At Cardinal Buildings, we’ve worked with thousands of different homeowners over 20 years, but we’re not always the first deck contractor that they contact. We can’t tell you how many times we get called in to try and salvage a project started by an amateur contractor, a chuck in a truck, or a Craigs List Special. Sometimes they find these contractors online, and sometimes they’re referred by friends. While some of these amateur contractors do fine work, they all don’t. We wanted to talk today about some important questions you should ask before hiring your contractor.

1. What is Your Past Experience?

When looking for a contractor to build a deck on your home, the first question you should ask is how many years of experience they have. Then question them a little further on their experience, what companies did they work at? What kind of decks have they built?

2. Are You a Licensed General Contractor and Insured?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask. If they’re uninsured, and something goes wrong, you could be held liable, which is why we recommend only working with an licensed and insured decking contractor.

3. Is the Work Warranty Covered?

Any quality deck contractor should stand behind their work, so make sure they do before you hire them. Speak with the contractor and figure out how long their warranty lasts and what it covers.

4. When Will Work Begin and Finish?

Jobs always go smoother when the contractor and homeowner are on the same page, so it’s very important that you have a timeline of when they’ll be doing all the work, from beginning to finish.  Here at Cardinal Buildings the main point of contact will be the owner of the company…you will have his cell phone number.

5. Who Will Be Working With You?

How many guys will be on the job site? Do they regularly work with them? What are their qualifications? Cardinal Buildings holds serval deck certifications from various major deck manufactures and we are NADRA (North American Deck Rail Association) Certified.

6. Company Credentials?

Does the company that they represent have Brick and Mortar location (Retail Business) or do you operate out of your truck (not a fly by night or part-time deck builder).

Here at Cardinal Buildings, we have been located at our current location for 20 years.  We own our retail location located that is located 1 mile east of the White Oak Shopping Center in Garner NC.   We have a deck display here onsite display various samples of composite decking and rail systems.  We have samples that we can bring to you when you contact us for a Free Site Visit.

7. What’s your typical payment schedule? 

The payment schedule is important for both you and the contractor you choose to partner with. You don’t want to pay the full price upfront, and most contractors won’t ask you to do so. Discuss payment terms before work begins, including payment amounts, key deliverables, and due dates.

At Cardinal Buildings we typically only ask for very a low-down payment if any unless the customer requesting a special-order material for a project (typically special material orders are nonrefundable).  Please BEWARE of scammers that look for Large down payments.  Large down payments typically mean that the business is NOT doing that well and depending on the customer to “float” the contractor/business along.

8. Will you obtain all of the required building permits?

Permits and inspection requirements vary by location. You may need a county, city, or even HOA approvals. In addition, most deck projects rather it be a new build or deck resurfacing projects that change the structure of a home will require some type of approval.

A reputable general contractor will know which building permits that are required, and they should handle this for your project directly.

These are questions to consider when looking for a quality Contractor to do business with, but this will help safe guard project.  Thank you in advance for considering Cardinal Buildings and Decks for you project.  It is our goal to do our best to give you the project that you are looking for at the best value price that we can.

Thank you, Cardinal Buildings.