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Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Deck Contractor

Hiring a deck contractor should be exciting—you’re about to build a beautiful new space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. But too many homeowners rush the process and end up with regret instead of results.

Don’t let that be you. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when hiring someone to build your deck—and how to make sure your investment pays off.

1. Falling for the Cheapest Quote

We get it. Decks can be expensive, and that low quote is tempting. But like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

Cheap quotes often lead to:

Poor-quality materials
Unskilled labor
No insurance or licensing
Sudden “surprise” charges mid-project

A professional, experienced contractor might cost more upfront—but they’ll build it right the first time, and save you major repairs (or complete rebuilds) down the road.

Pro Tip: Get at least 2–3 estimates and compare what’s included—not just the bottom line.

2. Not Checking Credentials or References

You wouldn’t let a stranger perform surgery on your house, right? A deck is a major structural addition—it needs a builder with proper credentials.

Always ask for:

Proof of license and insurance
A portfolio of past work
References from recent customers

Then actually call those references. Ask about communication, timelines, cleanup, and the finished product.

Bonus tip: Look for online reviews, but don’t stop there. Real feedback from real people goes a long way.

3. Skipping the Written Contract

Never hire a contractor based on a handshake or text thread. A proper contract should include:

Scope of work
Materials used
Timeline and payment schedule
Warranty information
Clean-up expectations and permits

A clear contract protects both you and the builder—and sets expectations from the start.

4. Ignoring Design and Material Guidance

Some contractors are just installers. Others are collaborators.

A good contractor should help you:

Choose materials based on your climate and budget
Understand the pros/cons of wood vs. composite
Design a layout that works with your home and yard
Recommend lighting, railing, drainage, and code compliance

Mistake: Assuming you have to know everything before the project starts.
Truth: A great contractor will educate and guide you through the process.

5. Not Thinking About the Future

Decks are long-term investments. You want something that’s going to last—and grow with you.

Common oversights:

No room for future add-ons (like a pergola or privacy wall)
Poor drainage causing water damage
Skipping low-maintenance materials to “save now”
Not planning for kids, pets, or resale value

Ask your contractor how the deck will hold up over 10, 20, even 30 years. Their answer will tell you everything you need to know.

Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Build Better

Choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right materials. Take your time, ask smart questions, and trust your gut.

A little research now can mean the difference between a dream deck—and a nightmare with a price tag.

Best Practices for Hiring Contractors

The construction world is filled with an assortment of different contractors you can hire for specific types of home projects. There are custom deck contractors, remodeling contractors, general contractors, and many variations in between. Actually, there are contractors in nearly every industry. A contractor is a person or company that engages in a contracted agreement with you to provide materials, services, or both. Whether you’re hiring a contractor to build you a custom deck in Omaha, or a contractor to build a pool, there are best practices you should follow to protect your investment and increase the odds of a good outcome.

Do Your Homework

Always do your homework before hiring a contractor. Start by checking the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB was founded in 1912 as a private, nonprofit organization that focuses on providing marketplace transparency to identify good and bad companies. Angie’s List is another great resource that provides verified reviews and comparisons of local companies. Last but not least, check Google. All businesses today should have a Google My Business account and a good amount of Google reviews.

No Deposits Necessary

If you do a little digging, you’ll find countless stories of people giving money to contractors who never complete the service or disappear altogether. Established companies generally don’t need a deposit to get started. Some companies may ask for a deposit to cover material costs, but be wary, because it’s a sign they’re either new and don’t have enough capital to get through a job without a deposit, or they manage their finances poorly. If they get into a pinch, you can’t depend on them to fulfill their contract.

Years of Experience vs. Years in Business

If you see a company that started a few years ago claiming to have 90 years of experience, that’s a red flag. They may have 20 employees, and altogether their experience adds up to 90 years, and who knows exactly what the “experience” was. The smart and safe thing to do is to go with a company that has been in business for decades. If they made the “years of experience” claim, you’d see “we have 500 years of experience.” If a company has survived for over ten years and has good reviews, they’re a solid choice.

Beware of Fly-By-Night Contractors

The fly-by-night contractor may someday literally knock on your door and make you an offer that sounds too good to be true. And it almost always is too good to be true. Fly-by-night contractors usually don’t have a website, are not local, and often can be spotted by the following:

• Solicits door-to-door
• Only accepts cash or asks for full payment up-front
• Pressures you to make an immediate decision
• Offers discounts for finding other customers
• Asks you to obtain the building permit for the project
• Can’t be found online or in a local directory

Looking for a Custom Deck in Omaha this Summer?

Decks, Decks, and More Decks is a local family-owned custom deck-building company. Since 1980 we have been adding beauty to backyards all over the Omaha, Nebraska area. But don’t take our word for it.

Check out our Google Reviews

Check out our rating on the BBB

Look at our Angie’s List profile

How To Choose An Omaha Custom Deck Contractor

When it comes to home maintenance and home improvement, there are often numerous choices of contractors to choose from. It’s no different with custom deck contractors, as the options for adding a deck to your Omaha home span from DIY to handymen to deck-building professionals.

If you’re looking to select one of Omaha’s many deck contractors for a custom deck on your home, custom deck omaha there are several things you should consider. Longevity and experience are among some of the more important things to consider. Experienced custom deck contractors will have a wide base of reviews and testimonials, knowledge of building codes, and a large portfolio of custom deck work.

Additionally, when adding a major improvement to your home you want to be sure you’re 100% happy before laying out a large deposit. This is why dedicated deck contractors will be willing to put the time in to review materials and layout with you. At Deck, Decks, and More Decks, we provide a 3D rendering of your future deck to ensure you are happy before we begin work.

Please contact our custom deck experts to see why we are the preferred custom deck builder in Omaha.

Choosing TimberTech Products for your Low-Maintenance Deck

At Decks, Decks and More Decks (DDMD) our custom decks are unique and built to fit your family and your needs. All of our customers want a beautiful custom deck that requires little year-round maintenance; DDMD specializes in just that.

Decks, Decks & More Decks is Omaha’s only TimberTech Gold Contractor® & TrexPro®Elite Member. TimberTech composite decking and railing products are low maintenance, safe, and durable. It maintains its color and beauty without the work of annual painting or staining. Additionally, it will resist mildew, warping, and insects; so there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards.

timbertech custom deck TimberTech’s products offer our Omaha customers a wide variety of colors, styles, and deck accessories – which allows for our custom decks to truly be an extension of our living space. All of TimberTech’s products come backed by an excellent warranty.

This summer, allow our custom deck experts to provide your family with low-maintenance enjoyment in a custom deck.

Selecting A Custom Deck Builder

When looking to complete any major home improvement project, it’s important to research options for professional contractors. While there are many options to choose from, many custom deck builders might not meet all your desired criteria. This is why research is important.

Omaha Custom Deck Builder

At Decks, Decks and More Decks, we are Omaha’s custom deck contractors and exceed other local competition in experience, knowledge, and quality. There can be extreme differences between the quality and craftsmanship among deck building companies. And, for those who are seeking a less-expensive solution and are considering the DIY deck route, it’s important to assess the overall quality of materials and work for your money before going down this path

You can gain more insight into comparing contractors or going the DIY route on our Choosing a Deck Company page, but when selecting an Omaha custom deck builder we encourage you to look at longevity, level of expertise (through previous work and clients) and quality of building materials. Doing diligent research will pay-off with a beautiful custom deck that will last years to come.