Thinking about a new deck, or maybe replacing that old, wobbly one? That's a pretty big deal, and honestly, picking the right contractor is probably the most important choice you'll make. I've seen my share of deck projects over the years – good, bad, and downright ugly – and I really want to help you steer clear of those ugly ones. So, if you're looking for a deck builder here in Missoula, here's what you should know.
Start with the Right Questions
When you're chatting with potential contractors, don't hold back. You're the one interviewing them, not the other way around. Here are some key questions I'd definitely ask:
- Are you licensed and insured? This isn't just some bureaucratic hoop to jump through; it's absolutely crucial. A legitimate contractor will have a Montana contractor's license, obviously, and at least general liability insurance. Workers' comp is also a huge deal if they have employees, by the way. Don't just take their word for it; ask for proof.
- How long have you been building decks specifically? Someone might be a fantastic general contractor, but deck building has its own little quirks. Especially here in Missoula, with our unique weather and soil conditions. You really want someone who's done this particular type of construction for a while.
- Can I see examples of your past work and talk to references? A good builder will be thrilled to show off their projects. Ask for at least three recent references, and then, for goodness sake, actually call them. Ask about how they communicated, if they stuck to the timeline and budget, and if the client was happy overall.
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a problem if they use subs, but you need to know who's ultimately responsible for the quality of the work. If it is subs, ask how they check them out and what kind of oversight they provide.
- What's your warranty on labor? Materials usually come with their own manufacturer's warranty, sure, but what about the installation itself? A reputable builder should stand behind their work for at least a year, and often even longer than that.
- How do you handle changes or unexpected issues during the project? Things happen, right? You want to know they have a clear way of telling you about changes and getting your OK before they just go ahead.
What to Look For in a Quote
You'll probably get a few quotes, and they're almost certainly not going to be exactly alike. That's why you need to really dig into the details.
- Is it itemized? A good quote breaks down the costs: materials (that means decking, framing, fasteners, railing), labor, demolition (if they're tearing down an old one), permits, and any other related costs. Just one big lump sum? That's not enough info.
- Does it include a clear scope of work? This should describe exactly what they're building, its dimensions, the specific materials (like, "Trex Enhance Basics Clam Shell," "pressure-treated pine framing," "aluminum balusters"), and any special design elements.
- What's excluded? Sometimes quotes will plainly state what's NOT included. This is actually a good thing because it helps prevent misunderstandings later. For example, it might say, 'landscaping around the deck not included.'
- Payment schedule. How much do they want upfront? When are the next payments due? A small deposit is totally normal, but be wary of anyone asking for more than 30-50% upfront, especially if the materials haven't even shown up yet. The final payment, by the way, should always be due once you're happy with the completed work.
- Permits. Who's going to pull the necessary permits from the City of Missoula or Missoula County? It should almost always be the contractor.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately.
- Unsolicited approaches. Someone knocking on your door, claiming they just finished a job down the street and have extra materials? Big nope.
- Cash-only deals or huge upfront payments. This is a classic sign of someone trying to dodge taxes, or worse, take your money and vanish.
- No contract or a very vague one. Get absolutely everything in writing. If they're hesitant to put details into a contract, just walk away.
- High-pressure sales tactics.