Adding a deck to your house is an important project. Decks provide the backdrop for all sorts of family activities – from BBQs and parties to relaxing on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and a good book. There are plenty of deck builders in the St. Louis area with whom you could choose to work. So how do you decide?
In this article, we’ll break down the most important factors to consider when choosing a St. Louis deck builder.
8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a St. Louis Deck Builder
Experience and Expertise
Price matters, but beware of the friend-of-a-friend who is willing to build your deck at a bargain price. You’re probably hiring an inexperienced deck builder and you will almost certainly get what you pay for. Look instead for a company with an impressive and proven history that specializes in deck building and has a long list of satisfied customers to their name.
Licensing and Insurance
Licensing and insurance don’t seem important until you’re dealing with the aftermath of not prioritizing it. If you’re hiring a deck builder around St. Louis, you want to choose a licensed Missouri contractor who carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation to protect you, the homeowner, from potential legal and financial liability.
Reputation and References
Look for a deck builder who is well-reviewed and well-respected in the St. Louis area. From Google to Angi to the Better Business Bureau, there are plenty of places where past customers can leave reviews of the deck builders they’ve used. In addition to reviews, choose a company that’s responsive to dissatisfied customers. Not every project is going to go perfectly. Look for a company that responds to negative reviews and makes it right when there’s an issue.
Quality of Materials
Be aware of the materials your deck builder will be installing for your project. A reputable builder will only use professional-grade materials and won’t cut corners with lower grade supplies you can find in any home improvement store. The weather in St. Louis is unpredictable and your deck needs to stand up to the elements for the long haul. That starts with high-quality building materials.
Responsiveness to Your Needs
If a contractor doesn’t ask how you plan to use the deck or consider your specific needs, that’s a red flag. A good deck builder will ask questions and design elements that satisfy your particular desires for the project. The experts at Easter are here to first listen to your vision and then make that become a beautiful reality.
Cost and Contracts
Choose a deck builder that’s willing to provide a clear quote up front to help you understand exactly what you are paying for. A good deck contractor will leave you confident with the information and the protections you deserve. You want a contractor who takes time to invest in the details up front to minimize surprises along the way. There are some out there who will rush through things just to get your signature and lock you into a financial commitment. Be cautious of those that do not invest adequate time or show genuine care for your project.
Attention to Permitting and Regulations
It’s important to select a deck builder that’s familiar with local building codes and the permitting process and is committed to making sure your entire project is handled accordingly. If you have an HOA, like many St. Louis area neighborhoods, a great deck builder will be able to navigate your HOA requirements and ensure your deck project is compliant.
Warranty and Post-Construction Support
You want to trust the integrity of a company you choose to do business with. Consider if the company will stand behind the work they do. Ask up front how the company handles issues that come up after deck construction is complete. A reputable company knows the relationship with the customer doesn’t end when the project is finished. They’ll be there to support you for the long haul. At Easter, customers become friends. We’ll see you through your project and ensure you have all the information you need for potential future warranty claims.
Easter Fence, Deck & Renovations: A Reputable St. Louis Deck Builder
Easter has been a mainstay in the St. Louis market for almost seven decades. We’ve built our reputation by always going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. And nobody stands behind their work like we do. It’s why Owner Chuck Easter offers all customers the Easter Family Guarantee: “Even if it’s the first job dad did in 1957, if we didn’t do it right or didn’t do what we said, we’ll fix it for free.”
Trust your deck building project to the St. Louis area’s proven pros in residential outdoor construction: Easter Fence, Deck, & Renovations.
