THE BEST. Simply the best. If you are looking for value for your dollar, if you want a deck that will last as long as the house (or longer), if you want a contractor who is reliable and delivers what was promised, DECKSOUTH is the contractor for you. After searching Angie’s List and two other contractor screening sites, DECKSOUTH was among four companies that I chose to compete for my project. As a program analyst, I know how to build statements of work and contract proposals, so I put those skills into this project. No one could come close to DECKSOUTH in this process. This is a best value contract, not a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable contract. As part of that, DECKSOUTH sets up a payment schedule keyed to completion of pre-determined deliverables (e.g. materials, framing inspection, post-hole inspection, final inspection). This is written into the contract. You will not have them coming back to you asking you for a big chunk of money for something in the future. DECKSOUTH was not the cheapest, but Lamar and John are passionate about building the best. They could not come down in their price without making unacceptable compromises and the others would not build to DECKSOUTH standards. This showed clearly in their proposal details (talk about a well-written proposal!!!), and in the FIFTEEN YEAR WARRANTY that DECKSOUTH gives on its work. No one else could come close to DECKSOUTH standards. For someone flipping a house, that wouldn’t be important. But for someone, like me, who is tired of moving and is improving her home for decades of grandchildren visits, it was very important. Even more than that was why they could include that warranty. The quality of their work. Code is not good enough for them. They exceeded code and all the competition’s standards by miles. 12” on center joists, rather than 16”. A water-shed system that protects the framing, not just the decking. Dock posts rather than standard pressure treated lumber for the support posts. Kiln dried pressure-treated lumber rather than standard, dripping-wet with formaldehyde pressure-treated lumber. Azek for fascia and post wrapping. Framing extending into the house itself, resting on and secured to the second floor sill plates (I have an unfinished basement), rather than just bolted to the outside. Triple plates bolted onto the outside of the house and secured from inside. All to go the extra mile with the engineering to avoid putting in posts that would block doors and windows, yet deliver a product that impressed the city/county inspectors so much they had no problem waiving the extra posts code requirements! Craftsmanship with attention to detail that was beyond impressive. Their crews aren’t day labor pulled off a street corner, but skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work. And when one subcontractor did not get the word on an important finishing detail to the project, DECKSOUTH was all over them to return to completely redo the job, not just jury-rig an acceptable fix. DECKSOUTH is simply the best. This deck now makes the house. I hadn’t anticipated that. But now, I am beyond thrilled with what DECKSOUTH delivered. Thanks, John and Lamar. You ARE the best!!!!!