As a homeowner, you have many concerns and bills to manage for your household. Aside from all the standard housekeeping, such as groceries, electricity, water, and gas, there are opportunities to invest a bit more in your home. For many homeowners, choosing to build a deck is a wise way to increase the value of their home while also getting to enjoy it more. As a result, it’s a move that makes sense both in the short and long term. However, the greatest difficulty you’ll encounter in your search is finding a contractor you can trust to do the job correctly. Sometimes contractors might overstate their skills or lack the foresight to give you an accurate estimate. In these cases, you can be left with an inadequate product or have spent far more money than you planned. So how do you find reliable contractors near you?
The Search Begins
As is often the case when it comes to businesses and contractors, references are critical. Some of your friends and family may have already had a beautiful deck built for their homes. If you know someone who has already done this process and you like the results, ask them who did the work for them. Occasionally, you may find that the contractor they hired is no longer in business, but even that doesn’t have to be a dead end. Take the contact information, then reach out to the former contractor to see if they gave their regular clients to another contractor they trust.
If you can’t get any direct references from the people you know, there are still plenty of ways to make a shortlist of potential contractors. A Google search for “contractors near [my city]” can turn up results from some companies that have the resources to pay for ads or organically place themselves near the top of search results. Some of these companies may be able to do the job well for you, but often they will charge a premium because their good position means they’re not necessarily hurting for business.
Other sites, such as Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List) and even Yelp! level the playing field a little more. Both sites still give preference to paid placement, but you will see smaller contractors as well, alongside some reviews from former clients. Between the internet search and browsing through those sites, you can develop a shortlist of contractors you want to learn more about. It’s critical not to go with the first contractor you find, as they may not be the best fit for you. Don’t be afraid to include independent contractors that lack a website. Some of them are hidden gems that will give you amazing results without breaking the bank.
Vetting Your Leads
Once you have your shortlist, it’s time to speak with the companies directly. These contractors will obviously try to paint themselves in a positive light. But many of them will be straightforward about their work and what you can expect from them. There are some unscrupulous people in the business, but you’ll see in a short while how to filter those contractors out before hiring them.
Communication
Don’t rely just on a few emails or even a phone call to conclude your search. Ask the contractor if they will give you a free job estimate. Most reliable contractors will take the time to do this for such a substantial job. While they are there, ask them questions about their experience and qualifications. Have they been building decks for many years? Do they specialize in another area of home maintenance? You can even get a good idea of what to expect if you ask them what completed job gives them the most pride.
Verification
Verify that the contractor is actually licensed and insured. Contractors are obliged to provide this information, but you may forget to check in a casual conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask to see these documents and confirm their authenticity. If a contractor gets offended by the question, you may want to think twice about hiring them.
Anticipation
It’s not uncommon at all for contracting jobs to take more time than anticipated or for repairs to be needed sooner rather than later. Talk to your contractor about what kind of warranties they offer, how firm their estimates are, and what would happen in a few hypothetical situations. A reliable contractor will likely have previous experiences like these and be able to clearly answer what they would do in those situations for you.
Making Your Decision
Many people in your position are left with a tough choice between several contractors that seem reliable, have the correct documentation, and even come with several quality references. Once you’re at this stage, take a look at the bids they’ve submitted to you. Consider things such as the price, payment terms, and warranties. Sometimes, the lowest bid may not be the best, as it must be paid upfront and not have as much protection after the job is completed. Review all these factors before committing, review your finances, and even take the time to get someone you trust to review it with you and offer their opinion. If you take the time to do your due diligence now, you’ll be able to enjoy your deck for years to come and reap further rewards when it comes time to sell and move to a new home.
By Christopher Gallagher
Christopher is a homeowner in Pennsylvania who has worked with numerous contractors and companies for home improvements and renovation work, including roofing, landscaping, and deck building.