Hanover: How to Choose a Deck Contractor.

Azek Deck, Hull Ma

Azek Deck, Hull Ma

Recovering an existing deck or building a new deck can either be a smooth process or be wrought with problems. If you know the right questions to ask your choice can be simple and make for a pleasant experience.

A well designed and built deck can be a great addition to your home and really increase the functional space you have. One of the biggest challenges that we see when talking to homeowners about a deck remodel is that they don’t know the important parts that make a deck safe, so they think that everyone is building them the same. There are many hidden factors in deck construction that can make or break the safety of your deck, and most are located in the framing where you cannot see them.

So here are some questions our team at Almar Building & Remodeling suggest you ask when comparing professional deck installers.

 

  1. Are they a professional remodeling contractor? What is their background? Do they have any affiliation and or training from the major decking manufacturers? Do tAzek Deck, Walpolehey have a personal relationship with the local manufacturers representative?
    1. These are important questions to ask because if for some reason there is a problem or a question arises, a professional with a relationship to the manufacture can get you answers and second opinions quickly and efficiently.

 

  1. Do they have the required state licenses (and did they give you a copy of them upfront)?
    In Massachusetts contractors must have the following licenses:

    1. MA Construction Supervisors License
    2. Home Improvement Contractors Licenses
    3. General Liability and Workers Compensations Insurance.

 

  1. Will they provide a detailed written estimate?
    1. A written estimate should outline the scope of work as you discussed it. It should outline the types of materials being used, the framing hardware, size of the deck etc…It should also list other project details that are not necessarily labor or materials that go into a project such as dumpster, warranty, permitting, cleaning etc… or what is not included like lattice.

 

  1. How will the deck be built? What are the State and Local Building codesAlmar Team Framing that we must comply with?
    1. You should get an idea of the basics that go into building your deck so that you can compare the scope of work each contractor is suggesting.
    2. You should ask questions like: how deep should the footings be? What type of hardware will be need under the deck (joist hangers, ledger lock bolts, footing anchors)

 

  1. How will permitting be handled?
    1. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts any project over $1,000 in cost requires a Building Permit from the town. Most towns will require the contractor to fill out a permit application, submit a deck framing plan, and a copy of the contract.

 

  1. Do I feel comfortable with this company, will they still be in business and stand by my project if I need them in the future?
    1. At the end of the day you have to make sure that you feel confident in the professional company you choose. A deck may seem like a simple project on the surface but if not done correctly could put yourself or your loved one in danger if it fails. According to an article on the North American Deck and Railing Association website[1]: “Although no one keeps statistics, “I’d say as many as 10 percent of the decks I’ve seen have serious design or construction flaws that could lead to catastrophe,” says Bob Fennema, a structural engineering consultant and member of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Using a database to search five years of newspaper articles from around the country, he found that nearly every collapsed deck had been attached with nails, rather than bolts, and that investigators had pinpointed the nails as the cause of collapse.”

 

Almar Team

Almar Team

For more details and information about Massachusetts Deck Building codes, creating a perfect and safe outdoor living space, give Almar Building & Remodeling a call. Make sure your number one priority is to choose a building professional who can create a safe and secure deck for your family. Please visit our website or call us at 781-826-2577.

Our family has been working with families like yours for 57 years. And it is important to use that everyone works together to create the best possible remodeling experience. We never want to see someone regret the choice they made because they didn’t have all of their options. If you have questions about your home improvement project or would like more information on decking Contact Almar: https://www.almarbuilding.com (781-826-2577) and watch our videos: http://www.youtube.com/almarbuilding
*****************************************************************************
Almar Building & Remodeling Co (Hanover Ma). As a third generation family owned and operated company for over 57 years Almar Building has all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company. From Additions, Kitchens, Bathroom, Basement Renovations, Siding, Windows, to Doors Almar services the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns. “How to Choose a Deck Contractor

[1] http://www.nadra.org/consumers/deck_safety_month.html

Craig Guido

With 20 years of remodeling experience both in the field and working in collaboration with homeowners to develop remodeling projects designed to fit your lifestyle.