Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
A deck is a significant investment—often $10,000-$50,000+. The right contractor delivers a beautiful, safe structure that lasts decades. The wrong one? Headaches, repairs, and regret. Here's how to choose wisely.
Essential Credentials to Verify
**Why It Matters**: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage protects YOU if a worker is injured on your property.
**How to Verify**:
1. WSIB Coverage
Request clearance certificate
Verify at wsib.ca
Must be current, not expired
**Red Flag**: Contractors who claim they "don't need WSIB" or are "covered under other policies."
**Minimum Required**: $2 million general liability
**Why It Matters**: Protects your property if the contractor causes damage.
**How to Verify**:
2. Liability Insurance
Request certificate of insurance
Call insurance company to confirm policy is active
Ensure it covers the type of work being done
**Check For**:
3. Business Registration
Registered business name (search Ontario's business registry)
HST number (indicates legitimate business)
Established business address (not just a PO box)
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
1
How long have you been building decks?2
How many decks have you built in the GTA?3
Do you specialize in residential decks?4
Can you provide 3-5 local references?5
Do you have examples of projects similar to mine?1
Will you pull the building permit?2
Who will be working on my property?3
What materials do you recommend and why?4
How long will the project take?5
What happens if there are delays?1
Will I have a dedicated project manager?2
How do you handle changes to the scope?3
What warranty do you provide?4
What does your warranty cover specifically?5
Will you be here for the entire project?1
What's included in your quote?2
What's NOT included?3
What's your payment schedule?4
Do you offer financing options?5
What happens if I need to cancel?Red Flags to Watch For
Communication Red Flags
Won't provide written quote
Vague about timeline or costs
Difficult to reach or slow to respond
Pressures you to decide immediately
Won't answer questions directly
Business Red Flags
No physical business address
Only accepts cash
Asks for full payment upfront
No website or online presence
Can't provide references
Project Red Flags
Quote is significantly lower than others (too good to be true)
Doesn't mention permits
"We can start tomorrow" (no backlog = no demand?)
Won't visit your property before quoting
Uses subcontractors for everything
The Quote Comparison Process
Get Multiple Quotes
Aim for 3-5 quotes from different contractors
Ensure quotes cover the same scope of work
Compare line items, not just totals
What Should Be Included
Detailed material specifications
Labor costs
Permit fees
Demolition (if applicable)
Cleanup and disposal
Warranty details
Payment schedule
Start and completion dates
Understanding Price Differences
**Lower quotes might mean**:
Less experienced workers
Lower quality materials
Missing scope items
No insurance/WSIB
Future upsells
**Higher quotes might mean**:
Premium materials
More experienced crew
Better warranty
Comprehensive service
Checking References
1
Would you hire them again?2
Was the project completed on time?3
Were there any surprises or extra charges?4
How did they handle problems?5
How does the deck look now (months/years later)?6
Were they professional and clean?7
Was communication good?Verify Online Reviews
Google Business Profile
HomeStars
Houzz
Facebook
Look for patterns in reviews
Be wary of only 5-star reviews (could be fake)
Contract Essentials
Must-Have Elements
Full legal business name and address
Detailed scope of work
Material specifications (brand, grade)
Start and completion dates
Payment schedule (never more than 10-20% deposit)
Change order process
Warranty terms
Cancellation policy
Insurance and WSIB certificate copies
Payment Structure Red Flags
More than 20% deposit required
Large payments before work begins
Cash only
No payment tied to milestones
During Construction
Your Rights
Access to inspect work at any time
Documented changes to scope
Clean work site (daily cleanup)
Permits posted on-site
Work done to code
Warning Signs
Workers you weren't told about
Materials different from specified
Work not matching approved plans
No progress for extended periods
Contractor asking for more money mid-project
Why Experience Matters
Benefits of Established Contractors
Proven track record
Refined processes
Relationships with suppliers
Knowledge of local codes
Warranty they'll honor
Deck Master Inc. Credentials
20+ years serving Toronto & GTA
1,000+ completed projects
Full WSIB and liability coverage
HomeStars verified
Comprehensive warranty
In-house crews (no subcontractors)
Make an Informed Decision
Take your time. A good contractor will never pressure you. Get everything in writing, verify credentials, and trust your instincts.
Ready to work with a contractor you can trust? Contact Deck Master Inc. for a free consultation and detailed quote.
