If you are like many you have decided that it is time to invest in a quality deck for your home. This investment will add to the value of your entire home.

So, you have decided to hire some expert decking contractors. What is your next step? Before you rush out and get a contractor in take a moment to read the following few things you need to know.

1. Consider the kind of work you want done

Regardless of size, you need to know exactly what it is the deck will be for. Do you want a small deck with a few chairs to lounge around on? Maybe you’re looking for a place to set up a grill pit with room for tables and chairs for dining?

2. Next, consider the design you want

Long Island decks come in many shapes and forms. Some designs are strictly utilitarian, doing no more than offering a raised area to set up tables and a grill while providing storage underneath. Others are far more elaborate, with intricate railings and wrappings and elegant flooring. If properly built, both extremes have a lot to offer. It really is up to the homeowner to decide what it is he wants.

3. What kind of budget do you have?

While you may want to have the greatest-looking deck in the world, your wallet might have a few things to say about that the deck building cost. Once you sort out the design scheme that you want you need to determine if it is economically feasible. Better yet, pick out more than one design. This will allow you to compare costs and see which one is the most feasible.

4. Know where and where not to cut costs

Considering cutting down on labor costs? You should be very careful here. You may be better off trying to reduce deck pricing per square foot. Don’t mistake a lower hourly rate for cost savings. While you can save money in the short term by going with inexperienced labor, this will lead to inferior craftsmanship. A deck that is poorly built will be more expensive to maintain, thus costing more in the long run.

5. Always secure an estimate before hiring anyone

Don’t agree to hire any contractor until you have an official quote from him. You don’t want to hear one price for your LI deck project only to find out at the end that it’s much more than originally quoted.

Taylen Dickson, the author, has been providing advice on how to receive the most reasonable deck pricing per square foot from local contractors for many years. If your home needs a deck, you owe it to yourself to get in touch with great decking contractors today. Get the deck you want!