Selecting a Deck Builder

Selecting a Deck Builder

Selecting a Deck Builder - Credibility

Selecting a Deck Builder - Credibility

Selecting a Deck Builder - Design

Selecting a Deck Builder - Design

Selecting a Deck Builder - Quality

Selecting a Deck Builder - Quality

Selecting a Deck Builder

Selecting a Deck Builder

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North American Deck and Railing Association

North American Deck and Railing Association

www.nadra.org  

888-NADRA-4-U

Deck builders and product manufacturer's alike raised concerns at the 2004 DeckExpo over the compatibility of new generation wood treatments and fasteners. As a result, many realized the need for a unified industry voice. NADRA is that voice. The association is now in its fourth year as a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.


NADRA Mission Statement

The mission of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers.


NADRA Members

NADRA is made up of deck builders, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers to the deck and railing industry. By working together we can be one voice for the industry and deliver a clear message to the consumer and the code development bodies. NADRA serves as a trade association with emphasis on safe building practices, and deck safety.


Consumer Focus

The growth of the outdoor living industry is bring families and friends together in a safe atmosphere at home, encouraging family time. These consumers want beautiful decks that will enrich their families lives. They want them constructed from high quality but affordable materials. They want them installed efficiently, safely and properly. They want their decks constructed by professional and knowledgeable builders that they can trust.


NADRA helps the consumer by providing information on deck safety, design, and products through www.nadra.org, by responding to consumer inquiries, and through public relations campaigns such as its Deck Safety Month® Program and its Merit Award Program. These campaigns build on the consumer knowledge base, and promote the outdoor living lifestyle. NADRA is regularly interviewed for publications such as Sunset Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and other mainstream consumer publications.


NADRA works to keep members informed of product and code development through its website, through Professional Deck Builder Magazine (NADRA has four pages in each issue of this bi-monthly trade publication - circulation 25,000), and its quarterly member newsletter. NADRA also actively publishes articles for a variety of other trade publications in an effort to raise the bar on the deck and railing industry by informing all of the players (deck builders, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, retailers and wholesalers) of important facts and information affecting the industry.

Selecting a Deck Builder - Credibility

Building expert Shawn Miller discusses the importance of selecting a reputable company to build your deck, including how to establish the credibility of a contractor.

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Transcripts

Shawn Miller: Hi! I am Shawn Miller with deckdesigns.

com and President of the North American Deck and Rail Association.

Today I'd like to talk to you about establishing the credibility of the contractor you're choosing for your deck project. Before hiring any contractor there is a few questions you should ask to establish the credibility of their company. Remember the security of hiring a professional contractor may cost a little more upfront, but in the long run could save you thousands of dollars over hiring an unqualified contractor.

Is the contractor properly insured? They should have liability insurance and Workers' Compensation for any employees working on your project. Ask to your contractor provide you with current certificate of insurance, requests references, and follow-up on them.

Any former client of your contractor should be happy to share their experiences with you. You should find out if your state or local government requires licensing. It's very important that your contractor to be licensed in the event of any contract disputes. Check with your local municipality on permitting requirements.

If a permit is required, the contractor should be providing the permit and scheduling all inspections. You should follow through with your local building department to ensure the permit has been finalized and everything has been built to code.

Is your contractor member of a professional trade association? Are they full-time deck builders or they're general contractor? There are many details of building a deck that can be missed by someone who doesn't do it regularly. You should also expect a contract outlining the detailed of the project. This should include material proposed, expected timelines, price breakdown, and terms of payment.

The Internet or The Better Business Bureau are also great tools to check any contractor you are considering. Go out and kick the tires, ask to visit a project recently completed to see if their work meets your expectations. The pictures in their portfolio may look great, but there's no substitute for seeing the actual work.

This is a huge investment, but with a little due diligence and checking out the credibility of your contractor, you can ensure that the deck you've been dreaming about becomes a reality and a valuable addition to your home.

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