Many people decide to
build onto their houses for various reasons, including increased home value and
making their home look better. One of the most common routes people decide to use
to increase the value of waterfront property is dock
construction. There are so many
options, and these can really be customized. With that being said, though,
there are some things you want to look for in a construction company to help
ensure they’ll do a good job and help you have the dock you want.
1. Experience
One of the biggest things you want to check out with different construction
companies is what kind of experience they have. Not only do you want to make
sure they’ve done construction for many years, but you also want to make sure
that they’ve built quite a few decks over the years. While it’s not necessarily
a bad thing to hire a company that’s just starting out, it’s a good idea to
find someone with experience. It eventually comes down to what you’re willing
to allow and what you’re comfortable with.
2. Dock Material Offered
Next, you want to see what materials are offered. Some companies will only
offer wood, while others will offer a few different options to choose from.
Some people are fine with the traditional wood materials, but others will have
visions that use different kinds of materials. Even if you aren’t sure what
material you want used, it’s good to know what is offered as well as the
benefits of each option. Not only could this help you make a decision, but you’ll
also have options that are sure to have exactly what you’re looking for.
3. Warranties
As we know, things happen, and items break or wear down over time. With that
being the case, you want to make sure you find out what the company’s warranty
policies are. The thing about warranties is that every company is going to
offer different things, so you shouldn’t expect every single one to offer the
same degree of coverage. For example, one company might only offer warranties
on the work and not the actual materials, while other companies might offer
warranties on everything. Regardless of what kind of warranty they have, make
sure you get everything in writing!
4. Quote Practices
The majority of people are going to want to have a quote done before the work
on the dock actually starts. Not only will this give an idea of what to expect
in terms of payment, but it also allows you to easily compare prices across
multiple companies. Some companies will give you a straight quote, while others
will break down the price quote for every area of the process, including the
various materials and labor. If they don’t offer a quote, you’ll want to stay
away because it means they can charge you pretty much anything they want once
work has begun.
5. Time Practices
Another one of the things that’s extremely important with construction is how
much time it will take to get the job done. You don’t want to have workers
making a bunch of noise and working for months at a time. Depending on the size
and design of the dock, they should have all the work done within a few weeks.
Keep in mind, things do come up and things happen that the company has no
control over that might delay the construction time. Some of these things could
be bad weather or personal issues that come up. It’s up to you how lenient
you will be with these circumstances.
6. Reviews/Portfolio
Looking at reviews and portfolios of past work can often help you decide which
company you want to go with. Not only will you be able to see actual photos of
the company’s past work, but you’ll also be able to see the good and the bad
from past customers. In these reviews, most customers will lay it all out and
get right into the nitty gritty. They’ll let you know all the good and bad, so
you’ll know exactly what to expect.
7. Decking Accessories Offered
Finally, you want to see if they offer any decking accessories or if they have
connections with other companies that specialize in that type of thing. This
can include things like lighting or decorations. It really depends on what
you’re looking for and whether or not you’re searching for something that can’t
be easily bought from mass merchandisers. Even if you aren’t sure what you
want, it’s a good idea to see what they offer!
Looking at these things before starting dock construction will give you a
better chance of finding a great company. The last thing you want is to spend
all kinds of money for a dock that isn’t made properly or isn’t what you
envisioned. A good company will work with you and you should do thorough
research before making a decision.
