Adding a deck to a home is a serious consideration, and if you have decided to do this we commend you. This investment will add to the value of your entire home.

You have decided to get talented decking contractors to help you. What should you do next? Don’t jump the gun and hire the first contractor you come across. There are a few things you should at least consider.

1. What kind of work are you looking for?

Big or small, you need to have an idea of what kind of deck you want. Is it just a small porch you’re looking to get made? A place you can kick back and relax? Or, maybe you have plans for a giant deck that can accomodate many people?

2. What sort of design do 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. Other designs are much more ostentatious. The deck may be curved, with elegant railings. If properly built, both extremes have a lot to offer. It’s really up to you as to the design you ultimately choose.

3. Consider your budget

We all know that in order to get the best, we have to be willing to spend a lot for it. That is why we sometimes have to make sacrifices with the deck building cost. After the design has been chosen you should then try and figure out if it’s going to be economically viable. You may even want to have a couple of designs in your head so that if one proves to be unfeasible you can switch to the other.

4. Learn how best to cut costs

When you have to choose between reducing deck pricing per square foot or labor costs, be careful. Don’t automatically assume cost savings will result from going with a contractor who charges a reduced hourly rate. 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. Never hire someone without getting a quote

Make sure you get a quote down on paper before proceeding any further with a contractor. 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.

The author, Taylen Dickson, has spent much of his life building decks for residents in his area, and now he tries to help people get great deck pricing per square foot for their own projects. He recommends visiting these decking contractors to find solutions for your problems. You will not be disappointed!