Decks & patio covers: questions to ask before you hire

For decks & patio covers

1. Wood, composite or vinyl: what would you suggest for my yard, and why?
2. What do you use for footings and posts, and how deep do they go?
3. How is the deck attached to the house, and how do you keep water out where it meets the wall?
4. Does my deck need a building permit from the city? Will you get it?
5. How high will the railings be, and what are they made of?
6. How do you handle drainage and airflow under the deck so it doesn't rot?
7. If it's a patio cover, how does it handle snow and rain runoff?

Ask every contractor

1. Do you have a business licence that covers my city? Can I see it?
2. Can you send me a WorkSafeBC clearance letter? It means I'm not on the hook if one of your crew is hurt on my property.
3. Do you have liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?
4. Can I get the quote in writing, broken down into materials and labour?
5. How much is the deposit, and when are the other payments due? (Be wary of a big payment up front.)
6. When can you start, and how long will the job take?
7. Who will actually do the work: your own crew or subcontractors?
8. Does the job need a permit, and who gets it?
9. What warranty do you give, on materials and on your work? Can I have it in writing?
10. Can I see photos of similar jobs you've done recently, or talk to a past customer?
11. How do you leave the site at the end of each day, and when the job's done?

My notes