You are probably thinking about adding a deck to your Inglewood home. That is a good idea. A new deck really adds to your living space. Before you start, you must make sure you are hiring the right person for the job. Inglewood Deck Creations has been building decks around Inglewood for many years. We have seen all kinds of deck projects. We have seen the good ones as well as the bad ones as well as the ones that were just plain ugly. Here is what you need to know to protect your investment. This information will also help you get a deck that you will actually love.
Verifying Legitimacy: Do Not Skip This Step
The first thing to check is if your contractor is legitimate. You would not buy a car without checking its VIN. The same rule applies to your deck builder. In California, any project that costs over $500 needs a licensed contractor. If a contractor is not licensed, you should walk away from them. This is a very important rule.
- Check their CSLB license: The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is a very important resource for you. You can go to their website at cslb.ca.gov. You can use their 'Check a License' tool there. You can search by license number as well as business name as well as the contractor's personal name. You are looking for an 'Active' status. If the status is 'Inactive' or 'Expired' or 'Suspended' or 'Revoked', that is a big problem.
- Confirm their bond and workers' comp: While you are on the CSLB site, you should also check that they have a bond on file. This bond is usually $25,000. You also need to check for an active workers' compensation policy. Sometimes they are legitimately exempt, like a sole proprietor who does not have employees. This bond and policy protect you if someone gets hurt on your property. They also protect you if the contractor does not finish the job.
- Look for complaints: The CSLB site will also show you if there are any disciplinary actions. It will also show you a history of complaints. A few small issues might not be a reason to stop. A pattern of problems is a big issue.
- Permits, permits, permits: You almost always need a permit for a new deck. You also need one for a big change to a deck in Inglewood. A good contractor knows this requirement. They will handle the permitting process for you. They will prepare the plans as well as submit them to the City of Inglewood's Building Safety Division. If a contractor tells you a permit is not necessary, that is a big red flag. If they try to get you to pull the permit yourself, that is also a big problem. This means they are likely cutting corners. They are also putting you at risk. You can call the Building Safety Division at (310) 412-5294 if you have any permit questions.
Questions to Ask Every Deck Builder
Once you have confirmed that they are legitimate, it is time to ask more questions. Do not be afraid to ask. You are hiring them for a big job.