Date: May 21, 2025

Buyer Beware: Don’t Get Burned on Your Deck Build!

Lately, we’ve seen more and more homeowners come to us frustrated, confused or worse, left picking up the pieces after hiring a contractor based on a “too good to be true” low estimate. These quotes may look appealing at first glance, but they often cut corners, skip critical details, and leave you exposed to surprise costs, shoddy workmanship.

So before you sign on the dotted line with any builder, here’s what you must look for when comparing quotes for your deck project:

Comparing Deck Quotes: How to Spot the Real Differences

Not all deck quotes are created equal. A lower price might be your go to BUT what’s actually included? Time and time again, we meet homeowners, and they say well we got one quote at X amount and the other was double or three times the amount.

If you’re comparing estimates, here’s what to look for so you’re making an informed decision not just chasing the cheapest number.

Quote VS. Estimate

Know the difference between quotes and estimates. Did you receive quotes and estimates or both quotes.

The difference:

Quote: Guaranteed pricing unless homeowner adds or changes something specific like an upgrade. The only exception may be is if the quote was written year prior and there was a known material increase

Estimate: They are just guessing the cost to do the build and once they order materials and do the plans, they will send you additional costs.

Look Beyond the Price Tag

A shockingly low bid often means the contractor is barely covering material costs and that usually comes at the expense of quality, safety, and transparency. Ask yourself:

Are they skimping on structural components?
Are key scope items missing altogether, only to be added later as change orders?

**What a Professional Deck Quote Should Include**

Here’s a checklist of what a clear, trustworthy quote should detail in writing:

Demolition Details

Are they removing an existing deck? If so:

What’s being removed?
Is haul away included?
Are there any hidden demo or disposal fees?

Deck Size & Scope
The size of your new deck should be clearly listed.

Real Example: We’ve seen homeowners compare two quotes one was half the price because it was also half the size, used lower-grade materials, and skipped finish details entirely.

Material Transparency

Materials vary brand to brand, and even line to line and so does the cost. A low quote may be using box-store composites or builder-grade products, while another uses premium options.

What decking brand and collection is being quoted? (e.g., Deckorators Voyage vs. Trex Enhance) The quote saying composite decking just isnt good enough.

Is the contractor giving you multiple material options, collections, and price points?
Did they bring samples or explain the pros and cons of each?
Do you know exactly what product your quote includes? Did you see it?

What framing lumber is being used? All decks should be installed with either green pressure treated lumber, KDAT, Cedar, or Steel Framing.
Is the railing aluminum, composite, or wood? This varies in cost significantly as well
Are fasteners and hardware specified? Solid decking offers cortex screw plugs so no screws visible, is the contractor including this.

Installation Method & Details

This is where many cut corners:

Fascia Boards: deck fascia covers rim joists for a finished look and protects framing. Not all installers install fascia.
Picture Frame Border: not just aesthetic. It protects the cut ends from water and debris.
→ Cheaper quotes often omit this and overhang fascia instead, which warps and traps moisture & debris.
Stair Fascia: often code required, provides a clean, safe, finished look.
→ Is it installed between each tread? Is the outer stair fascia cut to the stringer or just a mop board? Mopboard is quicker and cheaper but will trap moisture, debris and just doesn’t look as appealing.
Picture-Framed Deck Stairs: this detail eliminates exposed cuts and adds a premium look but increases time and cost. Often skipped in cheaper builds.

Each of these details affects both the appearance and long-term performance of your deck.

Job Completion Timeline

How long will the project actually take from start to finish?
Some contractors jump between multiple jobs, leaving you stuck mid-project for weeks on end.

🕒 We’ve seen “2-week” decks stretch into 6–8 week nightmares because the builder has multiple projects going on at once and jumps around. Check their social media to get a feel for how long their projects go. If they post updates, how long in between. Do you see finished photos, how long has it been.

At Decked Out Builders, we’re committed to a clear schedule and steady progress, with projects completed in the timeframe promised.

Permits and Drawings

Will the builder handle:

Permit applications and fees?
Inspection scheduling and compliance?
Architect if required? Or are you having to find and hire one yourself?
Does the builder provide a 3D design prior to building?

If this isn’t included, are they hiding something?
You may be left to navigate red tape yourself or worse, face fines or rebuild orders.

Jobsite Clean-Up and Final Inspection

Your yard shouldn’t look like a construction zone once the project is done. Is daily cleanup included? What about a final walkthrough?

Warranty Terms

Is there a written craftsmanship warranty? At Decked Out Builders, we stand behind ours—and our warranty can be found right on our website.

Credentials

Is the builder a Certified Installer for the product they’re using?
Are they insured?
Do they have a website or only a Facebook Page?
Are they a registered business with the state?
Can they show you examples of past work or client testimonials?

At Decked Out Builders, We Check Every Box

We know that your outdoor space is a major investment, and it deserves professional planning, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. We don’t play pricing games, we don’t disappear after the job is done, and we certainly don’t cut corners to win jobs.

Every quote we send includes: