A Good Contractor Should be Willing to Talk
So, you are ready to build a deck. Whether you are replacing an old one or building from scratch finding a contractor that can get it done properly, on your schedule, and budget can be a challenge. It’s true what Mike Holmes says, “a good contractor is always busy.” How do you go about finding a good deck builder? You will need to take time to research on-line and talk to a few of them. Although busy, a good contractor should be comfortable and willing to talk.
Communication Skills
Just like in a marriage, good communication skills should be a basic part of your relationship with your contractor. They need to communicate when issues arise, to schedule meetings, and to coordinate materials etc. It can make all the difference between a smooth well-run job and a project from hell. When speaking on the phone or during initial meetings for quotes, asses their ability to communicate, including their capacity to listen. Doing so will ensure you get the deck you asked for.
Reputation
Do they have a website? A website legitimizes a business today. It’s especially important to look for pictures of their past projects. A good contractor will be happy to show of their work, usually found in “portfolio” or “our work” sections of a site. Are they actual pictures they took themselves or are they stock photos of others work? Also, look for legitimate, verified reviews or testimonials. For example, Google has a verification process and tries to weed out fake reviews or reviews from family. Take note of what others have to say about their work and their personality. Were they easy to get along with? Did they listen to you? Did they do a good job? Were they professional?
An experienced deck builder can spot potential issues before construction begins, which means less surprises. Experience also comes in to play when a job is estimated. Your quote will be more accurate if the deck contractor has experience. Can your deck builder help you with missing design aspects of your project? You may not yet have a complete picture of what you want, a good builder should be able to help with design and material suggestions.
Licensed and Insured
Do they have any credentials or experience as a contractor? Do they take out a permit to build your deck? (Under some circumstances this may not be required but know your rights. See City of Waterloo Deck By-Laws)
They should have no issue providing proof of insurance. It can be a major issue to sell your home if there is some improper or un-registered construction work done. And with no insurance you could personally be liable for damage done on your property or others, during construction, or because of construction.
The most important thing to think about is that your friends and family’s safety is reliant on the quality of your deck’s construction. Do you trust them with that?
LCM General Contractor – A Good Deck Builder
When selecting a deck builder for your backyard project, it’s important to vet them for any potential issues. LCM General Contractor has carpenters with decades of combined experience in building decks. In addition, construction managers check for quality and keep everything done by LCM to a higher standard than many have experienced. Often (when practical) our structures exceed Ontario Building Codes. We are successful not for the number of decks we’ve built, but from the number of clients who love their decks. If you need a deck for your home, contact LCM today.
