Finding the perfect commercial decking contractor for your upcoming decking project is equally as important as what is driving you to build a deck in the first place. Quality is key in decking, and you want to find a contractor who will meet and exceed your expectations. Unfortunately, the market is filled with subpar contractors looking to make a quick buck without delivering on their promises. This puts you, the customer, at a disadvantage. By better understanding what to look for in a contractor, you can avoid being taken advantage of and ensure your deck is built to last.
What should you be looking for in a commercial decking contractor?
Here are the top considerations you should make when hiring a commercial decking contractor in Louisville, KY:
- Licensed in the State of Kentucky: This is critical. The purpose of obtaining a license is to protect the consumer by ensuring the contractor meets a minimum set of standards to produce quality work. If your contractor is not licensed, you cannot guarantee they are qualified to do the job.
- Reputation: Take some time to research the contractor’s standing in the industry. Ask around for referrals or look for online reviews. A reputable contractor will have a long list of satisfied customers happy to recommend their services.
- Experience: While every contractor needs their first job to start the business, you don’t always want to be that first job. You want a contractor who has significant experience working on commercial decking projects. The more experience they have, the more likely it is that they will deliver a high-quality product. Ask to hear about their experience and see photos or even videos of their previous work.
- Communication: One of the most underrated aspects of finding a good contractor is communication. A quality contractor will be able to clearly explain their process, answer any questions you have, and keep you updated throughout the project. They should also be available to address any concerns you may have along the way. If a contractor is difficult to communicate with, it could signal that you will face challenges working with them down the road, such as delays you were unaware of until the last minute or subpar work.
- Able to Answer All Your Questions Satisfactorily: A quality contractor will have no problem answering any questions you have about the project. If they seem evasive or give you vague answers, it’s a red flag that they may not be as knowledgeable as you’d like them to be. It could also indicate that they’re trying to hide something. Either way, you want a contractor who is confident in their abilities and can answer all your questions. That way, you enter the project feeling informed and comfortable.
- Price: It’s essential to get a few quotes from different contractors before making your final decision. However, the lowest price isn’t always the best option. It could be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners to save money or make up for the fact that they don’t check many items off on this list of considerations. A quality contractor will charge a fair price for their services. They should be able to justify their pricing with experience, a solid reputation, and high-quality materials.
- Business Insurance: This is another critical consideration. Make sure the contractor you’re considering has business insurance. This will protect you if something goes wrong during the project, such as damage to your property or injuries to workers. If the contractor does not have business insurance, you could be on the hook for any damages or injuries that occur, even if they were not your fault.
Questions to ask prospective decking contractors
When you’re ready to start interviewing prospective commercial decking contractors in Louisville, there are a few key questions you’ll want to make sure to ask. Here are a few examples:
- How long have you been in business?
- How many commercial decking projects have you completed?
- Do you have any references we can contact?
- What type of warranty do you offer on your work?
- What is the estimated timeline for completing our project?
- How much will this project cost?
Asking these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the right contractor for the job. Be sure to get everything in writing before work begins, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble finding a great commercial decking contractor in Louisville, KY you can trust to get the job done right.
