User Guide

ASK AROUND
Know someone with a fabulous
deck? Ask them who built it. Personal
recommendations are a great way to
nd reputable contractors.
CHECK OUT
CONTRACTORS ONLINE
Consult online forums or research
tools to read reviews of local builders.
Reputable resources like the Better
Business Bureau are great for
background research. However, don’t
rely exclusively on online information.
Not all reviews are completely objective;
some might even have been paid for.
CONDUCT PHONE INTERVIEWS
Once you’ve narrowed down the
search, make some phone calls to
discuss availability, conrm that the
contractor is licensed, and discuss
the scope of your project. Ask for
references, and then call. If possible,
visit the homes to see the decks
rsthand.
MEET IN PERSON
Schedule time for prospective
contractors to visit your home and see
the project site. This will give you an
idea of the working contractor-customer
dynamic and allow the contractor to
conrm that the project is a good t for
his or her skill set. This is also a good
time to evaluate if you are comfortable
with this individual and if you’d be
able to effectively communicate with
each other throughout the project.
Remember: the contractors you meet
with are evaluating you, too.
The right decking contractor can spare you frustration and missteps.
HOW TO FIND A CONTRACTOR
WORKING WITH CONTRACTORS