Last year, the BBB recorded more than 95,000 inquiries and almost 200 complaints nationally about patio and deck builders. Locally, your BBB recorded about 1,300 inquiries about this industry. Remember, many home improvement contractors and landscape contractors, etc. can also do this type of work.
When searching for a reputable deck and patio contractor, your BBB offers these tips:
• Shop around and compare several contractors. Request written bids detailing the work to be done, materials needed, cost, payment terms and length of time to complete the job.
• Get recommendations from friends and family. If they’re pleased with their contractors, most likely you’ll be too.
• Attend home or tradeshows to meet contractors and get ideas.
• Ask for references. A reputable company will be happy to provide you with a list of previous customers. Don’t be afraid to contact those references, even ask to look at the work completed.
• Find out if the contractor is a member of an association such as the National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI). A company belonging to such an organization shows commitment to professionalism.
• Consider reputation, years of service and services provided, as well as cost. Remember, the cheapest bid is not always the best.
• Be wary of a contractor asking you to pay for the entire job upfront. A reputable contractor won’t do business that way. However, some contractors may ask for a small percentage upfront to help with material cost.
• Be sure contractors are properly licensed, insured and bonded and determine if they’ll pull required permits. If you build a deck without proper permits, you may be required to tear the entire deck down and start over.
• Get a written contract, detailing the work to be completed including verbal promises, warranties and guarantees. Don’t sign anything until all blanks are completed.
If you have any questions about deck and patio contractors, you can always get help from your BBB, such as a list of BBB Accredited deck and patio contractors and Business Reviews on ones you’re considering. For more information on a business you can trust, visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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