How to get the most out of your in-home estimate

Here are a couple key things to think about when setting up your appointment with an estimator.

• Do a little research ahead of time. If you are considering a new deck, take a look at some of the options available, and how they best fit your needs. Is it important to you to have something that is low maintenance like Composite Decking, or do you love the idea of using a natural cedar grown right in the Pacific Northwest like Port Orford Cedar?
• If you are a two-party household where you both have a say in making decisions about the home, then make sure you find a time when you can both be there. Your estimator should bring out samples and pictures of all your options and they may not be able to leave those behind. Plus your spouse may have very different questions or concerns than you, so give yourselves the best chance of being on the same page by both being at the appointment.
• Visit the company’s physical location. Do they have a showroom with options you can see? Do they have sample materials you can touch and feel? Are there friendly staff there to greet you when you walk in the door? Do they answer the phone promptly during office hours? It may save you money up front to hire your local handyman, but what happens when you need a repair or an addition in 5 years, will they still be around and able to offer you a lifetime workmanship warranty?
• Ask about the schedule. Do you have to have your project done within a certain timeline? Make sure that you choose a contractor with a firm schedule that they stick to, and that they can accommodate your timeline. Consider asking them to hold dates for your project before they even come out, they may be able to get to you even sooner!