How to Choose a Deck Refinishing Contractor
Deck refinishing refers to the process of replacing the railings, deck boards, or stairs on a built deck frame and foundation. You may want to refinish your deck if it is too old but hasn’t been well maintained so its surface boards are weather-worn, its surface is okay but stairs or railings are unsafe or in disrepair, or you don’t like the materials utilized for the deck surface of a home you have bought. Whichever the reason, you need to get a professional deck refinishing contractor so he can help you attain the desired results. There are several deck refinishing contractors, making it hard to select the best. Here are the points to use.
First, seek recommendations. You know other individuals who own homes. If there are decks whose finishing work you like, talk to the homeowner to know which deck contractor they worked with. Ask questions that will enable you to settle on if the contractor is your ideal choice. However, that a homeowner liked working with the deck contractor does not mean the contractor is automatically a good choice; examine him further to establish this.
Secondly, check the experience. it is understandable that if a contractor has been doing something for an extended time, he knows the ins and outs of that work. Look for a person with experience in refinishing decks. If the contractor has refinished several other projects before, he will have the right skill to finish your deck refinishing project as per quality, deadline, and budget terms. Ask your deck refinishing contractor how many decks he has refinished, what problems he faced, and how he addressed them, and whether the clients were pleased with the outcomes.
Thirdly, ask for a written contract. Any deck refinishing contractor can make promises. However, not everyone can keep them. It’s different when the promises are uttered and written. A written contract explains the duties of the deck refinishing contractor and the consequences of failing to honor his promises. It gives customers peace of mind as you can take punitive measures if the delivered results do not match what’s on the contract. It is always good to involve a lawyer when drafting a contract.
Next, reflect on certifications and insurance. If your country needs the deck refinishing contractor to carry a license and certifications to practice, check these documents. In fact, they should be the first elements you ask potential deck refinishing contractors for. These documents prove the deck refinishing contractor’s professionalism, experience, and expertise in the field. You should also ask for proof of insurance. Insurance is extremely imperative in construction work. Even the most veteran deck refinishing contractor can commit errors. Also, accidents can arise as the contractor builds your deck. It is vital to be sure you’ll not be held accountable if any mishap happens while the contractors are on your site. The insurance will compensate instances that damage your property. It’ll also compensate contractors who sustain injuries while at your place. These points will ensure you get the best deck refinishing contractor.