An astonishing 56.9% of the nearly 879,000 single-family houses built in 2019, had patios. Patios are more than just a place to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Patios are now status symbols, and can be transformed into outdoor living spaces with kitchens or dining areas.
The new year is the best time to start a new patio. You don’t have to build your patio by law, but it is possible to hire a patio contractor for best results.
Problem is, there are so many patio contractors out there. How do you choose the best one? We can help you if this is your situation. We’ll highlight a few things to look out for when hiring patio builders.
Valid license and proper insurance
A license is the first thing to look for when looking at a patio-building company. All cape cod landscaping and building contractors must have valid licenses in order to be allowed to work in the state they are located. Contractors who work without licenses are illegal and a waste of time and money.
You should also verify that the company has the proper insurance coverage. An insurance policy that covers both general liability and workers’ comp should be in place for a legitimate company. The company should at least have general liability coverage.
General liability insurance protects you against any out-of pocket costs in the case of property damage during construction. Workers’ compensation, on the other side, protects you against legal and financial liability if a worker is injured on the job.
Before signing any paperwork, ensure that the company has both a valid licence and insurance. An expired license is not valid.
Experiment with Building Patios and Outdoor Enclosures
Some contractors are not well-versed in outdoor enclosures and patio construction. You should look for companies with extensive experience in the construction of patios. Ask for their portfolio and photos of patios that they have worked on in the past.
Do not settle for just word-of-mouth. Instead, ask for concrete proof. It doesn’t matter if they claim they can build it. Before you hire the contractor, make sure to check the portfolio.
Reasonable Rates
A contractor should provide you with an estimate for the cost of building your patio. The cost of building your patio is not what this estimate will cover. It will give you an idea of the cost to purchase the patio.
Most homeowners choose the contractor who offers the lowest price. While this is a good idea, it can only be detrimental to the homeowner. Low-quality materials and substandard work are often the result of lower rates.
It is best to be safe and choose a contractor who charges reasonable rates. This means that you should not pay too much, but also not overpay too. Get multiple estimates from different contractors to find the one that fits your needs.
A detailed contract
Even though a patio may seem like a simple job, it is important to have all details in writing. A contract should be drawn up by the patio contractor that covers all of the important details. The contract should include details such as the costs and duration of the project.
Before you give the contractor your green signal, make sure to read all the fine print. Once everything is in order, you can sign the contract and the contractor can begin work. You should leave enough room for unexpected changes in the contract.
A warranty
Is the patio company offering a warranty on its services? Because they are confident in the quality of their work, reputable contractors offer warranties on their projects. Many offer free follow-up repairs.
Specifications and plans for the Job
You should receive the plans and specifications from the contractor. These plans should include details such as the layout of the patio, materials required, and many other details. These plans will give you an idea of what to expect when the contractor arrives.
Ask for multiple bids to ensure you find the right plan for your needs and budget. You can also send them your ideas for patios and ask if they are up to the job. You can choose the best option, but keep an eye on the costs.
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The number of people working on the project
It is important to know how many people will be using the patio. You’re inviting strangers into your home. You might feel uncomfortable if there are too many people involved in the project.
Ask about the work schedule of the contractor to see if it matches yours. You might not be a morning person so you don’t want people coming in after 9 am. This is something you should discuss with your contractor to create a schedule that works best for you both.
A solid demeanor
When you have the time, arrange a one-on-1 meeting with the contractor. This meeting should be a chance to get to know each other. Pay attention to their demeanor. Ask about their education, experience, core values, and other details.
Ask them questions about patios. Ask about the construction process, timeline, and benefits that a patio offers. As long as you gain a better understanding of the contractor or the project, you can ask any question.
Avoid contractors who seem anxious or jittery. They may be hiding something, or they don’t have enough experience or knowledge to complete your project.
Only the best patio builders will do it
Do not settle for less than the best when you are looking for a patio contractor. Find cape cod masonry contractors who meets all your requirements. One such contractor is just a phone call away. Call us today to get professional and efficient patio-building services.
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