We continue to post about selecting a contractor. Selecting a contractor might seem as simple as 1, 2, 3 as these are sometimes the number of quotes some homeowners feel required to attain. But the important 3 steps in the process should be to related to the past, present, and future.

Step 1: Evaluate their past

You want to make sure the contractor you are considering has a good track record. In addition to references they can provide, it’s easy to check them out online. Go on Angie’s List and read their Angie’s List reviews. Go to the BBB and make sure they are an accredited A+ contractor with no history of complaints. Make sure they have a local website that represents a professional, experienced and reputable business. Also, is the contractor really forthcoming in offering you references and are they willing to put you in contact with other clients who have built projects similar to yours?”

Step 2: Evaluate their present

Take into account everything from how your inquiry call was handled to how your consultation was handled and the follow-up. Were they professional when you called? Did they ask good questions to better understand what you were looking for? Did they arrive on time and prepared at their scheduled appointment time?

Evaluate the tools they give you to help you make your decision. Do they show you a drawing of what your design will look like? Are they able to provide detailed specifications including the materials used? Do you feel completely confident about what you are receiving for your project? If you have questions, are they responsive and amenable to all your questions?

Also, make sure to check their credentialing. Are they a licensed? Are they insured?

Step 3: Evaluate their, your future

To what degree of certainty are you confident that your project is warrantied if anything should happen? Make sure they provide a strong written warranty. Make sure that their warranty supersedes them. If they go out of business, is your warranty still intact? At Archadeck of Kansas City, we have a guarantee of project completion even if any unfortunate situations should arise with your local crew. We also protect their future of your project with a 12-month workman warranty and a 60-month structural warranty.

Remember not to just take their word for it. It’s easy to check online reviews. Make sure there are a preponderance of reviews and that they give you full confidence that your project will be finished in a way that exceeds your expectations. Here is a review from a recent customer.

This is the AZEK deck referenced in this testimonial

We had Archadeck remove  4 decks from our 23 year old home.  We had them replace three of them with new composite materials.  We choose AZEK decking and TimberTech railings.

We could not be happier  with our  brand new decks.  From the very first day that Steve came out to bid our job over one year ago,  we knew immediately he was the one that we wanted to build our deck.  We did get other bids, but Steve was the most professional and knowledgeable, by far, about the entire project.  He showed up on time every time.   He always called to let us know what to expect  with every step of the project.  He was on the job site every day to answer any questions we had. He had a very clean cut, professional crew working here everyday.  They were polite and friendly and did a fabulous job. They built these decks with tremendous precision. They always cleaned up after themselves at the end of every day.  I could go on and on about what a great experience we had working with Steve and his crew. We absolutely love the decks they put on our home. It make us feel like we are living in a brand new home. The high quality products we used were only surpassed by the overall experience we had with Steve Folsom and Archadeck.

You might find a  “fly by night”, less expensive deck builder out there, but you will not find a better overall experience and end result than you will get from Archadeck.  They are simply the best out there and you will be happy with your results.

If you’re considering adding a deck, porch, or other outdoor living space to your Kansas City area home, give us a call for a free consultation.