Vancouver Deck: The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Contractor

If you’re looking for the best contractor in Vancouver to build your deck, then look no further!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding and hiring a contractor. We’ll provide tips on how to get quotes, what to look for in a contractor, and how to avoid scams.

So whether you’re just starting to plan your deck or are ready to hire a contractor, this guide will help make the process easier!

The different types of decks

Before diving in to find the best contractor, you should know what types of decks they install in Vancouver. There are various types of decking materials available on the market, each with its own pros and cons.

Here are some of the most popular decking materials:

Pressure-treated lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is the most common decking material used by homeowners in Vancouver.

It’s affordable and easy to find, but it does require more maintenance than other materials.

Cedar decks

Cedar is another popular choice for building decks in BC.

Cedar has a better natural resistance against water related issues, like mold, mildew, and rot, and it has a longer lifespan. It also costs a little bit more than pressure-treated wood.

Composite decking

Composite decking is a popular alternative to wood because it requires less maintenance, has a longer lifespan, and is much more durable and resistant to the elements.

Compared to wood, composite decking materials are more expensive upfront, but a better investment long-term.

Vinyl decking

Vinyl or plastic decking material is growing in popularity year by year. It is a synthetic product made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other additives, making it impervious to moisture, insects, and rot.

One of the major benefits of vinyl decking is that it doesn’t require any painting, staining, or sealing. It is also very easy to clean.

What deck construction material is right for your home?

When looking for decking material, you’ll need to consider the climate in your area.

For example, in British Columbia it rains a lot, and you’ll need a material that’s resistant to water, like composite or PVC. Cedar would also be a good choice for decking material, as it is both weatherproof and rot-resistant.

When choosing a material, you’ll also want to consider the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your deck. Wood decking materials will need regular sealing and staining once every 2 – 3 years.

If you’re planning on building a large deck for friends and family gatherings, you’ll need to choose a material that can support the weight. We recommend aluminum framing and railing for that.

All in all, our best recommendation would be composite decking. This material will stand the test of time and will require very little of your attention. Despite the increased upfront price, composite decking materials will save you a lot of maintenance and repair costs.

How to find the best deck builders?

Choosing a contractor is an important decision, but you can be sure to find the best one for your needs with these tips. Here are a few steps you should take when finding a contractor for your dream deck:

1. Ask family and friends for recommendation

First, you’ll need to get recommendations from friends and family. If someone you trust has had a good experience with a deck builder they’ll be more likely to recommend them to you.

2. Get a list of contractors

Then, compile a list of potential deck builders. You can also contact your local Better Business Bureau to give you a list of reputable contractors in the Vancouver area.

3. Check online for the website and reviews

After you have a list of potential contractors, check their website, Angi, or Houzz, or even BBB listing, and read reviews from past clients. This will give you a good idea if they perform quality work and offer a great service.

When reading reviews, pay attention to both the positive and negative ones. It would help if you also looked for any patterns in the reviews. For example, if you see many people complaining about a contractor’s communication skills, they’re not the best choice for your project.

4. Check if the contractor is licensed and insured

You’ll need to make sure the contractor is fully licensed and has liability insurance. This is important because it will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during the project.

You can check if a contractor is licensed by contacting your state’s licensing board. It would be best if you also asked to see their insurance policy to ensure they’re fully covered.

5. Get estimates from at least three contractors

You should get a detailed estimate from at least three contractors. This will allow you to compare prices and find the best deal for your complete satisfaction.

When getting an estimate, be sure to ask the general contractor about the cost of materials, labor, and any other fees. It would help if you also asked for a timeline to see when the restoration project will be completed.

6. Schedule a consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule a consultation with each contractor. This is a great opportunity to ask them questions about their experience, process, and pricing.

During the consultation, pay attention to how the contractor communicates with you. Do they answer your questions thoroughly? Are they easy to talk to? This will give you a good idea of whether or not they’re the right fit for your project.

7. Interview your contractor

An important step in finding a deck professional for your project is taking the time to as your questions. During the consultation make sure you ask your, contractor, the following:

How long have you been in business?
How many projects have you completed?
Can I see some pictures of your previous work?
Do you have any references I can contact?
What is your process for building outdoor living spaces?
When will the deck building project be completed?
How much the outdoor space will cost?
What kind of warranty do you offer?

After you’ve asked all of your questions, you should have a good idea of which contractor is the best fit to reinvent your old deck. Be sure to take your time making this decision, as it’s an important one.

8. Follow up with the contractor to start designing your deck

The last step is to follow up with the contractor to design your deck in a very professional manner. This is where you’ll discuss your vision for the project and create a plan for your deck renovation.

It would be best if you also asked the contractor to schedule when they’ll be working on the project. This will help you stay organized and avoid any surprises.

What to expect during installation?

When building a new deck or installing a new one, you should expect the following:

The process will take a few weeks from start to finish.
There will be some noise and dust during the project.
The contractor will need access to your home, so make arrangements for this.
You should have a plan for where you'll store any furniture or other items that will be moved during the project.

The Cost of installation

On average, the installation cost for a new deck is $15,000. This includes the cost of materials, labor, and other fees.

The price will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. You can expect to pay more if you choose a premium material like cedar or composite.

If you have a complex design, you’ll also pay more for installation since more labor work will be involved.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to find the best contractor in Vancouver for your deck project, it’s time to get started. By following the tips we’ve provided, you’re sure to find a qualified professional who will help turn your vision into reality.

We’re here to help! The City & Country team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the installation process. We offer a high-quality deck construction service that guarantees complete satisfaction!

If you’re ready to get started on building a deck for your home in BC, give us a call at (604) 329-8996 or (250) 616-7700 or request a quote now!