Are you dreaming of a brand-new deck for your home, but feeling overwhelmed by the process of finding the perfect deck builder? It can be stressful trying to find someone who truly understands the vision you have for your new deck, let alone someone who can do the work and bring your deck dreams to life. As experienced builders ourselves, we at KP Contracting believe that it shouldn’t be so hard to find a good deck contractor.
With decades of experience in the construction space, we’ve heard all the horror stories of people hiring the wrong contractor and ending up with a subpar deck. You deserve the best, so we want to share our expertise with you.
This is why in this article, we’ll share with you the top 6 red flags you should never ignore when choosing a deck builder.
Informed customers make the happiest customers, so let’s dig right into discussing these top 6 red flags and get you on the path to enjoying that beautiful new deck of your dreams in no time!
Top Six Red Flags
- Red Flag #1: The Deck Builder is Not Properly Licensed
- Red Flag #2: The Deck Builder is Working Without Permits
- Red Flag #3: The Deck Builder Has An Inadequate Contract or No Contract At All
- Red Flag #4: The Deck Builder Has Given You Too Low Of a Price
- Red Flag #5: The Deck Builder Has Insufficient or No Insurance At All
- Red Flag #6: The Deck Builder Has Few or No Reviews At All
Let’s run through them now, one by one.
Red Flag #1: The Deck Builder is Not Properly Licensed
When Choosing a deck builder, the first thing you need to keep in mind is their professional credentials. Do they have a license? If the answer is no, then this is your first and biggest red flag!
You don’t want to hire just anyone to work on your precious home, so it’s crucial first to confirm that the contractor you will be working with is properly licensed.
If it’s not prominently displayed on their vehicle or documents, ask for their license number and look it up with your state agency. In Maryland, it is the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). If a truck is lettered, the law requires that the license number be displayed on the truck.
In Maryland, the law requires a license number to be listed on all home improvement contracts. Even if they display a number or tell you they have a license number, it could be suspended or inactive (or worse, it could even belong to someone other than them – this happens and it’s illegal!). Take the time to to verify that your contractor has a valid state license. Failure to do so could result in serious and costly consequences for the homeowner. For example, if an unlicensed contractor in Maryland builds your deck and it’s not structurally sound, you might have to pay a lot of money to tear it down and rebuild it properly. But if a licensed contractor builds your deck and something goes wrong, you’ll have the support of the MHIC to help you with any damages. So be sure to check that your contractor is licensed to avoid any legal or financial issues.
Red Flag #2: The Deck Builder is Working Without Permits
The second red flag you should look out for when choosing a deck builder is all about paperwork, and it’s something you definitely don’t want to ignore.
A licensed contractor will always apply for and obtain a permit from the county before starting a project. If a contractor can’t or won’t do this themselves, that is a serious red flag. It could mean that they’re not in good standing with the county or state licensing agency, or worse yet, they’re not licensed at all. A license ensures that a second and qualified set of eyes is watching out to make sure that things are done in a safe and code-compliant manner.
It’s important to work with a contractor who takes responsibility for ensuring that your project is done fully to code and goes through the necessary county inspections to prove it.
Red Flag #3: The Deck Builder Has An Inadequate Contract or No Contract At All
Before you give the green light to any project, make sure that you have everything in writing. Hiring a contractor who presents you with an inadequate contract or worse, does not present you with a written contract at all, can be problematic for both parties involved.
A contract is an agreement between two parties that outlines the terms and conditions of their relationship. It should include an itemized budget, the estimated start and completion dates, and the full scope of work being done, including materials to be used.
The contractor is responsible for all materials. If a contractor insists on you buying the materials, that is a major red flag because it could mean that they don’t have the capital for the project in the first place. And if that is true, you could find yourself bearing the cost and suffering the consequences of that contractor’s business insufficiencies throughout the rest of the project.
That said, most contractors are going to charge you a deposit or down payment upfront. This is legal and expected. The deposit should be sufficient for the contractor to make the necessary initial expenditures such as paying for the permit or buying some portion of the materials needed. Make sure the deposit requested meets with local allowable limits (for example, in Maryland, a contractor cannot accept more than one-third of the total contract price as a deposit, and may not accept any payment until the contract is signed).
Getting everything in writing ensures there are no misunderstandings, miscommunications, or resulting disappointments and conflicts. Make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line. At KP Contracting, we commit to spending whatever time is necessary to ensure that you fully understand and are comfortable with all aspects of your contract and have the confidence that you’re in good hands with us.
Red Flag #4: The Deck Builder Has Given You Too Low Of a Price
The fourth red flag we’re discussing concerns finding the right balance between affordability and reliability
While it may be tempting to choose a contractor due to their lower rates, it’s important to keep in mind the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Cheaper rates do not necessarily equate to higher quality.
In fact, it is often the less experienced contractors who are willing to work for a lower price but who, in the end, may cost you more because they have to add on extra fees to get you what you really wanted or expected from your contract.
A more experienced and reliable contractor may charge higher fees, but they’re more likely to bring greater value in the form of higher-quality work and problem-solving capabilities if needed. They are also going to have the resources to keep your project moving along efficiently, without huge gaps of no activity that leave you wondering if anyone will ever be coming back to work (yes, one of the common horror story themes we mentioned above).
In order to make sure that you’re getting the best price for your new deck, be sure to look for a contractor with experienced who is also transparent about their pricing. Trust us, it’ll pay off in the long run.
Red Flag #5: The Deck Builder Has Insufficient or No Insurance At All
When you’re hiring a contractor, It’s important to verify that your contractor is insured and that they’ve got sufficient insurance coverage. If they don’t, it can spell trouble for both the homeowner and the contractor.
In Maryland, a contractor license actually requires that they be insured, and confirming this will give you peace of mind knowing that they are operating within the law and are protected in case of any accidents or mishaps.
However, the law only requires a mere $50,000 liability policy. Reputable companies carry a minimum of $500,000 and often much more so be sure to ask your deck builder how much insurance they’re carrying to make sure that they’re covered in case of an accident.
Red Flag #6: The Deck Builder Has Few or No Reviews At All
The final red flag to watch out for when hiring a contractor is REVIEWS.
Reviews are a great way to get an idea of what you can expect from a contractor. Whether positive or negative, they’re a valuable source of information.
If a contractor has no digital footprint, i.e., an online presence with social media, you should be asking yourself: “Why are they so invisible?” “What could they be hiding from “potential clients?” “Why do they have no reviews?” This lack of online presence or reviews should be cause for alarm if discover it.
If you come across a contractor with an online presence but it is full of negative reviews, it’s definitely a red flag. While it’s important to take individual negative reviews with a grain of salt, a pattern of negative feedback is a clear sign that you should avoid that contractor.
After all, you don’t want to end up with a deck builder who consistently underdelivers or has a history of dissatisfied customers.
So, when you’re doing your research on potential contractors, be sure to check out their reviews and online presence (websites, social media accounts, etc.)
Look for a contractor with a history of happy customers and positive feedback. It’s a great way to ensure you’re hiring a contractor you can trust.
How Do You Avoid These Red Flags?
We’ve covered a lot here, but don’t worry! By being mindful of these six red flags and doing a little bit of homework, you can feel confident in your selection of the perfect contractor for your deck-building project!
If you’re interested in learning more about how to choose the best contractor for your deck project, check out our article on “How to Hire a Contractor: 6 Tips For Finding the Best One For Your Project?”
Ready to hire a deck builder? Got more questions about how to choose the best deck builder for your specific needs? Let’s connect! We’d love to answer all your questions and guide you through your deck-building journey.
