What To Take Into Consideration When Hiring A Contractor
There are many deck contractors currently working in the El Paso County area. How can you ensure that you hire the best one? One of the best is to get a referral from a friend or family member who has recently built a deck. For many contractors, a large portion of their business comes from referrals. It is effortless for a company to say they use the best materials and provide excellent customer service, but previous customers will verify the truth of these statements.
When speaking with contractors, keep the following items in mind.
Planning Process for Your New Deck
Planning is critical for any project, large or small. As the homeowner, you need to know your budget, as this will determine the size, materials, etc. Think about what you want to use the area for – is it an outdoor living room for your family, do you want to entertain large parties, or will it be just an oasis for you to relax? Make sure the contractors you interview are capable of providing what you want. Look on their website to find similar projects that have been completed.
DBS will also walk you through the process of planning and permitting the project with the Regional Building Department. Many items need to be considered during this process, such as variances, lot coverage, setbacks, easements, fire codes, etc. You also want to ensure that your contractor purchases the permit under the company name; that way, any issues with the Regional Building Department are his responsibility.
Communication
Communication skills are essential to any business relationship. One of the most critical points is keeping in contact throughout the design process. Your contractor can help you understand the different costs of materials, types of materials, and how to build the outdoor living area of your dreams within your budget.
They also need to keep in touch regarding any changes to the budget, any required or requested changes you decide to make, timing, scheduling, etc. At DBS, we offer our customers the options of phone, text, and email to keep in contact with us.
Proven Results as a Deck Builder
Has your contractor designed and built similar decks in the past? Have previous customers been happy with their completed projects? There are a few different ways to find this information.
The website should show you examples of the work that has been completed. If you want a new deck with a gabled deck cover, you don’t want to hire someone who has never built one. Checking reviews on Google, Next Door, the BBB, Facebook, etc., is another way to verify that the company is reputable. A contractor with numerous 4- and 5-star reviews for projects similar to yours should be a strong consideration. We have a Google Business Page, a BBB listing, a FaceBook account, and multiple NextDoor referrals containing reviews, types of work we offer, and photos of completed projects.
The local BBB site should list the contractors you are considering. If your contractor is registered with the BBB, their profile will contain the ID number and rating. The best rating a company can attain is an A+. Any complaints that have been filed will also be available for you to review.
Is the Contractor Licensed and Insured?
You always want to ensure that your contractor is licensed within the county and/or state where the work will be performed. A licensed contractor will obtain a permit from the Regional Building Department.
This permit indicates that the plans drawn up are to code, and then inspections will be required to ensure that the deck was built according to the plans and IRC code. El Paso County RBD will not license a contractor without active insurance for Workman’s Comp and General Liability.
If you would like to learn more about building the outdoor living space you dream of, please get in touch with us at 719-440-6966.
