Watchung NJ Custom Deck Contractor

Having a custom deck in the Central NJ area is a beautiful addition to your property, fun and relaxing for your family and you, and great for property value. However, having a central NJ deck built is a huge investment, and must be gone about wisely. Below are some helpful tips on choosing your professional Central NJ custom deck contractor.

Central NJ Custom Deck Contractor Tips

• Who will contact the utility companies and/or have underground lines marked?

• Are the workers “subs” or full- or part-time employees, and what hours and days will they work? Who keeps track of daily progress?

• What is the payment schedule? A deposit to defray the cost of materials is fairly common, but be cautious if the contractor asks for 50 percent or more.

• Will you receive a written bid? A bid is what you pay for the job; an estimate is only an educated guess at the cost.

• Ask to see a current copy of general liability insurance to ensure their limits cover the scope of your project.

• Ask if their workers will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If any sub-contractors will be involved, ask if they are required to carry workers’ comp.

• Who will pull any required permits? If they tell you that you need to get them, consider finding somebody else.

• Do they have references from former clients? Be sure to get names and phone numbers. Then make the calls.

• Find out from references if the job was finished within budget. If not, why? For example, were design changes made after the project started or was the project underestimated either in terms of materials or labor?

• If plans change while the work is in progress, the contractor should be flexible and incorporate the changes.

• They should keep you informed of all costs as they occur and inform you if any changes will cost extra.

• They should clean up after themselves each day. Make sure the crew is respectful of your property and your family.

• Don’t forget to include in the contract an attached “Scope of Work” document that explains the project clearly. Construction drawings (if they are required for the project) that are clearly reference by date and the number of pages should also be part of this document. Also include an explanation of how all extra work and/or change orders will be handled and the total price plus start and completion dates for the project.

• Next review the written bids, which should include costs for materials and labor, and compare qualifications and references. Be open to the reality that the lowest price may not be the best deal.

• Check with the state attorney general’s office to learn if there are complaints against the business.

A well-designed deck builder should compliment both your home and your property while enhancing the quality of your outdoor living experience. During our design process we work closely with you to ensure all your design, functionality, and budgetary requirements are satisfied. When planning your deck there are many features, materials, and design options to consider. However, by working closely with you we ensure the proper space, traffic flow, and use planning are completed with your needs in mind. The secret to quality design is to take the time to evaluate your home’s characteristics and create a deck that will become the quiet retreat or entertaining focal point of your dreams.

MPS SPECIALIZES IN CENTRAL NJ DECKS. FOR MORE INFO VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE