Decking and Outdoor Living

Let’s say you’re contemplating having a treated lumber deck or a Latitudes composite lumber deck built or remodeled, and you don’t have the time or the inclination to do it yourself. Choosing the right contractor/deck builder is both art and science. Doing your homework goes a long way toward being satisfied with the end result.

Important tips for choosing the right professional deck builder:
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or reference the decking or railing manufacturer's web site for a list of preferred installers (composite decking installers, deck railing installers). Narrow the list by interviewing several installers by phone. Ask lots of questions and request referrals. Pick your top three candidates and meet them face-to-face. Communicate your needs and expectations. Provide a sketch or a deck design using Deckorators Deck Visualizer, and get several bids. Make sure the contractor will accept a graduated payment plan for work completed. And never, ever pay 100% up front.

Three key things to remember

1. Don’t let price make or break any deal.
2. Get everything in writing.
3. Go with your gut.