What Questions Should I Ask a Deck Contractor?
Quick Answer: Before hiring any deck contractor in the Oswego area, ask to see their license and certificate of insurance, confirm they pull permits on every project, ask what specific composite product they’re installing (brand and product line), verify the footing depth they plan to use, and get a written line-item quote. Vague answers to any of these questions are a red flag. A confident, qualified contractor answers all of them directly.
Licensing and Insurance Questions
“Can I see your contractor’s license and certificate of insurance?”
This is question one, before anything else. Don’t take a verbal “yes, we’re licensed and insured.” Ask to see documents. A current certificate of insurance will show the policy dates, coverage amounts, and named insured. A license can be verified with the state licensing authority.
This protects you in two ways: if a worker is injured on your property, proper workers’ compensation coverage is essential. And a licensed contractor has met minimum competency and compliance requirements.
“Does your insurance include workers’ compensation?”
General liability covers property damage. Workers’ compensation covers employees injured on your property. Both matter. Verify both.
Permit Questions
“Do you pull permits on every project?”
The answer should be yes, unequivocally. If the contractor hedges – “we can if you want,” or “for a project this size it’s not always required,” or “we can save you some money by…” – that’s a problem.
Permits are required for deck construction in Oswego. A contractor who suggests otherwise is either uninformed or deliberately cutting a corner. Learn what the permit process actually involves.
“Is the permit fee included in your quote?”
It should be. Get a clear yes.
Materials Questions
“What specific composite product are you quoting?”
The answer needs to include brand name (Trex, TimberTech, Azek) and product line (Transcend, PRO Reserve, Landmark). “We use quality composite” is not an answer. The difference between entry-level and premium composite in the same brand family is significant.
“Is this product fully capped on all four sides?”
For Illinois weather, the answer needs to be yes for composite. Why cap quality matters in Illinois conditions.
“What is the manufacturer warranty on this specific product?”
Know what you’re buying. Major brands offer 25 to 50-year warranties depending on the product.
Construction Questions
“How deep will the footings be?”
In Oswego and Kane County, the answer should be at least 42 inches. That’s the frost line. If the contractor gives you a number less than 42 inches, or doesn’t know, that’s a structural red flag. Why frost-line footings matter.
“What joist spacing will you use?”
For composite decking, the answer should be 12 inches on-center in most cases. This is the manufacturer requirement for most composite products.
“How will you flash the ledger board?”
A qualified contractor will describe the process – removing siding, installing metal or membrane flashing, maintaining drainage space. A vague answer or “we seal it with caulk” is a red flag.
“Who does the work – your own crew or subcontractors?”
Both can be legitimate, but knowing who is actually on your property matters. If subcontractors are used, are they also licensed and insured?
Process and Timeline Questions
“How long will this project take from signing to completion?”
Get a realistic timeline that includes permit review, material lead times, and construction. What a realistic timeline looks like.
“How do you handle unforeseen conditions that affect the price?”
The answer should be: we discuss it with you and get approval before proceeding. Not “we deal with it and bill you at the end.”
“Can I speak with three recent customers who had projects similar to mine?”
A confident contractor says yes and provides references.
Important Considerations
Ask every contractor the same questions. This is how you create an apples-to-apples comparison. If one contractor is evasive and another answers every question directly, that tells you something.
Compare written quotes, not verbal estimates. Get everything in writing before signing. The quote should specify the composite product, railing system, whether the permit is included, and the scope of work.
**Choosing a deck builder in Oswego goes deeper on the evaluation process.
What to Do Next
Call DDT Deck Builders at 630-200-3945 and ask us these questions. We’ll answer every one of them directly. We’ll show you our license and insurance. We’ll tell you exactly what we’re installing and how we build.
We serve Oswego, Aurora, Montgomery, Yorkville, Plainfield, and Kane and Kendall County.