Alright, let's talk decks. Specifically, wooden decks. I’ve been building these things for years here in Bellevue, and I’ve seen just about everything. What really gets me is when good people make simple mistakes that end up costing them a lot of headaches, time, and money. You want a great deck, right? Of course you do. So, let’s go over some of the most common blunders I see folks make when they’re planning or hiring for a wooden deck project.
Mistake #1: Focusing Only on the Lowest Bid
This is probably the biggest one. Everyone wants a good deal, I get it. But when you’re comparing bids for a deck, the cheapest one isn’t always the best one. In fact, it's rarely the best one. Sometimes, it’s a huge red flag. A super low bid might mean a contractor is cutting corners on materials, skipping important steps, or isn't properly insured. Or maybe they just don't know what they're doing. You don't want a deck that looks great for a year and then starts sagging or rotting because they used cheap fasteners or didn't properly flash it against your house. Ask yourself why one bid is significantly lower than the others. There's usually a reason, and it's not always good for you.
Mistake #2: Not Checking References or Insurance
This goes hand-in-hand with the low bid thing. Before you sign anything, you absolutely have to check references. Ask for names and numbers of past clients and actually call them. Ask about their experience, if the project stayed on budget, if the crew was professional, and if they cleaned up after themselves. And for crying out loud, make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. If someone gets hurt on your property and your contractor isn't insured, guess who's on the hook? You are. It's not worth the risk. Any reputable contractor, like us at All Star Decks, will be happy to show you their paperwork.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Local Building Codes
Bellevue has specific building codes, just like any other city. These aren't suggestions; they're rules designed to keep your deck safe and structurally sound. I've seen homeowners try to DIY a deck or hire a fly-by-night crew who doesn't pull permits. That's a recipe for disaster. You could end up with a deck that's unsafe, or you might have to tear it down and rebuild it if the city finds out. Plus, when you go to sell your house, an unpermitted structure can cause all sorts of problems. A good contractor knows the codes, gets the permits, and makes sure everything is up to snuff. This is especially important with our clay soils here in Bellevue; proper footings are non-negotiable if you want your deck to stay level.
Mistake #4: Not Having a Clear Plan or Design
You’d be surprised how many folks say,