What to look for in a professional deck builder? It is an important question to ask. After all, you need someone to be prepared and capable of getting the job done. There are a variety of different deck-building companies out there. However, some of these companies could be complete duds. So, how can you distinguish which one is a true professional deck builder? Here are a few qualities that you should be looking for.
License and insurance are required and vital to start building. A Contractor’s license proves that your contractor holds liability for the project being up to code and the safety of workers. Hiring an unlicensed is just asking for trouble. If your contract is not licensed, you can not legally enforce a contractor without a license. If something happens during the project, such as damage to your house and or a worker gets hurt, you hold all liability. Furthermore, if they do not build it code, you will be responsible for bringing it to code at additional cost. If a contractor is unable to show their license, do not hire them.
This includes if they refuse to show their insurance. There is multiple types of insurance that contractors should have. First of all, they should have worker compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers workers who get an injury on the job. While homeowners might not think it’s their problem, they will be if there is no worker comp. Also, they should have general liability insurance. General liability covers damage that may occur during the project. Without it, any possible damages to other property will become your financial responsibility. In addition, general liability protects you from lawsuits for damages. It also gives you the policy to collect on if you are injured.
While you are sorting through builders, you should look at their track record. If you go on their website, do they complete projects on there? While looking through reviews, are they scathing or glowing? These are important things to consider. After all, you don’t want to hire a company that has more negative reviews than positive ones. Furthermore, you should see if the company has testimonials. People who have a positive experience with a company typically will agree to tell their story. No testimonials might be a clear indication that most people were not satisfied.
Without a doubt, this is one of the important qualities you should be looking for. Experience matters. If you have to choose between an experienced or an inexperienced contractor, always choose the one with experience. When someone has been working in a field for an extended period of time, they gain skill and knowledge. An experienced contractor, they would be able to foresee potential issues with the project and make adjustments to avoid them. They will know the best ways to put your deck together that could make your project even better. Professionals with experience also are upfront about estimates and try to make them as accurate as possible.
Communication is key. After all, it is the foundation where all relationships start. This is why this is a fundamental quality to look for. Does your contractor not return calls to answer questions? Are they avoid giving you cost and payment conditions? Is the contractor not being transparent about the end date? If you said yes to any of these then you should look for a new contractor. When looking for a contractor, you want someone who will return your calls, be clear with the cost and payment conditions, and be transparent about when the project will end. Do not settle for anything less. If the starting communication is bad then it will only get worse during the project. And you don’t want them messing up on your deck.
When it comes to your project, knowledge is everything. Your contractor/builder needs to understand what you want. Although you could have a clear idea of what you want, a professional can always give feedback and suggestions that can improve your project. They could even recommend add-ons that can improve the quality of life of your new deck.
All these qualities are what to look for in a professional deck builder. Question is, where can you find a professional that embodies all these traits? Well, look no further because Miles Bradley has all these qualities and more! For 20 years, Miles Bradley has been providing high-quality in deck building, enclosures/gazebos,trellises, and custom deck designs. Miles Bradley has an amazing track record with testimonials to prove it. We have a nationwide reputation for being experts in low-maintenance decks and building materials.
Keeping your deck clean in the fall can be a challenge. A change of seasons leads to new deck problems for you to solve. Especially in Autumn. Leaves are falling, covering your deck. Dirt and grime can build up faster. As a result, your deck needs some fall cleaning care before the first snow and ice arrive.
After 2020, I think we can all agree that we are relieved things are returning to normal. The state of Michigan is opening up and the restrictions are being lifted. Finally, you can interact with your loved ones and enjoy yourself freely. Now is the perfect time to relax outside on your deck. Don’t have one? Don’t worry! At Miles Bradley, we do local deck installations so you can enjoy yourself outside.
In Michigan, it seems like we’re going to get to summer weather without much of a spring. We think we must be there now, right? This is a repost for those of you that have a TREX deck in the Midwest. If you’ve purchased one (hopefully from Miles Bradley in Michigan or Chicago), then you know how beautiful and low maintenance it really is.
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When spring cleaning your house, don’t forget about your Michigan deck. Leaving stains or improperly cleaning your deck can lead to the warranty on your deck being voided out. Miles Bradley recommends that you watch the video below to learn the proper steps to clean your Trex composite deck. Whether you’re in Novi, Northville, or anywhere in Michigan, winter probably left you with a deck that needs a good cleaning.
Has the weather and use taken a toll on your Trex Composite Deck? You can clean your deck and give it that new look again with little to no effort at all. We recommend Olympic Deck Cleaner, with Olympic Deck Cleaner a hose, sprayer, and an optional scrub brush you can clean your whole Trex Composite Deck in one afternoon.
Trex composite decks are strong reliable decks that will maintain it’s beauty for years. But even the most reliable deck, will need cleaning from time to time, weather, people, animals, and overall wear and tear take their toll on any deck. With a good cleaning and proper maintenance, you can keep your Trex Composite Deck looking great for years to come.
If you are looking for the best deck builders in Michigan or Chicagoland, please contact us or request a quote today! Alternatively, please call Miles Bradley today at 248-478-8660 in the Detroit Area or 847-920-7601 in the Chicago Area. We are a Certified Trex Platinum Contractor!
Spring and Summer are the main seasons for deck building in Michigan and Illinois. During this season, we get many questions asking about the cost of a new deck. There are many deck-building companies out there but few can compete with the high-quality workmanship, materials, and knowledge that Miles Bradley provides. We will tell you all you need to know about the procedures and costs of getting a new deck built for your home. Our offices are located near Detroit and Chicago, serving both metro areas. It should be noted that cost can vary for different types of materials. The ranges below reflect the current year’s prices, but will undoubtedly change year to year.
The average deck is around 300-400 square feet.
Deck cost pricing includes; permits from the city, clean up, labor, material, warranty, and some beautiful rail lighting. (We add in to thank you for your business!)
The prices above are for complete deck construction. Your custom deck will vary within the pricing. Contact us for pricing on building a new deck for your home.
Your options are endless! Keep in mind custom features such as curved rails, steel frames, spiral staircases, radius decks, and custom decking patterns can increase costs. Right now is the perfect time to have Miles Bradley help design and build your custom deck. Call our Detroit Michigan office: 248-478-8660 or our Chicago Illinois office: 847-920-7601 for new deck-building costs in your area.
Updated March 2021