How Do I Choose a Deck Contractor?

When you want to begin a new deck project at your home or business, picking the right contractor is a big decision. While searching, you’ll see several options in your local area. However, they may use different decking materials and design philosophies and offer varying levels of customization. How do you determine which one is the ideal fit for your needs?

We’re here to help at Skyview USA. Our team of Detroit deck builders has years of experience building and designing high-quality outdoor living space solutions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with the essential details to look for when selecting a contractor, such as design specifications, costs, and their past project portfolio. Keep reading for all the details.

How to Pick a Deck Contractor

While beginning your research, it’s often helpful to search for terms like “Deck contractors near me” or “Deck contractors in Detroit.” It’ll give you an overview of options nearby to compare essential aspects. Some key details you’ll want to consider are:

Reviews and testimonials: What previous customers are saying on Google, Yelp, or the contractor’s website matters. Do the reviews mention if the contractor was timely? Are there any notable complications that customers frequently mention? Aspects like these will help determine if the contractor usually provides positive experiences.
Past project portfolio: Next, see if you can find the contractor’s project portfolio or any images previous customers posted of decks they had built. The portfolio helps you see their typical designs and the quality of materials used. Plus, it can even give you some deck and railing ideas you can ask your contractor about for your desired deck when estimating costs.
Materials used: When you build a deck, you want it to last and hold up against all weather conditions in your area. For example, low-quality untreated wood could warp or bend over time in extreme heat or cold, whereas high-quality composite decking is much more durable and a sustainable choice.
Customizability: Does the contractor customize designs to your needs? Every home, outdoor space, and landscape has varying needs that decks should be tailored to. Plus, many home or business owners want to choose their preferred colors and finishes to go with their decor. Therefore, choose a professional contractor who will work with you and doesn’t just provide a one-size-fits-all design.

When you’re looking for a contractor in the Detroit area or Dallas area, our team at Skyview Detroit or Skyview Dallas Fort Worth can help with our customizable and high-quality TimberTech decks. You can view our project gallery and customer reviews to see how our designs perform. We aim to work with each customer to provide solutions that meet individual needs.

How Much Should a 20×20 Deck Cost?

After using deck cost calculators or deck repair cost calculators, you may see each one estimating different amounts, making you wonder about the pricing involved. Ultimately, pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the contractor you work with, the materials used, and the intricacy of the design.

On average, in the U.S., a high-quality 20×20 composite deck costs around $15,000 to $25,000. The materials alone for composite decking can range from $16 to $32 per square foot, and you still have to add labor costs for a professional installation. It’s worth investing in professional installation with quality materials to ensure the job gets done right and the deck lasts for a long time.

Other options, like simple wood or timber decking, will cost less. However, higher-quality materials like composites are more durable and require less maintenance, so it’s often worth it in the long term to reduce ongoing maintenance expenses and the hassle involved with repairs.

How Much Does a Contractor Charge for a Deck?

The average contractor will charge $30 to $60 per square foot for both materials and labor when constructing a deck. Labor costs alone will be about $15 to $35 per square foot. Fees can vary by location, complexity of the project, and any add-ons you choose.

For example, you may choose to have built-in benches, custom-designed stairs, or overhead shading that adds to costs. Some complex projects like second-story decks can also cost more due to more intricate construction and stability needs.

While customizing may cost more, it can be worth it to get a design that fits your decor, that you’ll use more often, and that will make you satisfied with your purchase. However, make sure it’s within your budget, and avoid overextending.

We can provide a free, custom quote at Skyview USA for a more accurate estimate. Our team is happy to work with you to create a custom design that fits your needs and will answer any questions you have along the way.

What Month Is Best to Build a Deck?

Spring, summer, and early fall are all good times to build a deck. March, August, or September are good months to reach out, and you might get on a potential deck builder’s schedule easier before or after their busy seasons with lots of spring and summer builds. The only time you may want to avoid is winter since frozen ground, snowfall, and extreme cold can delay projects.

Spring is the most popular season for deck-building since many people start thinking about relaxing outside again and get excited about the upcoming warm weather. That said, contractors can get booked up during late spring and early summer, so it may be harder to get on a company’s schedule during that time.

If you’re considering a spring build, it’s often recommended to reach out in early spring or just before spring begins to get on a company’s schedule. March is a good month to start reaching out. You could even reach out to local deck contractors during winter to get a quote, be ready to secure permits for a spring build, and be on a company’s schedule ahead of time.

Otherwise, an early fall build works well for most contractors since traffic slows down during that time with cold weather approaching. It can be much easier to get on a schedule when you reach out in late August or September. However, a fall build means you won’t have much time to enjoy your new deck until spring rolls around the next year.

Final Considerations Before Hiring a Deck Contractor

Once you have the basics in mind, you should make a few additional considerations before signing on the dotted line and deciding to work with a contractor. Those are:

Verify Insurance Coverage

A reputable contractor you choose to work with should have at least general liability insurance. Accidents can happen on the job, so it’s important that they’re covered just in case.

Get a Timeline for the Project

The contractor should be able to provide you with an estimated timeline. That would include:

How long will creating a custom design take
When will they begin the build
When the build should be completed
How long post-build clean-up and inspections will take

A timeline with these details will help you prepare ahead of the project and avoid any confusion.

Understand the Contractor’s Warranty and Post-Project Support Offered

Contractors may offer a warranty on materials or coverage for any damage that happens through normal use within a specified timeframe after the build is complete. It’s important to have those details so you know what’s covered and who to contact if you need anything.

Additionally, contractors may offer post-project support, such as routine maintenance for your deck to keep it in good condition. Services like that usually come with an additional fee, but it’s something to consider if you don’t want to worry about handling any maintenance needs on your own.

Communication

Consider how communication with the contractor and their team has felt throughout the process of getting a quote and having questions answered. Did they get back to you promptly, or were there lots of delays? Was the communication friendly and helpful?

These customer service elements matter. It’s a sign of how it’ll feel when working with the contractor. You want to choose a company that’s easy to work with and is willing to answer any questions to ensure you aren’t worried about any of the project’s details.

It’s also helpful to get quotes from multiple contractors and compare their experience, pricing, and services. Focus on those with proven track records of high-quality work and a valid contractor’s license, so you know you’re hiring someone credible.

You should also know who you can reach out to with questions or concerns during the project, whether it’s the contractor themself or a customer service line that the company has.

Skyview USA Can Help You Build and Design a High-Quality Deck

When you need a reliable and skilled deck contractor to build a deck in the Detroit or Dallas area, our team at Skyview USA is here to help. Our composite TimberTech decks offer high-quality, durable, and sustainable materials for great outdoor living experiences.

Our team will help you design a custom deck that fits your exact needs. We’ll work with you each step of the way to find the perfect color, size, and add-ons that make the deck feel like a natural extension of your home. We aim to provide great communication throughout the process to give you clear timelines, updates, and answers to any questions.

Share This Post

Never miss a thing.