| Warmer months are just around the corner and so is | | | | project. Make sure you feel comfortable talking with |
| warm-weather entertaining. From enjoying meals | | | | your contractor, and be sure to schedule a |
| outside, to backyard barbecues, parties, and | | | | face-to-face meeting before signing any contracts. |
| everything in between you'll want to get your deck | | | | Set Expectations. This part of the process is critical |
| or patio in its best shape. Take a moment to assess | | | | as it will describe the building process. The contractor |
| the outdoor entertaining space that you have now. | | | | that you are interested in will have presented you |
| Are you happy with its size? Does the wood need to | | | | with a few designs and given you an estimate for |
| be power-washed or re-stained? Are tiles missing or | | | | the work to be completed - make sure that you get |
| damaged from your patio? Brutal winter precipitation | | | | all of this in writing. Nail down particulars as to exact |
| can take a lot from your outdoor space so you'll | | | | costs of the project: from supplies to time, taxes, |
| want to check now before the first spring blooms | | | | any fees, and other fine details. Knowing this |
| appear. | | | | information ahead of time, and having it in writing, will |
| If you have always wanted a new deck or patio, | | | | help you budget appropriately. Learn about payment |
| now is a perfect time to call your local contractor for | | | | plans: does the contractor require a deposit and then |
| some great design ideas and quotes for building. | | | | payments upon completion of stages, or at the end |
| Additions to existing outdoor entertaining areas are | | | | of the job? Ask exactly how long the job will take to |
| always an option, and many contractors can improve | | | | complete and make sure this information is included |
| upon your space in ways that give that old design an | | | | on your estimate - in writing. |
| entirely fresh, new look. If you're not sure who to | | | | When you're setting these expectations, also make |
| call in your area, check out these guidelines to get | | | | sure that you know the proper contact channels at |
| you started: | | | | various stages of the build. Be sure that the estimate |
| Background Research. Know how long the | | | | covers permits needed for the job, any required |
| contracting company you are interested in has been | | | | utility repairs, drawings of the design, details about |
| in business, and make sure that they have all the | | | | the project, and clean up information. If building |
| proper licensing and liability insurance. | | | | material is going to be delivered to your home you |
| Building a new deck might require submitting plans | | | | will want to know exactly when and where it will |
| and requesting for city/county building permits so | | | | need to be stored; especially if it needs to be |
| you'll want to make sure your contractor is on the up | | | | protected from the elements. Make sure the |
| and up with your local requirements. Next you'll want | | | | construction crew knows where to park and alert |
| to know if the contractor you are researching has | | | | your neighbors of the project. All too often these |
| built many decks or patios, and you'll want to see | | | | fine details are overlooked and although most of |
| some portfolio work. Do the designs vary and display | | | | them are easily managed even if you have to make |
| a variety of techniques and styles? A well-rounded | | | | arrangements personally, they can often sour the |
| portfolio is key here. Last, does the contractor have | | | | experience for homeowners. |
| good references and satisfied customers? | | | | These two groups of tips will help you decide on a |
| Most contractors will probably have a lot of this | | | | contractor that is just right for you and your deck |
| information readily displayed on their website, or | | | | patio construction project. With a little research and |
| easily found with quick searches on the Internet, but | | | | interviewing, you can have your new construction |
| be sure to ask during your first meeting too. | | | | project well underway and completed in time to |
| Testimonials will give you clues as to experience, | | | | enjoy the best of outdoor life that spring and |
| customer service, cost, and professionalism of the | | | | summer afford. |
| company during the crucial building phases of the | | | | |