex the deck is and how many features you plan on adding (i.e., fire pit, storage benches, lighting, etc.). Experience or lack of must also be brought into the equation. Assuming you know what you’re doing and will not make too many mistakes as you build your dream deck, the expense of materials should be easy to budget. If you’re a novice in the deck building department, the margin for error could be greater and the cost may go up.
Another cost that you should consider in your preliminary research is tools. Having the proper tools for the job is a must and unfortunately, the tools needed for this type of job can be expensive. Of course, renting tools is an option but it can be a costly one as well.
If you opt to build the deck on your own, don’t forget to research necessary permits for the project and to consider the time investment needed to complete the deck.
Option 2: Hiring a contractor to build a deck
Yes, hiring a contractor to build your deck is likely to be more expensive, but it may be worth it. Your contractor could have your deck completed within a few days as opposed to you chipping away at it at night after work or on the weekends when you’d rather be relaxing or tackling another item on the to-do list.
What to consider before you hire a deck builder
Assuming you’ve decided to hire a deck builder, here are few questions to ask yourself before you find your pro:
What size deck do you want?
How many levels do you want your deck to have?
What type of decking materials do you want – pressure treated pine or composite decking?
What features do you want to include on your deck- fire pit, built in seating, planters, storage benches?
How much you want to spend on the deck will also need to be determined before you reach out for an estimate.
How to find the best deck builder in your area
When looking for a contractor for any kind of job, our best piece of advice is to ask your friends, family, and co-workers for their recommendations. Be sure your inquiries include the following:
Was the job completed on time and on budget? If not, what were the delays or why did they go over?
Were you informed of costs as they came up or surprised at the end?
How did the contractor handle setbacks or problems?
Were they easy to work with?
What was the crew like? Were they respectful? Did they clean up after themselves each day?
Would they hire that contractor again?
Get a written estimate for your deck
Once you’ve decided which deck builder you want to call, make sure that when they come out, they provide you with a written estimate that includes the:
Work to be completed
Materials to be used and how much
Time frame for the project
Estimated cost
Terms and conditions
Do not, we repeat, do not accept a verbal quote! Other red flags include:
Cash only projects
Pressure for immediate commitment
No proof of insurance
Why choose Serve One Construction to build your new deck?
If you’re looking for a deck builder in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills or elsewhere in the Greater Birmingham metro area, Serve One Construction is the ideal choice. In business for 10+ years, our locally owned and family operated construction company is fully insured and committed to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. What’s more, you can expect:
Experienced builders who emphasize safe construction.
A team that believes in transparent communication – no surprises!
A one-year labor warranty on all our work.
Highly trained specialists in pressure-treated pine and composite decking.
Whether you want to build a completely new deck or improve your existing deck, Nick and the team at Serve One would like the opportunity to provide you with a free on-site consultation.
