How to Find the Best Outdoor Construction Company: A Homeowner’s Guide

Taking on an outdoor construction project? Hiring the right outdoor construction company like Stilus Design And Construction to build your patio, deck, pergola or outdoor kitchen is key. With the wrong contractor, shoddy work and safety hazards could ruin your yard oasis. The good news is you can easily spot red flags and find a stellar construction pro by keeping these tips in mind during the selection process. Let’s review how to identify competent, safe and efficient outdoor builders to protect your investment.

Research Local Companies Thoroughly

Start your search online assessing potential contractors’ websites. Look for:

• Number of years in business and completed projects. More experience is better.
• Glowing customer testimonials and reviews. This indicates quality work.
• Photos of finished work showing skill and care.
• Certifications, awards, and association memberships. These validate expertise.

Also check ratings on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Be wary of very new companies with no track record. Vet options thoroughly.

Ask for and Check References

Any company worth hiring will gladly provide multiple references. Speaking with past clients offers invaluable insider information. Ask refs about their overall experience, quality of materials and work, timeliness, cleanup, pricing fairness and more. This helps verify competency and professionalism. Also physically see completed projects if possible. Past work speaks volumes about what to expect.

Require Proof of Licensing and Insurance

Reputable contractors will carry all required state licenses demonstrating they are legal, regulated businesses. Likewise, they should hold general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and bonding minimums to protect you from liability for property damage, injuries or other issues. Never hire uninsured or unlicensed companies – it’s a massive red flag putting you at risk.

Look for Safety Best Practices

The right construction crew follows strict safety protocols to protect workers and homeowners from harm. Make sure they use safety gear like harnesses when working from heights and clearly barricade work zones from access. Also check if they offer OSHA safety training for workers. Safety-first companies avoid dangerous situations that could lead to injuries or property damage.

Ask Lots of Questions

When meeting potential contractors, ask questions like:

• How long have you been in business?
• What’s your experience with projects like mine?
• How many projects are you currently working on?
• Who handles permitting and procurement?
• What’s your safety record?
• What warranties do you offer on materials and labor?

The more you communicate upfront, the clearer expectations will be for the project and working relationship. Take time here.

Request a Detailed Written Proposal

A quality construction firm will provide a clear, comprehensive project proposal in writing. It should cover:

• Full project scope and specifications
• Timeline with milestones
• Exact materials being used
• Itemized price for materials, labor and fees
• Payment schedule and process
• Explicit warranty information

Price shop proposals, but note cheapest doesn’t mean best. Review scope details closely and ask clarifying questions.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

When meeting potential contractors, pay attention to your gut feel. Do they seem knowledgeable? Friendly? Genuine? Reliable? Communicative? Hiring a company to build your outdoor oasis is a relationship. The right fit should give you confidence in their skills and work ethic. Never ignore red flags.

Conclusion 

Doing your homework helps find the perfect construction crew to bring your outdoor vision to life efficiently and safely. Following these handy homeowner tips will set your project up for success from the ground up. Let me know if you need any other advice.