The Biggest Mistake? Not Knowing What You Do Not Know
Aim High Decks has been building decks here in Fort Lauderdale, FL for a long time. Aim High Decks has seen many things. Homeowners get excited about a new Trex Deck. This is good because Trex Decking is very good for our Fort Lauderdale climate. But homeowners often start without knowing about the local area. Aim High Decks is not just talking about the palm trees and canals in Fort Lauderdale. Aim High Decks is talking about the building codes, the weather problems, and the different contractors in Fort Lauderdale. You are making a big investment in a new Trex Deck in Fort Lauderdale, FL. So, let us talk about how to protect that investment.
Red Flag #1: Skipping the Permit Process for your Fort Lauderdale Deck
This is a very big problem when building a new deck in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It is not just about getting caught. In Florida, especially in Broward County, permits are needed for most structural Deck Building projects. This is true if the deck is attached to your house or if it is an elevated deck. If a contractor tells you they do not need a permit for your Fort Lauderdale deck, or they will 'handle it' without showing you the official paperwork, that is a very big red flag. The Florida Building Code is very serious. This is especially true with our hurricane risks in Fort Lauderdale. A proper permit makes sure your new deck is designed to handle our wind loads and other local conditions in Fort Lauderdale. Without a permit, you could get fines. You could also get demolition orders. Or you could have big problems when you try to sell your home or make an insurance claim for your Fort Lauderdale home. Aim High Decks always makes sure all permits are handled for your Deck Building project in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Red Flag #2: Hiring the Wrong Contractor for your Fort Lauderdale Deck (or the Cheapest One)
Aim High Decks understands this. Everyone wants a good deal on their new Trex Deck in Fort Lauderdale. But when it comes to a Trex Deck, the cheapest bid often has the most hidden costs later on. Here is what Aim High Decks has seen:
- No License or Insurance for Deck Building: This is a must. Your contractor needs to be properly licensed and insured to build decks in Fort Lauderdale, FL. If they cannot show you proof, you should walk away. You do not want to be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property in Fort Lauderdale. Aim High Decks is fully licensed and insured for all Deck Building in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- Vague Contracts or Verbal Agreements for your Fort Lauderdale Deck: A professional Deck Building contractor will give you a detailed, written contract. This contract will list everything. It will include the scope of work, the materials (Trex boards, fasteners, substructure), the timeline, and the payment schedule. If they are asking for cash-only payments or a handshake deal for your Fort Lauderdale deck, that is a very big warning sign. Aim High Decks provides clear contracts for all Trex Deck projects in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- High-Pressure Sales for Deck Building: Anyone trying to rush you into signing