Find Deck Builders Quotes Near Me
A deck is important to make your the outdoor space of your home comfortable. If your deck needs to be repaired or replaced or you need to have a new deck added to your home, we can help with the financing. Find deck contractor quotes near me specializing in installation and repairs.
Our TGUC home improvement partners are vetted, background checked, and have years of experience. We match the best contractors for your project and budget. Here are some of the benefits of working with our our contractors.
- Years of experience, so you can count on quality work.
- Fair and market competitive pricing, so you can get value for your project.
- Solid, glowing references, and reviews, so you can benefit from their track record.
- Close in proximity to your project, so you will know they understand your market.
- Licensed in their industry, so you will know they are legitimate.
- Insured and bonded, so you can guarantee your project will be protected.
- Can offer TGUC Financial financing services, so you can receive the best rates in the market.
Find Deck Contractor Quotes Near Me
Licensing requirements for deck contractors vary from state to state. Check your state government’s website for more info. Some states require a contractor’s license while other states require only a business license. Also check if a permit is required. This would be a city or county requirement.
All deck contractors should carry two types of insurance: general liability insurance to cover any damages to your property and worker’s compensation insurance to cover injuries to employees.
Deck contractors may also hold certifications from home construction associations. They may also have certifications from manufacturers of deck materials.
What do decks cost? Find Deck Contractor Quotes Near Me
A new 10-foot by 12-foot deck will cost about $1500. A more complex deck, with multiple levels, built-in components, or significant foundation work can cost at least $5000. A 350 square foot deck can cost about $8000. And expect to pay $20,000 for a deck of more than 500 square feet. TGUC FInancial can help with home improvement loans.
What do decks cost to fix?
Repairs can be as little as $300 or as much as $3500.
- Decay – repairing wooden deck components that have decayed can cost anywhere from $500 up to $3500. The cost is dependent on how many components need to be replaced.
- Deck Board Replacement – these can become damaged or warped over time and will need to be replaced.
- Fasteners – over time the screws and nails that hold your deck together may corrode or come loose. If these aren’t replaced, the components that make up the deck will become loose and possibly come apart. Fasteners can be replaced for less than $1 each. If you are capable of doing this yourself, you can save the labor cost to have someone replace them.
- Post Replacement – this is the most complicated part of deck repair. The posts support the deck and need to be done correctly in order to make sure the deck is structurally sound. This repair is best left to a pro.
- Railings – these can come loose over time. Since their primary purpose is safety, it is important to keep them in good condition. Railing repair can cost between $500 to $4000 depending on how much of the railing needs to be repaired.
- Stairs – since part of the stairs will be low to the ground, grass and other plants may grow up under the steps and wreak havoc with your stairway. Erosion under the supporting posts might also be a problem. Repairs to stairs can cost between $100 to $300.
What do decks cost to maintain?
A lot of deck maintenance can be done by the homeowner. If not, hire a pro. Neglecting the deck maintenance will cost you a lot more in repairs later.
- Cleaning – deck cleaning should cost between $100 and $300.
- Start out by clearing everything off the deck including debris as well as potted plants, furniture, and toys.
- Clean debris stuck between deck boards with a putty knife.
- Use water and a biodegradable cleaner for your deck. Using a harsh chemical cleaner will cause the surrounding plants in the landscape to die.
- Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the deck. An extension handle will make this task easier.
- Use the garden hose to rinse the deck off.
- You can use a pressure washer on a wood deck but be careful not to have the pressure too high as it can damage the wood. Don’t use a pressure washer on a composite deck.
- Sealing and sealing – decks need to be sealed on a regular basis. A good sealant will cost $500 to $1500. Stain will add color to your deck and cost between $750 and $2500. This may be a good job to hire out since the deck has to be prepared and sanded before the sealant can be applied.
- Stain the railings first, then the deck floor. Start higher up and work your way down to prevent running stains.
- Use a natural bristle brush for oil-based stain and a synthetic bristle brush for water-based stain.
- For the deck boards, you can apply the stain with a roller on an extension pole and back brush it with a stain brush or apply it with a flat pad applicator.
- After the stain has had a chance to soak into the wood, remove any excess with a rag.
- Don’t apply the stain in direct sunlight because it will dry too fast and not soak into the wood.
- Apply a second coat if it is porous wood.
- Allow the deck to dry for 24 hours.
- Remove any painter’s tape and replace the furniture.
- Waterproofing – this is to protect your deck from standing water and will cost between $500 and $1000.
Types of Deck Materials and Find Deck Contractor Quotes Near Me
- Composite – made of wood fiber and recycled polyethylene, these decks usually last longer than wood decks. The maintenance is low but they do need to be cleaned with a deck wash every 3-4 years to inhibit mold growth. Scratches and stains can be a problem for composite decks.
- Plastic Lumber – an eco-friendly option, it is made from recycled plastic. Like composite decking, it is also low maintenance. It resists rotting and warping since it has no wood.
- Vinyl – made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, this deck material also contains no wood so it will not rot. Termites show no interest in it, either. It doesn’t need sealing.
- Wood – the traditional decking material. Wood decking does need regular maintenance but can last a long time. Certain woods are used for decking because of their water resistance.
- Cedar – naturally resistant to bugs, cedar decking does need regular maintenance and waterproofing. You want the wood marked “heartwood”, not “sapwood” which is more prone to decay.
- Pressure-Treated Wood – one of the least expensive decking materials, pressure-treated wood can be the highest maintenance as it needs regular restaining, cleaning, and resealing. Resealing needs to be done every other year.
- Redwood – the most expensive decking material and also hard to get. Redwood is mostly only available on the west coast. Like cedar, it is naturally resistant to rot. Also like cedar, you want to use the heartwood, not the sapwood.
- Ipe – a tropical hardwood from South America. It is a beautiful wood that is naturally resistant to bugs and rot. It is harder than cedar and installation is challenging. Make sure it is sustainably sourced and you aren’t helping destroy a rainforest to build a deck.
Questions to Ask Deck Contractors Before Hiring and Find Deck Contractor Quotes Near Me
1. Are you licensed for this type of work?
Ask your contractor for a copy of their license and contact its issuing authority to confirm whether it is in good standing or not.
2. Which types of insurance do you carry?
There are a few specific answers you would prefer to hear in response to this question. First, the contractor must have general liability insurance that will come in handy in case of an accident during the project or construction. An example scenario would be where they accidentally hit a water line which flooded your house. You want to know that they’ll be the one to take responsibility for the costs of the damage. Second, the contractor should also carry workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you from liability if someone got hurt while working on your property.
3. How many permits have you obtained in my area over the last two years?
Make sure your general contractor is familiar with your local building code requirements and the permitting process in your community. It’s important to find a contractor who is credible and has recently worked within your area.
Confirm that your contractor is familiar with the permitting process in your community and local building code requirements. It’s best to find a contractor that has worked before in your area.
Basically you wouldn’t want to hire a contractor who is new and unfamiliar with the regulations of your town.
4. Can you provide a list of references?
Talk to former clients who have hired the general contractor you’re considering. Ask them about the process, as well as the final product. Discuss budgeting, timeliness, and professionalism.
Contact some former clients who have hired the general contractor you’re considering. Ask them about the process, budgeting, timeliness, professionalism, and of course, the final product.
Finally, ask them “would you hire this contractor again?”.
5. What is an expected timeline for this project?
It is essential for you to know when the contractor will begin and end the project, especially if you have an ideal deadline. Ask about any circumstances that may push back your deadline. Ask how many projects they’re currently handling. Also, make sure the timeline is realistic.
6. Will you hire sub-contractors for the job?
General contractors often need to subcontract work out. Check references for every person they will hire, know their names and what type of work they do. Verify their credentials and make sure that they also have the necessary insurance requirements. Also establish how communications will work with you. Will everything go through the general contractor or will they be coming to you?
7. What kind of written warranty do you have?
All credible contractors will guarantee their work and will have a written warranty agreement. This should clearly disclose what is covered in the build, what is not, and for how long. A one-year warranty is good, but two years would be better. A separate warranty will come from the manufacturer of the deck materials.
8. What’s your typical payment schedule?
Don’t pay the entire price upfront, even if they offer a discount for doing so. Discuss the budget and payment terms before the work begins. It should include payment amounts, due dates, and key deliverables.
9. Will you obtain all of the required building permits?
Permits and inspection requirements vary depending on the location. This may include a county, city, or even HOA approvals. A reputable general contractor should know the required permits which they should handle directly for your project.
10. Will you provide a written lien waiver at the end of the project?
A lien waiver is a legal document that confirms you have paid the general contractor and all sub-contractors for all the work that was done in the project. It waives the signer’s right to file a lien on your property. Basically, it is the construction industry’s version of a receipt.
11. What is the total cost?
Make sure you have three bids for this one. That way you can see if one of your contractors is overbidding or underbidding. You don’t want unpleasant surprises like the use of inferior materials or shortcuts taken. You also don’t want to overpay.
12. What should be in the contract? Find Deck Contractor Quotes Near Me
- Final Cost – this should include a breakdown of materials and labor costs. Also ask them to itemize any part of the project that is optional (you might want to eliminate it during your review of the bids). Breaking the whole project down into separate costs helps when comparing the bids.
- Permits – the cost of permits should be included in your contract.
- Sketches – don’t depend on the vision in your mind being the same as the vision in your contractor’s mind. Get it all drawn out including built-in components, designs of components, and deck orientation.
- Timeline – the contract should include estimating starting time and estimated duration. This should also include time the deck cannot be used, such as when stain is drying. You don’t want to schedule that backyard wedding and have the deck not finished!
How to Choose Your Contractors and Find Deck Contractor Quoters Near Me
- If you are planning on being your own general contractor, it is really important to choose each contractor carefully.
- Get referrals. Contractors who have already worked in your area will not only know the local code but will have an established reputation.
- Check for manufacturer certifications. Some material companies will certify contractors who have been properly trained to use their materials.
- Check them out ahead of time. They must be insured and licensed and able to produce the paperwork proving it. Also check out their Better Business Bureau rating. Also look at the ratings on Yelp and Google. Read the one and two star reviews (some of them are not really legitimate complaints – look for the ones with real issues) and look at the overall rating.
- Don’t just pick the lowest bid. You won’t be planning to redo this remodel while you own the home. Your guarantee will only extend to materials that have been properly installed so you want quality workmanship. Find out what kind of warranty is on your materials. There should be a workmanship warranty as well as material warranties from the manufacturers.
- Good communication is necessary. Choose a contractor that will return calls and talk with you about issues before and during the process.
- Get it in writing. Your written bid should have a clear scope of work and a tight price range. Read the small print and ask about the process for out of scope costs and price overruns.
- Don’t put up with a high pressure sales pitch. Professional contractors should give you the opportunity to look at their bid, compare it with others, and do your own research. Be wary of anyone who offers a “today only” special or requires that your spouse be present for the sales pitch (they don’t want you to be able to say, “I have to discuss this with…”).