Adding a deck to your beach house can make enjoying those ocean views even better. Composite decking materials are great for beach homes because they hold up to sun, rain, and salty sea air without fading or rotting. But you need the right deck builder to make your vision a reality. With so many builders to choose from, how do you find the perfect composite deck builder like Stilusdesignandconstruction? Use these tips to make the ideal choice.
Start Your Search Online
The internet makes finding local deck builders easy. Search for terms like “composite deck builder near me” or “beach house deck contractor.” Look at the websites and online reviews for a few companies. This will give you a starting idea of options in your area. Pay attention to reviews from past clients. Look for builders who have a lot of experience with composite decks. Make a list of 3-5 deck builders who seem promising.
Interview Deck Builders
Once you have a shortlist, call each deck company to ask questions. Here are some good things to ask:
- How long have you built composite decks?
- Can I see photos of past composite deck projects you’ve done, especially for beach homes?
- Will you handle securing all the needed permits for my project?
- Who will be the main contact person during the project?
- How long will it take to complete the deck?
A more experienced composite deck builder will have solid answers for these. They should be able to show you lots of photos of their past work too. And they’ll be familiar with getting permits for your area.
Compare Bids
After interviews, you should have a good sense of 2-3 top companies. Now it’s time to get estimates. Show each deck builder your beach house and ideas. Have them provide a detailed bid for the project including costs for materials, labor, fees, etc. Also ask how much time they’ll need to complete the deck. Compare all the bids side-by-side. Make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples.” The lowest bid sometimes isn’t the best value.
Check References
References from past clients are very valuable. Ask each deck builder for 5 references from recent projects. Then call the references and ask:
- Was the company easy to work with?
- Did they show up on time and clean up the job site after?
- Was the final deck what you expected?
- Would you hire the company again?
Hearing positive experiences from other customers gives you confidence in the builder. But make sure to ask the references thoughtful questions too.
Make Sure They Have Proper Licensing
Don’t forget to verify each deck builder has up-to-date, valid licensing for your state and locality. Decks require permits, and only licensed contractors can get permits. Check they have general contracting licenses, liability insurance, and workers compensation too. Review licensing on your state contractor’s board website or ask builders to email you a copy of their license.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
After doing your homework – interviews, bids, references, etc. – go with your gut. Which composite deck builder seemed:
- Most knowledgeable about composite decking?
- Most interested in bringing your vision to life?
- Most professional and reliable based on past client experiences?
- Who do you simply feel most confident in? That’s likely the right choice for you.
Conclusion
Building a beach house deck is an exciting project! Composite decks are beautiful and low maintenance – perfect for homes by the water. Taking the time to carefully select your composite deck builder ensures your satisfaction. Do online research, get multiple bids, and check references thoroughly. Follow these tips to find the ideal deck pro for your beach oasis.