How To Hire a Deck Building Pro

Build trust with your deck building pro by verifying their qualifications before signing a contract

Get quotes from deck and porch pros near you
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Get quotes from deck and porch pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
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  • Working with a deck-building contractor means you get expert guidance on design, materials, and site preparation tailored to your specific space and needs.

  • Expect to pay $15 to $35 per square foot for professional deck construction labor, with total project costs ranging from $4,340 to $12,600.

  • You'll want to interview at least three deck-building contractors, checking their licensing, insurance, and references to verify their qualifications and past work quality.

  • Hiring a local deck building professional ensures your project meets building codes and receives proper permits, giving you confidence in both safety and long-term value.

Thinking about building your dream deck? Make it a reality by hiring a local deck building professional. Working with a licensed and insured pro will ensure they adhere to legal requirements and have the qualifications to do the job correctly. Take the guesswork out of the process and learn how to hire a deck-building pro who will create the deck of your dreams.

What Services Does a Deck Building Pro Offer?

Local deck builders offer an array of services, including design, installation, and repairs. Here are the most common services by deck building pros:

  • Custom Designing: A pro can help plan the ideal deck size and design for your space and needs. They will also recommend which materials will be best for your location and the design of your deck.  

  • Site Preparation and Deck Construction: They will prepare the site by performing foundation work, including removing grass and debris, and grading the soil. The construction will include all tasks required to build the deck, such as installing deck boards, railings, and stairs.

  • Demolition of Old Deck: If your existing deck is beyond repair or you want to build a custom deck in its place, the pro can demolish it and dispose of the materials.

  • Deck Repair and Restoration: You can opt for a cost-efficient solution by having a pro restore your existing deck. They can replace rotten boards and refinish them.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Deck Building Pro?

The price of hiring a deck-building pro depends on several factors, such as the size of the deck, the type of materials, and the location. Hiring a deck-building pro can cost between $15 and $35 per square foot for labor. The typical cost to build a new deck is around $8,265, but can range between $4,340 to $12,600 or more. Consult the deck building pro to get an accurate estimate so you can budget accordingly.

Tips for Hiring a Deck Building Pro

A wooden deck with outdoor furniture
volgariver / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

It may surprise you how much difference a bit of planning and research can make. Follow these key tips to hire the right pro for your deck building project.

1. Plan for Your Deck Building Project

Planning out the size and type of deck in advance will help guide the pro in the right direction. Define the purpose of why you want a deck. For example, if you want to create a space for relaxation that includes a hot tub or gazebo, it can dictate how the deck is constructed.

​Another important aspect of planning ahead is knowing what your deck-building budget is. This will impact various aspects of the deck, such as its size and the types of materials they may use.

2. Check Your Deck Building Pros' Qualifications and References

One of the most important steps when hiring a deck-building pro is to check their credentials and references. Picking a qualified pro ensures they have the required licensing for the job and that they will adhere to building codes. You should also ask the pro for a list of references from past customers to verify their quality of work, reliability, and professionalism.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

It’s critical to interview more than one pro for the job. You should interview at least three deck-building pros to compare their qualifications, expertise, and cost. By interviewing several pros, you can narrow down the search to find the best pro who aligns with the type of deck you desire and fits into your budget.

4.  Get a Contract and Make Payment Arrangements with Your Deck Building Pro

Once you decide which pro is the right fit for the task, you should obtain a contract and compare it with the written estimate to verify that the information is correct. The contract should include contact information, details on the scope of work, the expected timeline to complete the job, the total project cost, and payment terms. 

The contract should also provide a breakdown of the total project cost, including the prices of materials, labor, permits, and other expenses. The payment agreement should clearly state the deposit amount, progress payment schedule, and the final payoff amount.

Questions to Ask a Deck Building Pro

Here are the top questions you should ask before you commit to a contract with a deck builder:

  • How much experience do you have building decks?

  • Are you licensed and insured, and can you provide proof?

  • What materials do you recommend for the type of deck I want, and why?

  • Do you handle all the necessary permits and inspections required for the project?

  • Will the price include clean-up and material disposal?

  • Who is my main point of contact for the project?

  • What type of warranty do you offer on your work and the materials?

Choosing the Right Deck Building Pro

Unqualified builders can lead to costly repairs, pose potential legal issues, and cause safety hazards. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable pro who has the required licensing, insurance, and experience for the task. Also, adding a properly built, high-quality deck can boost your home's resale value. In fact, the average return-on-investment for a deck addition is around 83%.​ Hiring the best deck-building pro near you will give you peace of mind that you’ll end up with your dream deck and increase your home's value.  

After Your Deck Building Pro is Finished

There are a few tasks to tackle before you break out the grill for a BBQ on your new deck. Once the work is complete, the pro will conduct a final inspection to assess craftsmanship and ensure everything meets your expectations. 

Confirm all inspections have been completed and obtain all copies of the inspections, permits, and warranties. Next, you will submit the final payment and leave a positive online review. If you are happy with their work, you can also offer to be a reference for your pro.

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