5 Questions to Ask Prospective Deck Companies

Before hiring a deck company, ask about licensing and insurance, years of experience, warranty coverage, the design and estimate process, and past project examples. These five questions help Maryland homeowners separate skilled, reputable builders from the rest—and protect their investment in an outdoor living space.

A new deck or patio is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. It expands your living space, adds value, and gives you a place to gather with family long after the workday ends. But the quality of that space depends almost entirely on who builds it. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to hidden fees, shoddy craftsmanship, and headaches that outlast the project itself.

The good news? A handful of thoughtful questions can reveal a great deal about a company before you ever sign a contract. Below are the five questions every Maryland homeowner should ask a prospective deck contractor—and what the answers should tell you.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Maryland?

This is the first question to ask, and it’s non-negotiable. A properly licensed and insured deck company protects you from liability if an accident happens on your property or if the work doesn’t meet code.

North American Deck and Patio is a fully insured and licensed decking company in Maryland, which means every project meets state requirements from start to finish. When a contractor hesitates to share proof of licensing and insurance, treat it as a warning sign. Reputable builders are proud to show their credentials.

Ask to see current documentation, and confirm the company carries both liability coverage and workers’ compensation. This small step can save you from significant costs down the road.

2. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?

Experience shapes everything from design creativity to structural soundness. A company that has built decks, patios, and porches across many different properties has likely solved the exact challenges your yard presents—whether that’s a steep slope, poor drainage, or an unusual layout.

North American Deck and Patio brings over 25 years of experience serving Maryland homeowners, with a team that has refined its craft since opening its doors in 2005. That depth matters. One satisfied customer, C. Cross, described how the team took a “small, very slanted, very water-drained environment” and transformed it into “a virtual oasis.”

When you evaluate experience, look beyond the number of years. Ask how many projects similar to yours the company has completed, and whether they’ve worked in your specific county.

3. What Does Your Warranty Cover?

A warranty tells you how much confidence a company has in its own work. Vague promises or no warranty at all should give you pause.

North American Deck and Patio backs its projects with an honest warranty and delivers what it calls “consistent results guaranteed.” Before you commit, get the warranty in writing and read it closely. Find out what’s covered, how long the coverage lasts, and what would void it.

A strong warranty is more than paperwork. It signals that the builder plans to stand behind the deck or patio for years, not just until the final payment clears.

4. How Do You Handle Design and Estimates?

The best outdoor living spaces start with a design tailored to your home, your yard, and your budget. A cookie-cutter approach rarely delivers the results homeowners hope for.

North American Deck and Patio sends an expert designer to your property to create a custom design that fits both your home and your budget. This on-site approach lets the team account for the real conditions of your yard rather than working from generic templates. The company also emphasizes transparent pricing, keeping overhead low so customers avoid hidden fees and unnecessary expenses.

When you ask about the estimate process, listen for clarity. A trustworthy contractor explains exactly what you’re paying for—the labor and the materials—with no surprises buried in the fine print.

5. Can You Show Me Examples of Past Projects?

Photos and references bring a company’s work to life. A robust portfolio proves the builder can deliver quality across a range of styles, materials, and property types.

North American Deck and Patio maintains a gallery of completed decks, patios, sunrooms, porches, gazebos, and fences—real projects for real Maryland families. Reviewing past work helps you picture what’s possible in your own backyard and gives you a sense of the craftsmanship you can expect.

Ask whether you can speak with recent customers, too. A company confident in its work will happily connect you with homeowners who’ve been through the process.

Build Your Backyard Oasis With Confidence

Hiring a deck company is a decision worth getting right. By asking about licensing, experience, warranty, design, and past projects, you give yourself the tools to choose a contractor who will treat your home—and your budget—with respect.

North American Deck and Patio has helped thousands of Maryland residents transform their outdoor spaces since 2005, serving Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s, Baltimore, Montgomery, Frederick, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, request a free estimate and schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers today.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross