By Mark Miller, Deck Specialist – Decks Restore LLC
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after more than a decade building decks across Tacoma, it’s that your choice of contractor can make or break your project. I’ve been on jobs where everything ran smoothly, and the results were stunning. But I’ve also been called in to fix decks that were done wrong—whether it was poor craftsmanship, the wrong materials, or just flat-out shady business practices.
At Decks Restore LLC, we take a lot of pride in doing things the right way, because we live and work in the same neighborhoods you do. I’m not just some guy swinging a hammer—I’m part of the local deck builders community here in Tacoma, and I care deeply about building something that lasts—something you’ll be proud to walk out on every day.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern. When things go wrong for homeowners, it’s often because of a few key mistakes made before the first board is even cut. These aren’t always obvious if you’re not in the industry—but they can cost you a lot of money, time, and frustration.
So, in this article, I want to walk you through the biggest mistakes I see people make when hiring a deck builder in Tacoma. If you’re planning a new deck or thinking about replacing an old one, I hope these tips help you make smarter choices and avoid the headaches I’ve seen far too often.
Let’s get into it.
1. Allowing Price To Be The Sole Consideration Factor
Price will remain a significant factor during your deck building project. However, the most common blunders that people make is choosing to bid lower without understanding the reasoning behind it.
The truth of the matter is, there will always be someone who is willing to perform a job at a significantly cheaper price, but this often entails performing half-hearted work. It could be that they are using cheap materials for framing, cutting unlicensed workers corners, or skipping proper framing techniques altogether. Given Tacoma’s rainy climate, this short-term investment cuts result in long-term costly repairs as boards begin warping and posts rot. All of sudden, what was thought of as “a deal” turns into a repair bill.
I personally share this wisdom with numerous homeowners: do not only check pricing, ask what else is included on top of that price. A reputable builder will explain and defend their quote as they are confident in their offer.
2. Failing To Request For Local References And Truly Following Up With Them
To answer your question on how to protect yourself from fraud; simply asking for references and doing due diligence by calling them works effectively especially when followed through! Assuredly, I cannot count the number of times I myself have opted to avoid work because people decided to hire based on cursory visits performed on websites or social media pages instead of doing research into it.”
According to Wolf Spirit Deck – local deck builders in Naperville a reputable deck builders should provide you with the names of previous clients in Tacoma who would gladly discuss their project with you. At Decks Restore LLC, we have completed numerous projects across town, enjoying almost every area’s unique potential.
Make sure to ask about the specifics: Was the crew professional and respectful? Were they punctual? Has the deck been durable through seasonal changes? Those responses will paint a more accurate picture than any company website ever could.
3. Forgetting About Permits And Building Codes
You’d be surprised how many individuals skip this step—for whatever reason, whether it is due to not knowing that a permit was needed, or perhaps because their contractor told them it wasn’t necessary. Both cause for concern.
Permits in Tacoma and Pierce County are not simply an administrative task; they exist to ensure that your deck is safe, especially for raised decks that are structurally complex like those affixed to houses or positioned near sloped areas. A deck found insufficiently compliant would invite legal ramifications if discovered by city authorities such as mandatory dismantlement or hefty fines.
At Decks Restore, we make sure to facilitate the project from start to finish. We ensure that there is no need for you to handle any permits, licenses, or inspections since we take care of it all.
4. The Contractor Picking the Material While Ignoring All Of Your Options
It’s common misconception that deck materials are one size fits all. Some homeowners might prefer a classic aesthetic of natural wood and cedar while others would want something low maintenance like composite decking. There also exists budget friendly options such as pressure treated wood which can be durable when properly maintained.
However, what works for one home can be a total mismatch for another. Special consideration needs to be given towards Tacoma’s wet winters and shaded areas that moss is prone to grow in.
I too have noticed individuals making the mistake of accepting whatever material their contractor proposes instead of weighing out the pros and cons of each option. Your contractor should inform you about various choices available so that they understand how each will impact maintenance, durability, cost, weather resistance etc.
Appearance is important but what truly matters in the end is finding a solution that enhances your daily routine without adding any unnecessary complications.
5. Not Getting It in Writing
While handshakes and verbal agreements are friendly, they provide no protection if things go wrong. I have witnessed homeowners charged for “extras” they never agreed to or left hanging mid-way through a job simply because no documentation was created.
Creating a solid contract does not need to be complex. Contracts should specify what’s being constructed, the given materials, how payments will be made, the project timeline, and any guarantees or warranties related to the provided services.
Here at Decks Restore LLC, we believe that all agreements should be documented. This approach ensures clarity for all parties involved from day one and avoids ambiguity regarding responsibilities, timelines, costs, and expectations.
6. Skipping the Maintenance Conversation
No deck is built with a “set it and forget it” policy in mind, even the most well-constructed ones. All decks require some degree of maintenance, especially given local weather conditions. Homeowners must understand what measures need to be taken to preserve the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of their decks—annual staining, cleaning, or inspecting for loose boards.
Prior to engaging services, asking: “What kind of maintenance will this deck need, and how frequently?” reveals much about a builder’s attention to precision.
Final Thoughts from a Local Builder Who’s Been There
At the end of the day, building a deck is more than just a construction project—it’s about creating a space where your family can relax, host friends, and enjoy the outdoors. I’ve been lucky enough to help hundreds of Tacoma homeowners build those kinds of spaces, and every time, it starts with trust.
I wrote this article not to scare anyone, but to help folks avoid some of the frustrating and costly mistakes I’ve seen over the years. Most of them are preventable—if you ask the right questions, take your time, and work with someone who truly cares about the job they’re doing.
My name is Mark Miller, and I’ve been in this business for over ten years. I work with a great team at Decks Restore LLC, and we’re proud to serve homeowners across Tacoma and the surrounding areas. We treat every job like we’re building in our own backyard—because in many cases, we are.
So, if you’re thinking about a new deck or just have questions and aren’t sure where to start, feel free to reach out. No pressure, no hard sell—just honest advice from someone who’s been doing this long enough to know what works (and what doesn’t) in our part of the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks for reading, and good luck with your project—wherever it takes you.
—
Mark Miller
Deck Builder, Decks Restore LLC
Tacoma, WA – Built for the Northwest, Backed by Experience