Decks are exceptionally popular home additions. According to IBIS World, by the end of this year (2022), the deck and patio building industry will be worth $1.1 billion in revenue. Due to the lucrative nature of the deck construction industry, finding a deck building company might seem easy. However, before you choose a company for your project, you should ask several contractors these five key questions.

1. Can You Tell Me About Your Experience in Deck Construction?

Don't hire someone with no prior deck building experience. It doesn't matter how many sheds or fences they have worked on, they need direct experience with projects like yours. Decks are complex pieces of woodwork that must be structurally sound and safe to use, so make sure you hire a contractor who has enough experience to do the job right.

2. Will You Take Care of the Permits?

Typically, it's the responsibility of a professional deck building company to find out the local regulations pertaining to deck construction permits and to acquire them on your behalf. Having the necessary papers on hand may save you time and frustration, so it's generally worth paying the extra cost for the service. As you discuss permits with contractors, pay attention to their opinions on them. Great contractors don't shy away from permits, inspectors, and code requirements.

3. Can I Get a Detailed Estimate?

An estimated cost is not necessarily indicative of the ultimate cost of a service or item. All types of building projects come with the possibility of unforeseen expenditures. However, make sure to request a comprehensive quote from any deck building company you're considering. At the very least, it should include the amount you should expect to spend on materials like wood, screws, concrete, and labor hours. This way, you can see exactly where and how your money will be spent.

4. Is There a Final Amount Due?

As a rule of thumb, it's smart to seek bids from at least three reliable deck building companies. The allure of a seemingly fantastic offer increases if one of the estimates is significantly lower than the others. However, it's important to remember that estimates are just that: estimates. Strangely low estimates may not be accurate, and if they are, they may reflect the experience level or quality of materials you'll be paying for.

5. Do You Provide a Warranty?

Professional deck builders should always provide at least a one-year warranty. This means they will remedy any arising issues, such as sagging boards, loose screws, or uneven settling within that period. Any major structural issues will almost certainly reveal themselves within the first year after the deck is built. After that, issues with the deck could be due to maintenance or property problems.

Now that you know five of the most important questions to ask deck building companies, you can get started with the estimate process. If you're looking for local deck builders in Marietta, GA or the Atlanta metro area, give Barefoot Decks LLC a call today to get a free estimate on your upcoming project!