Planning a composite deck can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Many homeowners assume that choosing a contractor is as simple as picking the lowest price, only to face delays, costly mistakes, or warranties that don’t hold up.
At Custom Built, we understand the challenges families face when bringing their deck vision to life. With 20 years of experience designing and building composite decks that last, we guide homeowners through the process—from clarifying design goals to ensuring proper installation and long-term durability.
This article will highlight the eight most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a composite deck contractor and provide practical tips to avoid them. By knowing what to look for, you can protect your investment, enjoy your deck for years to come, and gain confidence in every step of your project:
- Hiring Based Solely on Price
- Ignoring Contractor Experience With Composite Decking
- Overlooking Licensing and Insurance
- Skipping References and Reviews
- Failing to Clarify Project Scope
- Ignoring Manufacturer Warranties
- Neglecting Communication and Project Updates
- Underestimating Job Site and Structural Impact
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1. Hiring Based Solely on Price
Choosing a contractor based only on the lowest bid is a common trap, and it can backfire. Price alone doesn’t tell you what’s included. Simple decks may allow for easier comparison, but complex builds with multiple levels, elevated sections, or extra steps are rarely apples-to-apples.
Tips:
- Confirm what’s included in the price, such as materials, labor, permits, and cleanup.
- Ask contractors to provide detailed bids for comparison.
- Avoid assumptions and clarify exactly how construction change orders affect the cost.
- Consider value over cost; a higher bid may save money in repairs down the road.
2. Ignoring Contractor Experience With Composite Decking
Composite decking isn’t wood, and wood deck builders don’t automatically translate to composite experts. Every manufacturer has unique installation guidelines, and failing to follow them can void your warranty or lead to warping, shifting, or gaps.
Tips:
- Ask about previous composite deck projects and request photos.
- Confirm familiarity with your chosen manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
- Ensure they understand fastening, spacing, and structural support requirements.
- Discuss potential issues with color fading or movement over time.
3. Overlooking Licensing and Insurance
This one is straightforward: make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Licensing ensures basic knowledge and an accountability mechanism within the industry. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong: damage to your home, injuries, or accidents on-site.
Tips:
- Verify licensing status with your local municipal or state authority.
- Ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Understand what coverage applies in case of property damage or injury.
- Check how licensing affects permit approvals for your project.
4. Skipping References and Reviews
If a contractor can’t show photos of completed decks or connect you with past clients, that’s a red flag. Transparency indicates pride in work and willingness to stand behind it.
Tips:
- Look for reviews on Google, social media, and the contractor’s website.
- Ask for previous client references.
- Seek out clients with similar deck size, design, or features to yours.
- Watch for consistency in feedback across multiple clients.
5. Failing to Clarify Project Scope
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Most homeowners don’t know exactly what they want or what’s possible without guidance. Your deck’s design must account for your property’s structure, yard, and obstacles, as well as your lifestyle: morning coffee, weekend BBQs, or hosting large events.
Tips:
- Discuss your primary use: entertaining, relaxation, or family gatherings.
- Identify constraints like trees, slopes, or fences early.
- Ask the contractor to walk through your yard and suggest solutions.
- Review 3D renderings or sketches to confirm design expectations.
6. Ignoring Manufacturer Warranties
Don’t be fooled by a contractor’s “lifetime” or “forever” warranty claims. If the company goes out of business, you may be left unprotected.
Tips:
- Ask for manufacturer warranty details and how they apply to your project.
- Compare coverage for fade, stain, and structural defects.
- Confirm that the contractor is an approved installer for your chosen product.
- Keep all warranty documents in a safe place for future reference.
7. Neglecting Communication and Project Updates
Communication isn’t just courtesy; it’s peace of mind. Whether it’s frequent updates or a clear project timeline, a contractor’s communication style can define your experience.
Tips:
- Agree on preferred communication methods—phone, email, or text.
- Request a project timeline with milestones and expected completion dates.
- Ask how changes during construction will be communicated and approved.
- Check in regularly, especially during critical phases of construction.
8. Underestimating Job Site and Structural Impact
Deck construction is invasive. Pallets of materials, heavy equipment, and power tools will be in your yard. Expect noise, dust, and temporary disruption.
Tips:
- Clear a staging area for materials and equipment.
- Protect landscaping or hardscaping near the build area.
- Plan for temporary disruptions to your driveway, yard, or home access.
- Discuss cleanup procedures and restoration of grass or landscaping after completion.
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Composite Deck
Hiring the wrong contractor can compromise your deck’s design, function, and longevity. In this article, you learned how experience, licensing, references, warranties, communication, and project scope can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a durable, beautiful composite deck.
At Custom Built, we help homeowners navigate these challenges, delivering decks that are built right, backed by warranties, and designed for lasting enjoyment.
Start by clarifying your deck goals, researching contractors thoroughly, and asking the right questions to make confident, informed decisions.
Now that you know more about mistakes to avoid when hiring a composite deck contractor, let’s explore how much composite decks cost, the top differences between Trex and wood decking, and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Top 10 Differences Between Trex Composite and Wood Decking Material - Learn more about the basic yet essential differences between Trex composite and wood decking when choosing your deck’s materials.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
