If you own a house somewhere in the suburbs of Seattle, you are a lucky man. Seattle is surrounded by water and no matter what people say about the rainy weather of Washington State, Seattle is an amazing place to live in and the weather is not worse than other places. Residents in Seattle love living there, especially if you have a waterfront house with an amazing deck where you can seat and enjoy the freshness and the beautiful view of the lake or Bay you have in front of you.
With a population of 755,078 people, Seattle has become a huge market for most home services industries, including deck builders. There are plenty of companies offering deck and fence building services for Seattle, Bellevue and the surrounding areas. Lots of options, but unfortunately not all companies offer the best decking services. In this article we will offer a few tips on how to find the best Seattle deck builders for your decking needs. Let’s get into it.
1. Look for Local Experience and Expertise
Why local experience? Because Seattle’s climate is tough on outdoor structures and local deck builders understand the weather challenges people have to deal with when it comes to their outdoor areas. Look for builders with experience in Seattle area because they are familiar with what materials are the best to use to withstand rain, wind, snow and other elements.
Ask questions like:
- How long have you been building decks in Seattle?
- Can you share examples of recent work in the area?
- What materials do you recommend for our climate?
2. Check Licenses, Insurance, and Certifications
You want to hire a deck builder that has proper licensing, insurance, and certifications that demonstrated their commitment to safety and professionalism. Some deck builders will publish their license number on their website others don’t. Just make sure to ask for it.
Before hiring a builder, verify:
- State and local licensing for Seattle projects
- Proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance
- Any additional certifications in deck building or construction
3. Review Portfolio and Testimonials
Another extremely important step. A good place to start with is Google. There’s Google Maps where you can search for deck builders and where you can see reviews from their customers. Another good platform would be Apple Maps and then Yelp, Yahoo, Bing, etc. Depending on how deep you want to get into your research. On Google maps you can see their photos as well with jobs they completed. Check their website for portfolio. Some builders use their website as a showcase too.
When reviewing portfolios and testimonials, consider:
- Do the completed decks match your style preferences?
- How well do they customize decks to fit different home aesthetics?
- Are clients generally satisfied with their experience?
4. Ask About Design and Customization Options
A deck design needs to be in sync with your personality and way of life, so find a builder who is open to suggestions and is able to incorporate them in the design. While some deck builders specialize in basic, ready-made designs, others focus on custom models which make your garden stand out.
Questions to ask about design:
- What are the customization options for layout, materials, and finishes?
- Do you offer 3D renderings or design previews?
- Can you help with add-ons like built-in seating, lighting, or privacy features?
5. Get a Detailed Quote and Project Timeline
Once you have completed the pre-selection process and are left with two or three candidates only, each deck builder should be asked for a detailed quote. Such an estimate should list expenses for work, materials, registration, and any extra cost that may be incurred. While checking the estimates, check whether you are getting value for your money and don’t forget that cheaper is not always better.
Consider these factors:
- Does the quote cover all project aspects?
- Are there any hidden costs or additional fees?
- What is the estimated project timeline, and how will delays be managed?
Final Thoughts
Finding a professional deck contractor in Seattle requires some effort, as they have to compromise on the price, quality, or professionalism of the builder. However, following these steps will help you in identifying a professional contractor who is aware of Seattle’s climate, is budget-oriented and can execute your landscaping ideas. The enjoyment of the right deck a deck builder would help you build, would provide an appreciation to your home and satisfy you for years to come.
