You are thinking about a new deck. Maybe you want a place to enjoy the beautiful Galena sunsets, or a spot for your family to gather. This is a good idea. A well-built deck can change your home. I have seen many people in Galena make mistakes with their deck projects. These mistakes usually come down to a few common blunders. We will talk about what to watch out for so your deck project does not become a problem for you.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Permit Process (or Letting Your Contractor Do It)
This is a very important mistake, and it is where many problems start for Deck Building in Galena. In Galena, you absolutely need a building permit for a new deck. The City of Galena has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, among other codes. This means there are specific rules we all must follow for Deck Construction. I have seen homeowners try to save money by cutting corners. Or worse, they assume their deck contractor will handle the permit process. Then they find out later that the contractor never pulled a permit for the deck. That is a big red flag if a contractor tells you a permit is not needed for your Galena deck, or if they try to get you to pull it yourself.
A good, reputable Deck Building contractor, like us at Midway Deck Solutions, will always apply for and obtain the necessary permits for your deck project. This makes sure your deck is built to code. It also makes sure your deck is safe. And it will not cause issues if you ever sell your Galena home. Plus, it means the city's building department will have a second set of eyes checking things over for your deck construction.
Mistake #2: Not Vetting Your Contractor Properly for Deck Building
You would not buy a car without checking under the hood. The same idea applies to your deck builder in Galena. Just because someone has a truck and a hammer does not mean they are qualified for Deck Construction. Here is what you need to look for in a Galena deck contractor:
- Licensing and Insurance: This is not optional for Deck Building. A professional deck contractor needs to be fully licensed and insured. You should ask for proof of general liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance. If they cannot provide it, or if it is expired, you should walk away. This protects both you and the contractor for your Galena deck project.
- References and Portfolio: A good deck builder will be proud of their deck work and happy to show it off. Ask for references and actually call them. Check out their past deck projects. Do they have a variety of deck work? Do they build decks with different materials?
- Clear, Detailed Contracts: A vague, one-page quote for Deck Construction is a warning sign. Your contract should clearly outline the scope of work for the deck, the materials to be used, the timeline for the deck project, and the payment schedule. If a contractor wants to start your Galena deck with just a handshake, that is a big problem.
- Unusually Low Bids: Everyone wants a good deal on their deck. But if one deck quote is much lower than all the others, you should be suspicious. It often means they are cutting corners on materials for the deck, skipping permits, or they have not estimated the deck job correctly. You will pay for it later, one way or another.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Galena's Unique Climate and Soil for Deck Construction
We live in a beautiful area of Galena, but it has its challenges for construction, including Deck Building. Our winters can be very harsh, with significant freeze-thaw cycles. Our summers are also humid. This means your deck needs to be built to withstand those Galena conditions. For example, deck footings need to extend below the frost depth. The frost depth is 42 inches here in Galena. If a contractor does not know this, or tries to go shallower, that is a major problem for your deck. Improper deck footings can lead to shifting and cracking of the deck later on.
Also, the soil around Galena, especially in the Driftless Area, can have fractured dolomite bedrock and karst drainage patterns. This is not like the deep, rich Mollisols you find in other parts of Illinois that are good for farming. It requires specific knowledge to make sure your deck has a stable foundation. Choosing materials that stand up to our Galena weather, like composite decking or properly treated lumber, is also important for the longevity of your deck. Midway Deck Solutions provides Deck Building services for homes in Galena, IL.
Mistake #4: Focusing Only on Price, Not Value or Warranty for Your Deck
I understand that budget matters for your deck project. But choosing the lowest price can cost you more money in the long run for your deck. A cheap deck that is built poorly will need repairs or even replacement much sooner than a quality deck. Ask about the warranty on both the deck materials and the labor for your deck. What does the deck warranty cover? How long does it last? A good contractor stands behind their deck work. One to five years is standard for workmanship on a deck.
You should think about the overall value you are getting for your deck. This includes the quality of the materials for the deck, the experience of the crew building the deck, the attention to detail for the deck, and the knowledge that the deck is done right. That is what you are really investing in for your Galena home. The work will hold up for many years in the Galena climate.
Mistake #5: Not Asking Who Will Actually Be Doing the Deck Work
It is common for contractors to use subcontractors for Deck Building, and this is not always a bad thing. But you need to know who will be on your property in Galena. Ask if they use employees or subcontractors for the deck project. If they use subcontractors, make sure those subcontractors are also properly insured. If an uninsured subcontractor gets hurt on your property, that liability can fall back on you. A reputable company will be clear about their crew and their insurance for your Galena deck. For homes and businesses in Galena, Midway Deck Solutions provides Deck Construction services.
Building a deck should be an exciting project, not a stressful one. By knowing about these common mistakes and asking the right questions, you will be much better prepared to find a reliable deck builder. You will get a deck that you will enjoy for many years to come in Galena. Do your research, ask tough questions, and do not settle for anything less than a professional deck job.