When considering contractors for your decking, addition, or home improvement project, it can be tempting to choose the one who promises to get the job done for the lowest cost, especially if you’re working within a tighter budget. But while hiring a low-cost contractor may seem like a good way to save money at first, doing so can end up costing you a lot more down the line.

Cost factors for estimates by experienced contractors versus discount builders in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

In a previous post, we discussed the how contractors determine the prices they charge for home improvement jobs. They generally break their estimate figures into thirds between (1) materials, (2) labor, and (3) overheads and profit. Why, then, do so-called design build firms and other higher quality contractors oftentimes offer higher initial estimates than their discount competitors? Are they simply charging more money for comparable work?

General Contracting and the Rule of Thirds

When a leaky pipe needs fixing, a porch needs building, or a house needs remodeling, many homeowners hire a contractor to get the job done. Home improvement contractors are those who agree to fulfill the demands of a contract securing a service between two or more people within the context of the interior remodeling and outdoor living space industry. In any standard contract, money is exchanged for these services, but where do contractors get their price quotes from, and how can you tell if their estimate is legitimate?

How to Determine if Your Contractor’s Estimate is Accurate

Most contractors in Maryland and Virginia will break down a project into thirds when conceiving an estimate. In practice, these thirds consist of (1) materials, (2) labor and (3) overhead expenses and profit. However, the total presented in an initial estimate is not always an accurate projection of how much a build will actually cost, be it a deck, screened porch, or outdoor kitchen design. Inexperienced or shady contractors do not always account for additional fees, unexpected costs, and other pricey details that can arise after a build is started.

12 Tips for Hiring the Best Deck Builders in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Building a deck is a big investment for most homeowners, so it’s important to locate a contractor who is qualified, experienced, and meets your project’s needs. Since most of us haven’t had experience hiring a deck contractor before, you may not know how to go about comparing offers and ensuring your contractor will deliver on his promises. Follow these steps to hire the right deck contractor for you.