Finding a reliable deck builder is like finding a partner for any business deal. While price and timeline are important, there are many qualities you should also value highly in your partner. After all, some deck builders with low prices may have poor work quality or poor ethics. Before hiring a contractor, here are five important qualities to look for in a custom deck builder.

1. Good Communication Skills

Good communication skills are the foundation of any relationship. While that may sound like the beginning of a self-help book, it’s as true for construction work as any area of life. Imagine a contractor who is too afraid to tell you that his original estimate was off by several days. Imagine if you arrange your schedule to stay out of his way but he shows up several hours late. Pay attention to your initial conversations with potential contractors to see if they communicate well.

2. Proven Track Record

Can your builder show examples of completed work? Are there glowing reviews or testimonials on the builder’s website? Satisfied customers always have positive stories about their contractors. If a company can’t even find a few clients to give testimonials, what does that say about its work? Carefully read through the reviews to see if they mention the qualifications you want in a builder. If you are looking for reliable, validated reviews for a potential contractor, consider visiting Guild Quality.

3. Proof of License and Insurance

Every builder should be able to produce a contractor’s license and insurance before starting work on the deck. If the contractor is evasive about either, this is a major red flag. You don’t want to find out your deck wasn’t built correctly when you’re trying to sell your house. Even worse, without insurance, you could be on the hook for any damages during construction. Beyond damage to your property, do you want your loved ones to be on a deck that wasn’t built by a licensed contractor?

4. Experience

Regardless of the situation, there’s no good substitute for experience. When you’re wondering what to look for in a deck builder, experience is the foundation of professional ability. While a job may seem straightforward to you, an experienced contractor can recognize and correct potential issues before they become major problems. A veteran deck builder will also be more accurate when providing bids and time estimates.

Furthermore, certain contractors may have expertise and experience in handling specific decking materials. If you know the material you would like your deck to be built with, look for contractors with manufacturer training and certifications. This may also help with warranty concerns after the project is completed.

5. Knowledge of Your Project

Beyond general experience, it’s always good to have a builder who knows your project type. If you don’t have a perfect mental picture of your desired deck, the builder may be able to fill in the blanks if they know the design. They can also give feedback or suggest useful add-ons that fit your scheme. A contractor who’s unfamiliar with a complicated deck design may not build it correctly.

Working To Embody These Qualities

It’s better to thoroughly vet deck builders before you get into business with them than find out that they’re unreliable later. Breyer Construction has decades of combined experience in designed and constructing decks for our customers. We consider ourselves successful not just from the number of decks we’ve built, but from the number of clients who are happy with our work. Contact our team to see how we can help you build the deck of your dreams.