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Questions to Ask Deck Builders
The questions that separate a written, insured bid from a verbal promise.
Print this before any deck builder visit. If a bidder cannot answer these, that is information too.
Licensing, insurance and permits
- What is your licence or registration number, and where can I verify it?
- Can I see your general liability certificate and workers compensation cover?
- Who pulls the permit, and is the fee in the quote?
- Has this exact deck detail been approved where I live (setbacks, height, HOA)?
Design and structure
- How did you size the footings, beams and joists for this deck and this soil?
- Is the frame pressure-treated pine or galvanized steel, and why that choice here?
- How do you handle ledger attachment and flashing at the house?
- What is the finished substructure flatness tolerance?
Materials and fastening
- Which exact board, collection and colour are specified by name?
- Are the fasteners hidden clips, face screws or both - and where does each go?
- What end-gap and board-gap spacing will you set at this time of year?
- What is excluded from the quote that I might reasonably expect to be included?
Water, drainage and ventilation
- How does water drain from this deck, and where does it go?
- What is the minimum drainage pitch away from the house?
- How is the space under the deck ventilated?
- What happens to the ground or the patio under the deck?
Money, schedule and warranty
- Can I have an itemized quote: material, labour, extras and disposal?
- What is the payment schedule, and how much is due at signing?
- What is the start date and the completion date, in writing?
- What do the workmanship and manufacturer warranties cover, and for how long?
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