A deck is a great way to add value to your home while also improving your living space for yourself and your family. According to Zillow, a new wooden deck can provide an average return on investment of 65.8%. However, you should never rush into a deck installation project. Before you hire a deck builder, it's important to ask them the questions below.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Any deck builder you work with needs to have all the necessary licenses in your state, and they need to be fully insured and bonded. You can verify this information with your state's licensing board. You'll also need to see a copy of their surety bond before they begin working. Checking for these documents helps to ensure that you receive honest, high-quality work.

What Do You Do to Avoid Cost Overruns?

While it's common for construction projects to go slightly over budget, you don't want to end up paying hundreds of dollars more than you anticipated. Ask your builder what they do to avoid cost overruns. Many builders add something like 10 percent to the cost of the project to account for expected overruns. In other words, the final number you get before agreeing to the project contains money to cover common issues like inflation and substitutions. However, you should also find out what the builder would do if they realized there would be a huge overrun that the budget wouldn't cover.

Is a Permit Needed?

Many cities and counties require that you get a permit to build an addition like a deck. Ask your builder if a permit will be required for your project. If so, ask them if they'll acquire the permit for you or if you'll need to apply for it. If you need to obtain the permit yourself, ask when this step will need to be completed and how the approval time will affect your deck's construction timeline. It's also wise to do some research on permit requirements on your own to ensure that it matches up with what the deck builder tells you.

A deck is an excellent addition to any property. It can increase your home's value in addition to providing you with the perfect space to enjoy your backyard. To ensure that your deck is installed correctly and efficiently, you'll need to hire a reliable deck builder for the job. Contact Cascio & Sons Construction today to get started!