06/18/2024
Sharing this one to show the dangers and risks of going with the "cheaper guy".
We have permission to share this story and these pictures to spread the word and hopefully preventing others from making the same mistakes. We quoted this job in the middle of 2023 and did not get the opportunity to do the work. Another guy under-bid us and ensured that he could produce the same quality that we would for over 1,000$ less than we were offering.
We quoted using 4x4 posts cemented 2ft in the ground, 2x6 floor joists on 16 inch centers with 5/4 deck boards. Handrails and ballusters with a top rail. Stairs that were built correctly with multiple runners and concrete barrier underneath. 2x8 headers and 2x6 rafters on 2ft centers with a 2x4 runner on top for tin supports, as well as custom wooden skirting that is trimmed out. (Refer to our pictures from any job we've done to reference what this looks like and the quality we provide) all of out materials are treated lumber and rated for outdoors as well as include the proper installation techniques and weather coated screws.
What she recieved was a deck built in 3 pieces that is un-level and sagging in the middle by over 6 inches. Handrails and balusters installed incorrectly with no top railing. Floor joists that are over 30 inches apart. Decking that only has one screw in the center on each joist. Stairs with no concrete barrier underneath, insufficient supports and direct ground contact. And a roof framed completely out of crooked 2x4s that are running the same way as the tin which provides virtually no structural support for the metal. Multiple leaks in the roof and a terrible attempt to do the custom wooden skirting with absolutely no trim work. Also none of the materials are treated, rated for outdoor use or installed correctly. While the customer saved a little over 1000$ initially by going with someone else, now less than a year later she is dealing with sags, weakening structural integrity, leaky roof, leaning deck, bowing boards and overall an unsafe and ugly product. She is unable to get them back out to correct any of the mistakes and the amount of time and costs that is necessary to fix the problems would be better spent just tearing down and starting over.
Sometimes the cheapest option isn't the best option. I am not claiming to be the only company that provides quality work, I'm just trying to say that you should always do your due diligence and research the guys that you're considering hiring for a job. Ask for references. Ask for referrals. Compare quotes to verify the materials that will be used, lumber sizes and ratings. And remember, you get what you pay for. Don't get taken advantage of and don't settle for anything less than what you want.
