Questions to ask a deck contractor
Professional deck builders in New Jersey are experts at building decks that can withstand the weather extremes of the East Coast. When it comes to building a significant investment like a new deck, there are many things you should understand before getting started. Wasted time is one of the most irritating parts of taking on a DIY project. That and wasted money spent on the wrong material or doing things incorrectly and having to buy more stuff. That’s why hiring a reputable deck builder can save you both time and money in the long run.
So if you’re hiring a deck contract, here are our top 8 tips to get answers to before building a deck.
Deck Guardian
Q1
What is your deck-building process?
When hiring a deck contractor from Deck Guardian, you are hiring experts with over a decade in the deck-building business. We’ve been there, done that, and know what works and what doesn’t work in the deck-building industry.
We offer a 5 step process to create your deck.
- Connect
First, we will schedule a free consultation with our customers. We will discuss all your wants and needs for your new outdoor space, answer any questions you may have, and schedule a meeting at your house or the site where your deck will be built. - Consult
We will then send a Deck Guardian representative to your property to discuss the deck. We will look at the space where your deck is to be built, get measurements, and share some ideas of previous projects we’ve worked on that may suit your needs. We can share pictures of work from previous clients to give you an idea of what we could build for you when you hire a deck contractor. - Design
When we have a clear idea of what you want, our expert designers will use our visualizer to draw up your deck, showing you a few different options. We will then work with you to help you finalize a plan. Once this is done, we will present you with an exact price quote and a formal contract for you to sign. We are upfront about all costs, and there will not be any surprise fees along the way. What you see is what you get when hiring a deck contractor from Deck Guardian. - Installation
Once the contract has been signed, and all details are ironed out, our Deck Guardian team will take over. We will take care of all building permits, ensuring the permit process is fully managed for you, and then start building your deck. Everything should run smoothly and on schedule (unless unforeseen weather or material delays interfere). We will be in constant communication with you so you always know what is going on. Our builders use high quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability. When finished, we’ll do a full clean-up and inspection with close attention to every finishing touch. - Enjoy
All that’s left to do is enjoy your new deck! We warranty our work, so if there are any further issues, we will be prompt to help you out. Otherwise, we hope the next time we see you is when we’re building your neighbor’s deck because they were so impressed with yours!
Q2
How will you design my dream deck?
When hiring a deck contractor, you get the most updated tech tools to help design the perfect deck. Our designers will use the measurements taken at our first visit to use as a baseline. We take all your ideas and our design expertise and input them into our design program. Then, voila! We present several custom options that suit your precise wants and needs.
We will present you with several different deck designs so you have many options to choose from — from a simple deck layout to one with additional features like lighting or built-in seating. You are totally in control of the process.
Q3
How much experience does Deck Guardian have building decks?
We are a family business and have over 15 years in the deck-building industry and are proud to be among New Jersey’s most reputable contractors. We know the building standards in New Jersey like the back of our hand and serve most of the Garden State. We specialize in building new decks, resurfacing old ones, and constructing screened porches and patios.
Q4
What decking material options do you prefer?
It depends on the type of deck you want. Since New Jersey gets hit hard by weather in all 4 seasons, composite decking is really the ultimate choice for decks.
Yes, composite decking is more expensive initially; however, it does not require the kind of upkeep natural wood needs, reducing future maintenance. We use only top-rated products to meet our high standards for every deck we build. So in the long-run, composite decking is our top choice. We use only the best composite decking from Trek and Deckorator and offer comprehensive packages to fit all budgets.
Q5
How long will it take to accomplish my deck project?
Depending on the size of your deck, screened porch, or patio, completing your project could take a week to several weeks. Another factor is the season you build in, as bad weather could delay things. However, we work weekends and holidays because meeting completion dates is one of our top priorities.
Q6
How many workers will there be building my deck?
It depends on how big your deck-building project is; nevertheless, when hiring a deck contractor, we usually have several on-site workers. Each is licensed and insured, maintaining your safety and protecting your property during the build. Our goal is to get your project completed on time.
Q7
How much will it cost to build my deck?
This is one of the most common questions to ask a deck contractor, as everyone wants to know what to budget for when building a deck. Many factors contribute to the cost of building a deck with the best deck builders in New Jersey.
- The size and shape of your deck will determine the amount of supplies and materials required (plus, a simple deck costs less than a multi-level)
- The type of materials used (wood vs. composite, style of railing, etc.)
- Whether it’s a ground-level or raised deck
- The time of year you are building a deck (spring and summer are the busy months, and costs may be higher)
The average deck can cost between 25-35 K to build, yet, we’ve built decks for as little as 10K and as much as 250K. The best way to know how much your deck will cost is to reach out to Deck Guardian. We can help you explore your options and outline a detailed estimate that fits your budget and vision. You can rest assured knowing we carry general liability insurance to protect against property damage, so your investment is safe.
The best way to know how much your deck will cost is to call Deck Guardian to give us a call and speak with a representative. There are many different options to customize your deck to fit your budget when hiring a deck contractor.
We have also partnered with HFS, which offers home improvement loans without having to do a credit check. So there are always options out there for you to build your dream deck with the most skilled deck builders in New Jersey.
Q8
What if I don’t like my deck?
That won’t be possible when you work with us! When hiring a deck contractor from Deck Guardian, you’ll feel confident every step of the way.
We won’t build your deck until you have approved the design and estimate, and there will never be any surprises. Our contractors have a proven track record of success, and if something isn’t right, we’ll make it right. Because details matter, we check everything carefully before wrapping up the job.
If, for some reason, something didn’t turn out quite as expected, you will have an opportunity to point it out when we do a final check on your deck. Reasonable changes or adjustments will be made quickly and properly.
No matter the concern, we are here to listen and take action to make things right. When you hire the best deck builders in New Jersey, you get the best customer service, period.
A Deck Contractor With the ‘Wow” Factor
When hiring a deck contractor, you want the right contractor who offers fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and insurance protection for peace of mind. When you hire Deck Guardian, you get all that and more.
We handle necessary licenses, communicate clearly, and always meet deadlines. With our contractor’s experience, you can expect reliability and professionalism from start to finish.
Deck Guardian has built a good reputation for delivering excellence in every outdoor living space we construct. We approach every deck as a critical home improvement deal, making sure it enhances your lifestyle and home value. From design to final inspection, we focus on access to communication and craftsmanship that goes beyond expectations.
You should also check out our post 10 things to know when hiring a deck builder.
If you’re ready to make the best choice for your next deck, call us today or fill out our online for a free consultation and see why so many homeowners trust Deck Guardian to build decks that last.