Steps to Building a Deck

http://www.TexDecks.com 210-849-1005
Steps To Building A Deck
Provided by: TexDecks
http://www.TexDecks.com

Step 1: Select What Type of Work You Need
What kind of project are you considering?
Repair a porch or deck
Clean and seal a porch or deck
Build or replace a porch or deck
Approximately what size deck do want?
Small: Less than 200 sq. ft.
Medium: 300-400 sq. ft.
Large: More than 500 sq. ft.
What materials would you like to use?
Redwood
Cedar
Pressure treated pine
Composite or synthetic wood
Vinyl
Would like recommendation
What functions will the deck serve? (check all that apply)
Entertaining guests
Dining outside
Front or rear entry to home
Children’s activities
Storage
Deck adjacent to existing swimming pool
Outdoor extension of room of your home
What features are you planning? (check all that apply)
Hot tub or spa
Multi-level deck
Awning
Screen enclosures
Built-in barbeque
Planters and landscaping
Drip irrigation system
Outdoor lighting and electricity
Decorative/custom railings or columns
Other
Which best describes the terrain?
Flat
Gentle slope
Steep slope
How high above the ground will the deck be built?
3 feet or less
3-7 feet
7-18 feet
18 feet or more
At what stage are you in the project?
Have basic idea or sketches
Have professional drawings and plans
Have current permit for the project
None of the above
When would you like to begin construction?
Within the month
Within 3 months
Longer than 3 months from now

Step 2: Know What is Important To You
Before You Hire Someone
Finding a contractor you work well with is much easier if you decide what is important to you.
Here are some factors to consider:
Scope
For many porch and deck jobs, a contractor can handle both design and installation. However, if
you have an extensive job, you may want to hire an architect to create the plans and a contractor
to execute them. If you hire an architect, consider using a contractor that your architect
recommends and has worked with in the past.
Qualifications
Make sure you get someone to do a quality job. The best contractor is somebody who can
complete the job as you have specified it, for the agreed price at the agreed time.
How long in business
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You want someone that has been working in the deck/porch business for at least 5 years. Ask
how many times they have performed the type of work you are looking for.
References
Talk directly to at least 3 recent (last 2 years) customers. Make sure the customers had similar
work done and ask to view one or two of the projects.
Better Business Bureau
Make sure there is not a history of complaints or unresolved complaints for your contractor.
Having one or two resolved complaints may be acceptable.
Price
You should have a clear budget for your project and make sure that the contractor can work
within your budget. If a prospective contractor implies that you are not spending enough money
on the project or that this will be a small project compared to his other projects, it may be an
indicator that he will not take your job seriously. On the other hand, if most or all of the
contractors you interview indicate that your budget is too low for the project, this is important
feedback.
Payment Terms
It is best to hold back 20-50% of the total payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction
and you should make sure the contractor will work with those terms.
Timing
Make sure they can complete the work by the time you need it done. If timing is important,
build a financial performance incentive for finishing early and a penalty for finishing late.
Style
Make sure they build in the style that you want and like. Ask each contractor how he
communicates with his clients to insure they approve of the design. At what point will you get to
review and sign off on plans? To what degree will he involve you in the selection of materials,
finishes, and features like lights?
Safety
The contractor and his staff are going to be around you and your family while operating
dangerous equipment so make sure you feel comfortable with them. Ask each contractor you
interview if he has safety procedures he uses during the construction process. You may want to ask specifically about safety procedures to protect your family, and procedures to protect his workers.
Cleanliness Contractors vary in their level of cleanliness and organization. It will take several days to several weeks to complete your project, you want a contractor who leaves the work area somewhat clean and organized at the end of each day. If cleanliness is important to you pick a contractor that takes it seriously.
Communications

Try their cell phone number several times at different times of the day and see if/how fast they
call you back. Hire someone that takes communications seriously if it is important to you.

Step 3: Find a Good Contractor
Online Networks
There are several good networks of service contractors. For decks and porches we recommend
doing a simple Google, Yahoo or MSN search.
Yellow Pages
The yellow pages is still a good place to go to find a contractor. Look up decks in the yellow
pages and you will find a number of local contractors listed.
Friend's Recommendations
This is often an excellent source for finding a contractor because your friends often have the
same standards for quality of work that you do. The contractor will be incentivized to do a good
job because he has you and your friends' future business and recommendation at stake.
Brand Service Network
Once you select major products (composite decking, deck lighting) for your landscape project,
you can call the brand manufacturer to recommend a local contractor who is in their dealer
network. Service providers are often certified to be in the brand network so the quality of these
contractors is usually pretty high.

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Step 4: Get Good Estimates From Several
Contractors
Always get multiple good estimates from several qualified contractors before you start any
project. This is the best way to know that you are getting a fair price for the work you need.
Make sure it is a binding estimate and that your contractor is not going to charge you more as the
project progresses. Keep in mind that the more certain you are about what work you want done,
the more accurate the price quote you will receive.
Receive free, no obligation quotes for your deck project from qualified local contractors.
Step 5: Get it in Writing
For a job of almost any size over a few hundred dollars, it is usually important to have a written
contract. Here are some factors to consider as you get ready to hire your contractor:
Contract terms
Most states have standard contract language that your contractor will be using for a simple
contract between you and them. Read the contract carefully to make sure everything looks in
order. If you have any questions, ask the contractor for clarification or your lawyer for guidance.
Permits
Make sure your contractor knows which permits they will need for the work you need done and
then make sure they get any and all permits for your work. Do not under any circumstances let
them talk you into skipping the permit step. There will be significant liability for you if you do
this, especially when you decide to sell your house.
Step 6: Manage the Project
This is the most important step of all. You must manage contractors as if they work for you
because they do. The good news is that if you have followed the previous five steps, the chances
are you have selected a competent and agreeable contractor, and that you and he have already
communicated extensively about your expectations. If you don’t like the way something is done,
let them know and discuss how it can be fixed or redone. If they understand that you are
managing the project carefully and that you care about quality they will be far less likely to cut
corners.

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