3 Things to Know Before You Hire Raleigh Deck Builders
When you envision your new deck, do you see a large, luxurious outdoor living space perfect for entertaining? Do you want a simple, easy-to-maintain wood deck suited for a few chairs and a grill? Are you seeing yourself enjoying a hot tub deck with a chilled drink? We can help you turn these visions (and more!) into reality. When you hire our Raleigh deck builders, we create the perfect outdoor living space for your family.
That said, before you hire any deck builders, including the Structurally Speaking team, you should take a moment to educate yourself a bit about three things:
- The questions you should ask any deck contractor
- Decking material options
- Your budget and financing options
Knowing about these three topics can give you the best deck building experience possible!
Questions You Should Ask All Raleigh Deck Builders
First and foremost, you should never hire any contractor without asking a few questions. The world is full of ethical, knowledgeable contractors who work hard for their clients, just like we do. Unfortunately, the world is also full of cheap, unskilled “contractors” just trying to make a quick buck, even if it means cutting corners. These questions will help you feel comfortable weeding out Raleigh deck builders who don’t have your best interests at heart.
Do you provide multiple design options?
We believe that the best decks aren’t cookie-cutter options. When you work with us, we listen to your concerns and provide multiple designs based on what would best fit your home and goals.
What is the project timeline?
Don’t work with a team if there is not a project time line. Yes, rain or material delays can happen, but you don’t want to give a deposit or full payment to someone who still hasn’t started your deck 6 months later.
Is your price quote the final price I’ll pay?
Beware of deck builders who won’t give you a definite price before the building starts. Many people feel awkward talking about money, but this is one case when you absolutely need to make sure you are on the same page. You don’t want to get a bill at the end that is ten times higher than the price quote.
Who will be doing the actual deck building?
Some builders subcontract the building work to a third party after designing your outdoor living space. However, we think this is a recipe for disaster. There is no guarantee that an outside team will be able to bring the vision to reality. Plus, they might not have the proper licenses or insurance. Work with a team like Structurally Speaking who has an in-house construction team. Our owner, Jim, oversees every project to ensure our homeowners love the final product.
Decking Material Options
Did you know that there are dozens of deck material options? The most commonly used materials for decks are wood or composite. However, you have many wood options and they can vary greatly when it comes to price, durability, and long-term maintenance. This article is a great place to start when it comes to learning about your deck material options. Here’s a quick run-down from our perspective:
- Pressure-treated pine: If you want a wood deck, this is a popular option. Pine is durable and inexpensive. However, it does need to be stained or painted and sealed regularly.
- Exotic hardwoods and cedar: Other woods are more expensive, but can give you a unique look. These woods are also typically resistant to rot and insects. The downside is that they do require the most work in terms of maintenance.
- Composite/Plastic options: Composite is a material that combines recycled plastic with wood by-product to create a very durable option. Composite decking requires very little maintenance while still giving you the look of wood. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a similar option that uses plastic only (no wood). It is best for homeowners who don’t want a lot of annual maintenance and don’t mind the aesthetic of plastic instead of wood.
Regardless of the material you choose, make sure you are prepared to maintain your deck. Each material has its own maintenance needs. By providing proper maintenance, you can ensure your deck looks great for years to come. Read our top maintenance tips here!
Your Budget and Financing Options
Last but not least, we recommend crunching your numbers so you know exactly how much you can spend on a new deck. Decks have tons of benefits, including adding value to your home. That said, we never recommend homeowners overextend themselves to build a deck.
Keep in mind that there may be financing options available to you. This includes a home equity loan or line of credit, as well as traditional bank financing. Again, we don’t recommend overextending yourself to build a deck. So, know your numbers before you start! During our initial consultation, we’ll ask about your budget. Knowing this information upfront can ensure we design a deck at a good price point for you.
FAQs about the Deck-Building Process
When you hire deck builders, it is important that you feel comfortable asking any questions, not just those listed previously. Here are some of the most important questions we get about the process:
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Probably not, but maybe! It depends on where you live. We serve not only Raleigh, but also Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Apex, Hillsborough, Carrboro, Holly Springs, Garner and other surrounding areas. If you need a permit, we’ll let you know.
Is a deck the best option for my yard?
Again, it depends. We also build screened porches, three-season porches, sunrooms, and other outdoor living spaces. We can take a look at your home and your goals to help you determine the best option for your family.
Do you have other questions about the deck building process? Contact us today! Or, fill out the form above to get started with a free consultation.