In August 2015, Colorado-based custom design and build firm, Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living, volunteered its labor and services to rebuild a senior’s deck after she was scammed out of $6,000 by a local contractor. The contractor walked away, cash in hand, without completing the woman’s deck.
After rebuilding the deck, Garth Hystad, nationally recognized custom deck designer, founder of Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living and star of the DIY Network’s HGTV series, Mega Decks, offered the following tips to help identify red flags when hiring a contractor:
- Full project cost should never be paid up front
- Other than building material costs, do not pay the full project cost until your deck is complete
- All contractors must file a building permit with the county office
- If your contractor refuses to file the proper permits, you as the property owner may be subject to legal action and fines
![This outdoor living space created by Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living is partially enclosed, allowing homeowners to enjoy their deck year-round.]()
This outdoor living space created by Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living is partially enclosed, allowing homeowners to enjoy their deck year-round.
- These permits also ensure that your new construction meets your area’s building codes and standards
- Legitimate contractors should be able to provide valid business information
- Your contractor should have a physical business card and a current business address
- Always request to see copies of contractor’s licenses and insurance certificates
- These credentials will help verify the validity of your chosen contractor and decrease the likelihood of being taken advantage of
For more about Colorado Custom Decks and Mosaic Outdoor Living & Landscapes, visit ColoradoDecks.com or Facebook.com/ColoradoDecks. To watch Season 1 of Mega Decks, visit DIYNetwork.com/shows/mega-decks for show times and details.