What to Look For in a Deck Builder

Decks are the heart of summer entertainment. They are typically built on flat ground adjacent to the house. First, the deck builder digs out a site for the deck. Then, they spread and tamp down four inches of gravel, followed by two inches of sand. Pro Deck Builders Charleston may use wood, composite, or PVC decking materials. These materials vary in cost and have different heat retention and slip factors.

A good deck builder can turn an ordinary outdoor space into something special that complements the style of your home and makes it a great place to spend time. They know how to build a deck and can recommend other things you might want, such as eye-catching planters or a fire pit. They can also help you choose the best materials for your project so it will last for years to come.

Look for a builder with years of experience. It will give you confidence that they have the skills and knowledge to create your new deck. Ask the builder about their work history and look for a photo gallery of previous projects. It’s also a good idea to check for online reviews of the builder. A good builder will be transparent about their policies and won’t hide anything from you.

A deck builder should be licensed, bonded, and insured. It will minimize your risk of getting swindled on materials or construction. Also, a licensed contractor is held to high standards of professionalism and knows how to deal with any unforeseen problems that may arise during the building process.

Once you’ve narrowed your options to 10 to 15 deck builders, visit their websites to see if they have photo galleries of past projects. Flip through the photos and take note of their quality. Do the decks appear well-constructed and polished? Do they have a style that you would like to have in your backyard?

After the deck site is marked, a gravel or limestone paver base is added. It’s tamped down with a rented plate compactor or tamper to ensure an elevation. Then, a layer of builder’s sand is spread over the base. It is also tamped down and smoothed with metal or wood skimming tools.

For a poured concrete deck, the builder will dig down to the footprint of your deck and build up to six inches to allow for a base and the form for the concrete. They will add a reinforcement mesh and a waterproof membrane to protect against the elements. A concrete mix is then poured into the structure and smoothed out. Once the deck has set, expansion joints are made of strips of asphalt-impregnated fiber placed every 15 feet to prevent cracking as it expands and contracts.

An excellent deck builder always puts the customer first and goes out of their way to ensure they provide the service that their customers expect. They also strive to get their customers to discuss them and recommend their services to family and friends.

A reputable builder will always have a photo gallery of their previous work online that showcases their superior craftsmanship. They’ll also have a list of references you can contact to learn more about their services.

The best deck builders will have detailed quotations that spell out the work to be done and eliminate any grey areas. These descriptive quotes show that the contractor respects the financial commitment that is potentially being made by the client and will adhere to building specifications.

The quality of a deck builder’s work is the defining factor in whether you will have a beautiful new outdoor space to enjoy. The right company will clearly understand the time it takes to create the deck you want, and they will work diligently and efficiently to complete your project on time. They will also clearly understand the materials required to do the job well. They will account for any foreseeable problems, so you don’t have to wait indefinitely.

They will clearly understand the importance of doing a top-quality job and how it relates to their business reputation. They will treat your home as theirs and always strive to exceed your expectations. They will take the time to ask the questions necessary to understand your vision and needs for your deck fully, and they will always do what is required to ensure your dream becomes a reality.

When choosing a deck builder, look at their website and find out what types of decks they have built in the past. Does their work have a clean, polished look that shows that the company pays attention to detail and uses high-quality materials? Look for a gallery of photos that will help you to decide if their work is to your liking.

If they are building a poured concrete deck, they will mark the area to be excavated, dig the required depth, and then level the base by spreading gravel and tamping it down. They will then prepare the site and set forms to form the shape of the deck. Concrete is then poured into the documents and allowed to dry under a plastic sheet for several days until it is hard enough to use.

They will follow the same process for a dry-laid deck made of paving stones, flagstones, or bricks, except that no forms hold the materials in place. They will prepare the site by marking it, digging to the required depth, and tamping the ground to compact it. They will lay the paving stones, flagstones, or bricks in the chosen pattern and install expansion joints every four feet to prevent the deck from shifting due to temperature changes.

The best deck builders put the customer first. They go out of their way to provide excellent service because they know that happy customers are the best source of new business. They can help you plan your project and find solutions within your budget. They do everything they can to make your experience enjoyable, including answering any questions that you may have about their services or construction process.

The right deck builder will respect your schedule and be clear about how long the work will take. They will also account for any unforeseen issues during the construction process so you are not left waiting and wondering when they will be finished with your deck. They will also communicate any delays so you can reschedule anything else you have planned for the area while they are working.

The right deck builder will also give you a detailed, descriptive quotation that will act as a contract for what has been agreed upon between you and the contractor. It will help eliminate any confusion about the work that will be done and lock them into adhering to correct building specifications. They will also show that they are a licensed and insured company. It is important to ensure that they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance in case someone gets hurt while working on your property.