The outdoor wooden deck is one of the most cost-effective ways to create useful space and add value to your home. Wooden deck provides extra space for relaxation at all time of the day, as well as a good space to host and entertain guests.
A well installed wooden deck also adds to the general aesthetic of your property, making it more appealing and increasing its market value. However, deck installation is not a project that should be rushed into.
There are a couple factors that should be put into consideration before embarking on a deck installation project.
Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well, they say. Installing wooden deck is an important project and should be treated as such. The success of the project will, to a large extent, depend on the people involved in it.
You will have to choose the right deck installer from the multitude decking companies to execute your project. Choosing the right decking company in South Africa may not be an easy task, but when you are properly guided, you can make the right choice.
In choosing the right deck installers in South Africa to handle your project, there is some essential information you should obtain about the available contractors.
You may have to make some necessary enquiry, inspect some projects, and obtain relevant quotes before making an informed decision. Consider the followig points before you make the decision:
Level of Experience of Deck Installers
You do not want novices to handle your project. While young and fresh minds may be bubbling with innovative ideas, profound creativity, and unrelenting energy, the experience still matters a lot in construction.
Before agreeing to work with any decking company in South Africa, make sure you find out how long the company has been in existence and how experienced the people are in the area of wooden deck installation.
Do not be shy to ask the company managers or representatives how long they have been in business and an estimate of the number of projects they have completed.
Practice, they say, makes perfect and we can all agree that the more an individual performs certain tasks, the better the individual gets in that area.
For contractors who are vastly experienced and have completed so many projects, your wooden decking project will not be a big challenge. They may even offer additional professional advice on certain aspects of the project that you may overlook.
In the long run, hiring an experienced wooden decking company to handle your project will save you some stress and ensure that you have the best quality deck at the end of the day.
Check Old Projects of the Company
This is related to the first point. It will be better for you to work with an experienced company, and it is also advisable that you check out the completed projects of the company to see if they are of the right quality. Do not be shy to ask the company for a gallery of their works if they keep pictures. If it is possible, make out time to visit some of the projects and observe firsthand if they are of the quality you desire.
While inspecting the past projects of the company, do not look out for the aesthetic appeal only. Consider other factors such as the materials used for the project and the finishing.
If you are truly satisfied with the completed projects of the company, then proceed with negotiation, but if there is any reason to doubt the quality of their services, do not take the risk of contracting them.
Ask and Listen
While interacting with prospective contractors, ask some relevant questions about the requirements of your project. Ask about such details as the material they will use for the project, the reasons why they think such materials are better and how durable the project will be.
If you have any knowledge of construction works or wooden materials, do not be afraid to show it. Ask informed questions and let them know that you understand at least a little about what they will be doing in your home.
When contractors notice that you are not entirely ignorant about your project, they will provide reasonable quotes.
It is not enough to ask relevant questions. As you interact with the wooden decking company, be attentive to the kind of answers they provide.
A good company will provide polished and relevant information. When a company or its representative is providing dodgy answers to your questions, you should see it as a warning sign and look for another company that will provide sincere answers to your questions.
Compare Quotes from Different Deck Installers
You will never know the disparity between quotes of similar services until you actually compare some.
While looking for the reliable wooden deck installers to contract for your project, it is highly recommended that you speak to different companies and obtain quotes from as many of them as possible.
You will be surprised at the disparity in the prices of items they quote.
When you obtain quotes from different wooden decking companies, do not judge them based on the final figure they quote. It is important that you look at the quotes critically.
Take time to look at all the items listed, as well as the quantity and unit price attached to each. Some unscrupulous contractors list more materials that are actually required, while some intentionally inflate the unit prices of each of the materials in a bid to arrive at an exorbitant final figure.
Compare all the quotes, pay attention to every detail of each and do some quick research to know which of the quotes is consistent with the market trend.
After carefully analyzing the quotes you have, do not seek the cheapest option; go instead for the quote that is realistic and sincere.
Every home needs a wooden deck since there are many benefits you can enjoy. Adding a wooden deck to your property is an investment that is worth embarking on. It is one of the best home improvement projects and should not be left in the hands of just any company at all.
Adhere to the tips above, and look for the very best wooden decking company around and work with them.