One of the best ways to do it is by hiring an Annapolis deck builder to build a new deck in your backyard.
It will provide you with the space you’ll need to entertain guests once it starts to get warm outside. It will also make your entire home feel a lot larger than it really is thanks to the additional square footage.
But before you hire a deck builder, it’s important to make sure you have the right one for the job.
Check out 7 tips for hiring an Annapolis deck builder below.
1. Figure Out How Big You Want Your Deck to Be
The first thing you’re going to want to do when searching for an Annapolis deck builder–before you even start calling around to different deck builders–is figure out how big your deck is going to be.
You want to do this because there are some deck builders who won’t have enough experience to do large decks or decks with different tiers.
When you get into contact with deck builders, you want to be able to tell them exactly what you’re looking for so that they can tell you if they’re qualified to do it.
Otherwise, you might end up picking a deck builder only to find out later that they aren’t experienced enough to get the job done.
2. Ask Friends, Family Members, and Neighbors for Recommendations
When you’re ready to start looking around for deck builders in your area, you should begin by asking your friends, family members, and neighbors if they can provide you with recommendations.
If you know someone who just had a new deck built, that might be the best place to start. See what their experience was like and if they would recommend their builder.
At the very least, they might be able to set you up with a list of good Annapolis deck builders. It will put you on the right path and help you find the deck builder you want.
3. Check Online Reviews for Deck Builders
If your friends, family members, and neighbors are unable to give you a good recommendation, you should turn to the internet next.
Most companies that specialize in deck building will have websites where you can check out their work. You’ll be able to see some of the other decks they’ve built. It’ll give you an idea of what you can expect from them.
You can also read online reviews on deck builders to see what others in your community have to say about them. You should read both good and bad reviews so that you can get a true sense of what deck builders are all about.
At the end of this, you should have a list of deck builders that you can call and interview about your deck project.
4. Find Out If Specific Deck Builders Are Up for Your Job
When you begin calling around to different deck builders, you should provide them with the rough dimensions of the deck you want to build. You should also ask them about similar decks they’ve built in the past.
There are some deck builders who will listen to your plans and say, “Sorry, but I don’t think I’m cut out to do that.” There are others who will say, “Actually, I specialize in building larger decks for commercial companies.”
And then, there are some who will say, “Sounds great, when can I start?”
You want to see which deck builders are cut out to build your deck for you before you go about hiring them.
5. Inquire About How Much Each Deck Builder Will Cost
In addition to speaking to deck builders in Annapolis about their experience building decks, you should also ask about price.
You don’t necessarily just want to go with the deck building company that offers you the lowest rate. They could end up doing the worst work and leave you with a deck that needs to be repaired.
At the same time, you have a budget, and you shouldn’t overextend yourself and break it for the sake of getting a deck. You should figure out how much you’re willing to spend and then find an Annapolis deck builder who does great work and fits into what you can afford.
Getting a quote will help you narrow down your search and hone in on the one deck builder that would be best for you.
6. Make Sure the Deck Builder You Choose Is Insured
So you’ve finally found yourself an Annapolis deck builder. Great!
But not so fast. Before you allow someone on your property to start putting up a deck, you should ask to see proof of insurance and make sure they’re licensed to work in your area.
If a deck builder doesn’t have insurance and something goes wrong as they’re building your deck, you could find yourself in big trouble. An accident could end up costing you a lot of money if someone is injured on the job or if your home sustains damage.
Outside of a license and proof of insurance, you also want to make sure your deck builder pulls the proper permits. You and your Annapolis deck builder could land in hot water if you don’t.
7. Speak With Your Deck Builder About All Design Plans
At the end of this process, you and your Annapolis deck builder should sit down and discuss every single aspect of your deck.
From the wood that will be used to build it to the finish that will go on it at the end, you should nail down every detail so that you get what you want.
Your deck is a big investment and is going to be around for a long time. Make sure you love it when it’s built.
Find the Right Annapolis Deck Builder Today
Would you like to learn more about building a deck with the best Annapolis deck builder?
There are a number of options out there. But you should go with a company that knows what they’re doing and can provide you with a great price.
Contact us to find out how you can put up the deck of your dreams and start using it this summer.