Deck Builders on Long Island — 10 Tips Before Hiring

Deck Builders who take their jobs seriously have three things in common:

1. They don’t just see you as a client. To them, you deserve respect and an outdoor space that helps you reach your goals and improve your house — your home.
2. They are great communicators. Everything they do is transparent and easy to follow.
3. They’re experts. They’ve been in business for decades (we’ve been building decks for more than 30 years — just saying 💪).

At Boss Decks, we’re deck builders who value your input. Your goals are the most important thing. Why? Constructing a deck will give you the outdoor space you want. It’ll give you the chance to spend more time with friends and family and to enjoy your outdoor space.

Plus, they need to remember the long-term financial investment of a deck. Done well, a deck will help increase your property’s market value while adding outdoor living space and enhancing your property’s visual appeal. So, choosing the right deck company is a big deal. If you’re in Suffolk or Nassau County, NY, you must consider particular aspects when searching for a deck company.

10 Tips to Hire Deck Builders

Tip #1: Check That They Are Licensed and Insured

The New York State Attorney’s office is pretty clear on licensing:

“Home improvement contractors must be licensed in New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties.”

Long Island deck builders must be licensed. Double-check they are before committing to any work. Anyone worth the money would be happy to share proof of their license. You’re also going to want to make sure they’re insured. If any of their team is hurt on the job site or causes damage to the property, you want to make sure their insurance — not yours — is footing the bill.

If the contractor you’re looking to hire hesitate to share proof of their insurance or license, that’s a major red flag.

Tip #2: Choose Deck Builders With A Solid Portfolio

Search for deck builders that can prove they’re experts. Here are some of my favorite projects from our portfolio:

Not all contractors specialize in deck building. While some are jack-of-all-trade types who might be able to get you something halfway decent, many of them just don’t have the experience to give you a deck that will last.

Anyone you hire should live and breathe this stuff. It‘s their niche. A deck is a pivotal piece to your home’s value. Many people looking to buy on Long Island want a nice deck already in place. So, if you’re considering selling, it’s best to get the job done well. Curb appeal is crucial.

But a deck is more than a way to increase your home’s value. It gifts you time. Time with family. Memories with friends. Great decking companies know these invaluable things are what matter most.

Tip #3: Ask them lots of questions

Veteran deck builders know everything about decks and can tell you all you need to know about building codes on Long Island. They should have extensive knowledge of permits and structural integrity. Ask them about it. See if they can speak ad nauseam about decking materials — especially composite decking.

You don’t want to hire a company that only does decks as an add-on service. A deck is an investment. Plus, if done poorly, it can be a safety hazard. It needs to last and hold up to our wild weather.

Ask them about the zoning laws and permit processes. They need to know the process from start to finish.

Tip #4: Read Testimonials and Check Review Sites

Customer testimonials and online reviews offer detailed perspectives on a contractor’s dependability, professionalism, and past jobs. You can find reviews on Google, Yelp, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It also doesn’t hurt to ask them if they could speak to a past client.

Here’s what Daniel in Port Jefferson Station had to say about our work:

 

When looking at reviews, keep in mind that a bad review or two isn’t the end of the world. You have to be realistic. People are picky. Some are petty. But don’t take poor reviews lightly, either. Look for trends. If the poor reviews mention the same thing and are consistent across platforms, that’s a red flag. It’s also a chance to see how the owner responds. They can post an apology or an explanation, but evaluating how they handle it is important.

Tip #5: Understand Local Building Codes and Permits

Deck builders need to know all about codes and zoning. Each town has its regulations, and anyone you’re considering hiring should know them.

Building decks in Long Island requires adherence to municipal building codes and zoning regulations. Some towns enforce strict rules for deck construction around deck height, railing standards, and property boundary setbacks.

An experienced deck builder must manage the permit application process and adhere to all required standards. You need to know that the company you hire understands and follows all local ordinances. Otherwise, you could be facing penalties.

Tip #6: Compare Quotes — But Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest

There’s no problem in shopping around. We hope you do. We’ve got a free 3D quote waiting for you! I know I don’t need to tell you, but the lowest quote might not be from the best company. Often, a low price means they’re using lower-quality material to maximize their return. Good for them, bad for you. If they’re not offering Trex composite decking in their build, think twice about them.

Here’s what deck builders must bring to the table:

• The highest quality material
• Expert labor and craftsmanship
• Proper permits and insurance
• Great communication
• A team you easily connect with and trust

Tip #7: Research Materials and Their Longevity

I just mentioned it, but it’s worth saying again: the type of materials deck builders use is everything. If you don’t get a high-quality composite deck you will spend more money in the long run, trying to keep your wood deck in top shape.

Pressure-treated wood offers an affordable natural look but requires ongoing maintenance because it is vulnerable to rotting. Cleaning it. Staining it. Sealing it. It’s a lot to do.

Composite decking materials like Trex and TimberTech don’t require much maintenance and can stand up to our weather, making the higher initial costs worth it. And then there are PVC materials. Brands like Azek and Fiberon offer durability without staining but tend to have higher costs.

Hardwoods such as Ipe and Mahogany offer great beauty and durability but need sealing to prevent damage and they come with a high price tag, too. Ultimately, it’s up to you. But do your research. Composite decking provides the best value, warranties, and durability.

Tip #8: Get A Clear Project Timeline

Your deck builders have to keep things running. Yes, things come up. Yes, life happens. A timeline is everything, though. The last thing you want is to be sitting inside when those beautiful spring and summer days come along.

Ask your company for the schedule. When is the start date? When should the deck be completed? A lot can happen along the way. The weather may offer some setbacks. The permit approval process may linger on. Materials may run low. Either way, deck builders should be prepared to hit deadlines.

Tip #9: Find Deck Builders With Flexible Payment Plans

You’ll hear me say it time and again, but it’s true: budget shouldn’t be a barrier to the outdoor memories you deserve. Deck builders should never lose you over money.

It’s why Boss Decks overs no payments from 12 to 18 months. Do the companies you’re vetting offer zero-interest payments? We do. Make sure their pricing is clear and flexible. If they don’t have payment options that suit you, keep looking. And, if they’re demanding full payment upfront … run.

Tip #10: Know the Contract and Warranty Thoroughly

Make sure you know the ins and outs of the contracts and warranties. Any company should make it clear. Here are some things you’ve got to know:

• Total project cost and payment schedule
• The contract must include a full description of the work scope and materials used.
• Project start and completion dates
• Warranty information for labor and materials

Wait to move forward until you have a signed contract that safeguards the interests of both you and the contractor. Ask their team about the warranties for the labor and the materials from the manufacturer.

(I’ve previously covered some of the warranties you can expect from Trex’s product lines in this post on their pricing).

Everything should be clear and written out so you can easily understand.

Quick Summary

You’ve got to put in some work to find the right deck builders. It’s worth it. Let the search be the thing that takes a bit of time. Doing the work upfront will save you the headache of working with someone who doesn’t prioritize your outdoor space. We do.

I’ve given you the tips you need to be able to find the right fit. Good luck! And if you need a quote, don’t hesitate to reach out.