5 Signs Of A Good Deck Builder In Calgary, Alberta

So you’ve gotten references from your friends, looked around online, and checked with the BBB to make sure the deck builder you’re hiring is the real deal. It’s a lot of extra work, but ensuring you’ve found the right signs of a good deck builder is worth the trouble to get the best deck for a fair price.

While it’s always hard to say with 100% certainty, there are a few things to look out for when you’re searching for a good deck builder in Calgary, or anywhere else. Usually, by following these few tips, you can make sure that the final result will be a perfectly-built exterior deck for your home that’s ready to host barbecues and backyard parties for years to come.

1. They offer a comprehensive warranty.

   Here in Canada, our weather can get about as extreme as you can imagine. From bitter cold to blazing sunshine, the wear and tear on a new deck is expected – but that also means a good warranty is a must. Whether it’s a guarantee against defective materials, a promise that the initial workmanship is solid, or an agreement to patch up any trouble spots for the first few years, a comprehensive warranty is the hallmark of an excellent deck builder who offers great deck services. Always be sure to look at the fine print of the warranty when getting a quote, because overlooking it now can be costly down the road.

2. They don’t try to upsell you on expensive extras.

   Sure, gold inlays are great in some areas – but for a deck that’s going to be out in the sun and snow, the most expensive materials aren’t always the way to go. If a builder is pressuring you to upgrade to the most costly option available – especially if your mind is made up on something else – it’s usually a warning sign. Do your own research and ask around at hardware stores, online, or in your own network of handyman friends to find what’s best for you. It’s okay to not splurge on the fanciest wood in the world if you know it won’t suit your style.

3. There are plenty of positive reviews on sites like HomeStars.

   Any reputable deck builder will welcome and highlight homeowner reviews and feedback on their work. It might not always be perfect, but they will leave a trail of satisfied customers in their wake. If you can’t find anything on the company you just hired, or they claim to have no online presence, it’s time to raise an eyebrow and look a little closer. There’s a reason sites like Yelp and HomeStars exist – they let positive word-of-mouth and referrals rise to the top and highlight good customer experience. Any company that doesn’t want to show previous work might not be the best choice.

4. Their website and social media have accessible galleries of photos.

   Similar to the last point, a builder should be proud of the work they’ve done. If they are, they’ll have their digital marketing team put photos all over their social media and on their website, showing the quality that they bring to the world of deck construction. If you’re only seeing a few half-hearted descriptions with no photos, or just one job that’s highlighted over and over again (instead of several different job sites), do yourself a favour and ask the builder why they don’t show prior work – if they don’t have a good answer, consider it a red flag.

5. They are easy to reach, transparent, and up front with information.

   One of the biggest complaints that people have about builders is that they are hard to reach, or they don’t stick to their word about pricing, quality, and time commitments. Even during the initial quote and meeting process, it should be relatively hassle-free and pleasant – there should be strong communication of what you envision, what you want, and how much it will realistically cost. If a deck builder is avoiding you from the start, trying to go over budget or beyond scope, or shutting you out of the process, don’t be afraid to stop everything and go in a new direction. It will save you a big headache!

If you want to make sure your deck builder is doing things exactly as you want them – on time and on budget – then you can check off all the points above by simply calling up Maritime West Construction. As a premier Calgary deck builder with over 20 years of experience, we’ve seen, done, and built them all. We also build incredible decks in Okotoks, Cochrane, and Priddis so don’t be shy if you’re in the surrounding area.  When you’re ready to upgrade your deck, we’re ready for you to join our long list of satisfied customers!