We understand that our prospective clients are often compelled to engage more than one deck or screened-in porch builder for a quote.
But at Archadeck of Kansas City, we find that these prospective clients are lacking the answers to many questions they should be asking every contractor they reach out to. There are numerous aspects of soliciting multiple quotes that should be compared and contrasted. We have previously addressed a similar topic, including a few key considerations for any deck or porch construction project. Following, we will expound upon that blog.
The Quoted Project Price is Not Paramount, It’s What is Being Quoted
Many clients come to us with a budget in mind for their project. And while they must be able to afford their outdoor living design, the final cost is not the most important consideration. That’s because the final numbers are decided differently, according to each company’s typical project quoting procedures and the quality of building and finish materials they are quoting.
What You Must Know When Comparing Quotes
You might solicit a ballpark price from one Kansas City deck builder and receive it over the phone. You might be able to get a standard deck design quote from another builder, without the option to upgrade to premium finishes or change the shape and size. These types of quotes are akin to guessing what the final cost might be, and usually result in change orders that increase the price of your project as it is being built.
When Archadeck of Kansas City provides every client with an actual fixed price for their project rather than just an estimate. It is the actual cost of your project, tallied up to include permitting and insurance, administrative and labor charges, and all building and finish materials you decided to use during your complimentary design consultation.
The documentation you receive from Archadeck will include project material specifications, all the way down to the anchors - and the same documentation includes your contract. And once you sign a contract with us, the project price is finalized and will not change unless YOU choose to switch something up. YOU are in full control of the cost of your project. Change orders can be submitted during planning and construction that increase or decrease the final price.
These are essential considerations for any outdoor project quote:
- Is the company licensed and insured? Are they experienced in building covered decks and screened-in porches? Archadeck of Kansas City is a licensed and insured home improvement contractor. We have been building custom outdoor spaces since 2001.
- Does their quote come with a guarantee? Archadeck of Kansas City’s final price and all the products quoted for every project are guaranteed. No matter what, the project will be built to exact specifications at the exact price on the contract – period.
- Will you see design renderings ahead of time? Archadeck of Kansas City produces 3D renderings for every project we build, so our clients can visualize exactly what their project will look like with their home.
- What kind of roof support posts are being quoted? Archadeck of Kansas City uses 4”x6” smooth cedar posts in place of treated lumber.
- What kind of decking was quoted? Archadeck of Kansas City will price your choice of premium composite decking by brands like TimberTech AZEK, Fiberon, or Wolf.
- What kind of decking installation was quoted? Archadeck of Kansas City often installs diagonal decking for added strength and stability.
- What type of screen is being quoted for your screened porch? Archadeck of Kansas City installs custom screening instead of brands like SCREENEZE® that tout the ease with which screens can be changed if they rip. Our philosophy on this topic is: It’s better to have porch screens that don’t rip in the first place.
- What sort of deck or porch railing is being quoted? Archadeck of Kansas City installs fully-welded, maintenance-free deck and porch railings from brands like Fortress Building Products. We often install these aluminum railings, as well as aluminum and stainless-steel cable railings.
- Was a finished ceiling included in the quote? If so, what type of ceiling finish? Archadeck of Kansas City typically installs a tongue and groove pine or cedar ceiling finish, complete with electrical installation for lighting, heating, and ceiling fans.
- Will your exterior trim be raw lumber that will fade? Archadeck of Kansas City uses paintable wood or composite trim, which can be matched to the home’s exterior finishes.
- How will your stairs be trimmed, if at all? We trim deck and porch stairs with composite materials, and strive to use a single board, without the need for splicing to save money.
- Do all the companies you engaged for quotes offer warranties? Every Archadeck of Kansas City project comes with a one-year workmanship warranty and a five-year structural warranty.
- Do they offer deck and porch financing? Archadeck of Kansas City offers convenient financing options, including nine months same-as-cash.
- Will the company dedicate their team to constant communication and reachability throughout the project? Archadeck of Kansas City will be with you every step of the process, constantly reporting and making themselves available to you should questions or concerns arrive.
If you choose Archadeck to be your Kansas City area deck or screen porch builder, you will be working with people who always aim for your satisfaction. We want you to love your new outdoor space and will work tirelessly to help you achieve it.
The team at Archadeck is ready to help you design and build your ideal Kansas City area outdoor living space. Get in touch with our award-winning Design Consultants for a complimentary consultation at (913) 704-6240.
