Alright, so you're thinking about adding a deck to your home here in Savannah. That's a great idea, it really adds a lot, especially with our beautiful weather. But before you jump in, you've gotta pick the right crew for the job. This isn't something you want to mess up, believe me. I've seen plenty of homeowners get taken for a ride, and it's not pretty. So, let's talk about how to find a good, honest deck builder.
What to Ask Potential Deck Builders
When you're talking to someone about building your deck, you need to hit them with some direct questions. Don't be shy; it's your money and your home.
- Are you licensed and insured in Georgia? This is non-negotiable. If they hem and haw, or say they're 'working on it,' walk away. You need to see proof of both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If someone gets hurt on your property and they're not covered, guess who's on the hook? You are.
- How long have you been building decks specifically? A general contractor might do decks, but someone who specializes in them will know all the tricks and best practices. They'll understand local building codes and what works best with our coastal climate.
- Can I see your portfolio and talk to past clients? Any good builder will be proud of their work and happy to show it off. Ask for at least three references and actually call them. Ask about communication, timelines, and if they'd hire them again.
- What's your warranty on labor and materials? A solid company stands behind its work. You want at least a 1-year warranty on labor, and they should be using materials that come with their own manufacturer's warranty.
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your employees or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know. If it's subs, ask how they vet them and who supervises the job site.
- How do you handle permits and inspections? Building a deck in Chatham County almost always requires a permit. A good contractor will handle all the permitting process for you and make sure the work passes all necessary inspections. If they tell you a permit isn't needed, be very suspicious.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just look at the bottom line. A good quote is detailed and clear. It should tell you exactly what you're getting for your money.
- Detailed breakdown: It should list materials (type of wood, fasteners, railing system, footings), labor costs, permit fees, and any other associated expenses. You want to see line items, not just one big number.
- Material specifications: Does it say