Decking Company Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Decking Company Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Embarking on a new deck project is an exciting endeavor and using a Decking Company Checklist, you can trust that you can redefine your outdoor living space and enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal. How, you ask? The success of building an amazing deck hinges significantly on one crucial decision: choosing the right decking company.

At Olympic Decks, we understand that building a new deck is not just adding an extension of your home, but a blank canvas for creating lasting memories. That’s why we believe in the power of informed decisions. By equipping yourself with the right questions, you embark on a journey to find a decking partner that aligns with your vision, understands your needs, and embodies the skill and reliability to bring your dream deck to fruition.

Our Seattle deck contractors have created a Decking Company Checklist, with questions to ask a deck company before hiring them. This deck company checklist is crafted from our years of experience and dedication to excellence in the decking industry. We’re here to share our insights that will help you navigate the selection process, ensuring that you partner with a company that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

So, let’s dive into the essential questions that will pave the way to a successful and satisfying deck project, ensuring that every step of your journey is as seamless and rewarding as the final outcome.

1. Company Background and Experience

The first factor to consider on our Decking Company Checklist is the most important one: Company background and experience. Here are two questions to ask any Seattle Decking Company before hiring them:

Question 1: How long have you been in the decking business?

Question 2: Can you provide examples of previous projects and references?

The longevity and track record of a decking company in Seattle are fundamental indicators of its expertise and reliability. Long-standing companies usually have a wealth of experience, having navigated various challenges and honed their skills over time.

Asking for examples of past projects and references allows you to gauge the quality of their work and customer satisfaction. It provides a tangible insight into their craftsmanship and how they translate client visions into reality.

Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, and there will be decking companies just starting out they may even offer cheaper prices to entice new customers. But just like all things in life, you get what you pay for. But buyers beware, if a deck company does not have a website, and is advertising their services on Facebook Marketplace or Craig’s List, you may want to run the other way.

The best way to know if a small start up business is trustworthy would be through word-of-mouth. Always ask for references if there are no online reviews available. Ask to see pictures of previous work. Your safest bet is to find a reputable decking company with a website, online reviews, and a showcase of past work.

By following these tips from our Decking Company Checklist, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with an untrustworthy decking company and find the right match for your upcoming deck project.

2. Licensing, Insurance, and Warranty

The next item on our Decking Company Checklist is to find out if the Seattle deck company is licensed and insured, and what kind of warranty they offer on their work. Here are the 2 questions to ask a decking company before hiring them:

Question 3: Are you licensed and insured?

Question 4: What warranties do you offer on your work?

Ensuring the company is licensed and insured is non-negotiable. This protects you from liability in the event of accidents or damage during the project. Additionally, a warranty on their work reflects their confidence in the quality of their craftsmanship. It offers you peace of mind, knowing that any potential issues post-completion will be addressed.

Small, start-up decking companies may not be able to offer you the kinds of warranties on their work as larger, more established companies can. Certainly, their services may be cheaper, but this is a factor to consider if you care about the longevity and safety of your deck.

3. Project Planning and Timeline

Another factor to consider on our Decking Company Checklist is how long will the deck construction take. Here are two questions to pose to a Seattle deck company:

Question 5: How do you approach project planning and design?

Question 6: What is the estimated timeline for completion?

A well-planned project, using a deck checklist, sets the foundation for success. Inquiring about their planning and design approach helps you understand how they tailor their services to meet client needs. Knowing the estimated timeline is crucial for setting realistic expectations and ensuring that the project aligns with your schedule.

Hiring a reputable and established decking company like Olympic Decks can guarantee you that you will be given all the necessary information prior to beginning your deck project. We have a reputation to uphold and we consider our customer’s time of utmost importance and adhere to timelines set out at the start of the project.

4. Materials and Construction Techniques

Knowing about the specific materials and construction techniques of a particular decking company is imperative to know the kind of quality deck you will be getting if you choose to partner with them. Here are two questions to present to a decking company you are looking at hiring:

Question 7: What types of materials do you recommend and why?

Question 8: Can you explain your construction process?

The choice of materials and construction techniques directly impacts the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your deck. A reputable decking company in Seattle will recommend high-quality, durable materials suited to your climate and usage needs. Understanding their construction process reveals their attention to detail and commitment to structural integrity.

The fear of working with a small, or start-up decking company, is they may not have access to the high-quality materials that a larger company does. For instance, Olympic Decks works exclusively with Timbertech, Trex, and Deckorators and gets special deals with these suppliers that a small decking company could not get. So many small decking companies work with cheaper quality materials, which will not have the same warranty as premium materials. This is definitely something to consider when choosing the best deck company in Seattle.

You also want to hire a Seattle decking company that has a clear and concise deck construction process that follows best practices. They should be able to explain the process to you before getting started. If a decking company is unsure of their process or says it’s different all the time, then that would be a big red flag to go another direction.

5. Cost and Payment Terms

This factor is the most important one for most customers on our deck checklist- cost and payment terms. Unfortunately, building a deck can get expensive, so you want to be sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Here are two questions to present to a Seattle decking company before hiring them:

Question 9: Can you provide a detailed cost estimate?

Question 10: What are your payment terms and conditions?

A reputable decking company will always be able to present you with a detailed cost estimate ensures transparency and helps avoid unexpected expenses. Discussing payment terms upfront prevents misunderstandings and facilitates a smoother financial transaction.

Excellent decking companies like Olympic Decks will never have hidden costs. You will sign a contract before construction ever begins, to ensure the price you are quoted is the price you pay. Be wary of decking companies that can’t offer you this insurance. Even if the price may be cheaper upfront, if they don’t disclose all the costs, you may be paying more than you imagined at the end. Avoid this potential problem by teaming up with a trustworthy decking company like Olympic Decks.

6. Communication and Customer Service

The last factor to consider on our Decking Company Checklist is communication and customer service. No matter how great a product is, if the customer service sucks, the entire experience is soured. Here are two questions to ask when hiring a decking company:

Question 11: How will you communicate progress and updates?

Question 12: How do you handle customer queries and concerns?

Effective communication and responsive customer service are the hallmarks of a professional decking company. What does great customer service look like?

• Having your inquiries answered in a timely fashion
• Responding to emails and returning your calls promptly
• Being friendly and courteous
• Providing helpful information in a clear and concise way
• Being professional at all times
• Regular updates to keep you involved in the project
• Proactively handling concerns
• Completing your deck project on time
• Cleaning up after themselves

Asking a decking company about their customer service policies will help paint a picture of the kind of service you can expect if you team up with them. Reading through online reviews can also help you understand the type of customer service a decking company provides its customers.

Summary: Decking Company Checklist

Here’s a recap of the 12 smart questions you should ask any Seattle Decking Company before hiring them for your deck project:

Question 1: How long have you been in the decking business?

Question 2: Can you provide examples of previous projects and references?

Question 3: Are you licensed and insured?

Question 4: What warranties do you offer on your work?

Question 5: How do you approach project planning and design?

Question 6: What is the estimated timeline for completion?

Question 7: What types of materials do you recommend and why?

Question 8: Can you explain your construction process?

Question 9: Can you provide a detailed cost estimate?

Question 10: What are your payment terms and conditions?

Question 11: How will you communicate progress and updates?

Question 12: How do you handle customer queries and concerns?

Using Olympic Decks comprehensive Decking Company Checklist is crucial for thoroughly vetting potential deck contractors. It’s important to take your time and choose a company that not only meets your specific needs but also shares your vision for the project. A well-chosen decking company can turn the dream of your perfect outdoor retreat into a beautifully crafted reality.

What Are You Waiting For? Choose Olympic Decks

After doing your homework, we have no doubt that Olympic Decks will come out on top when it comes to the best decking company in Seattle. We take great pride in our work, and have years or experience building awe-inspiring decks with top-of-the-line materials.

Check out what our past customers have to say about us! If you’re ready to get started, contact us today to get started building the deck of your dreams with Olympic Decks!