10 Questions to Ask a Deck Builder on the First Call

A deck, covered porch or pergola should be the easiest room in the house to enjoy. It also sits outside through Kansas sun, storms and freeze-thaw winters, so how it is built matters. The first call is your chance to find out whether a builder takes that seriously.

Here are the 10 questions I want every homeowner to ask me. Ask each builder the same ones and compare.

Before the call

Take photos of the yard, the back of the house and any existing deck.
Think about how you will use the space: dining, grilling, a hot tub, shade.
Check whether your neighborhood has an HOA.
Have a rough budget range in mind.

1. Should I build a deck or a patio?

On a flat lot near grade, a patio can make sense. On a slope or with a raised back door, a deck usually wins. Our post on deck vs. patio compares the two.

2. Wood or composite?

Wood costs less up front and needs regular staining and sealing. Composite costs more and needs little upkeep. Ask what the builder recommends for how long you plan to stay.

3. How deep do the footings go?

Footings need to reach below the frost line, which is 36 inches in Ottawa. Shallow footings let a deck heave and settle.

4. How does the deck attach to my house?

The ledger connection is where many decks fail. Ask how it is fastened and flashed so water stays out of your walls.

5. Who handles the permit and the HOA?

Most attached decks need a permit, and Ottawa requires one for every deck in city limits. Our post on deck permits in Kansas explains more. Ask who prepares HOA submittals.

6. Can it hold a hot tub, or a roof later?

Hot tubs and roofs add a lot of weight. Ask whether the framing and footings can be sized now for what you want later.

7. What railing and stair options meet code?

Elevated decks need guardrails and properly built stairs. Ask what options meet code and fit your budget.

8. How long will it take, and what about weather?

Ask for a realistic timeline, how weather delays are handled, and whether materials are in stock.

9. What drives the cost, and how can I keep it down?

Our deck and outdoor living cost guide explains what raises and lowers the price, from height and roofs to railings and shape.

10. What happens after the project is done?

Ask about the warranty, care instructions and follow-up. We follow up at 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after every project, and our Kansas contractor license is GEN-000052-2019.

Use our outdoor living planning checklist before the call, and read Deck Building 101 to see how a deck goes together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the first call?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes. We learn about your yard and how you want to use it, answer your questions, and decide together whether a site visit makes sense.

Will you give me a price on the first call?

We can explain what drives the cost, but slope, access and footings depend on your yard. We give a written scope and price after the visit.

Is there any cost or obligation for the first call?

No. The first call is a conversation, not a commitment.

When you are ready, start a conversation or learn how our First Call works. Read more about our outdoor living services.

10 Questions to Ask on Your First Call About a Deck or Outdoor Living Space