The Two Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Their Deck Builder
After 25 years of building decks and patios, I’ve learned that protecting your home starts with two simple questions—and every trustworthy contractor should be glad to answer them.
When I first started out as a carpenter more than two decades ago, I thought success was all about craftsmanship—the perfect cut, the tightest joint, the smoothest finish.
Over time, I’ve come to realize there’s something even more important than the work itself: trust. Too many homeowners dive into a project excited about the design, only to discover later that the person they hired wasn’t properly licensed or insured.
That’s why I always tell folks: before you let anyone start building your dream deck or patio, ask them for proof of insurance and their license number. It’s the simplest way to protect your home—and your peace of mind.
The Cost of Skipping This Step
One of the biggest mistakes I see is folks hiring someone because they offered the lowest price, only to find out later that the contractor wasn’t insured or licensed. I’ve seen projects abandoned halfway through, shoddy work that has to be torn out, and even homeowners stuck footing the bill when accidents happen on the jobsite. Trust me—it’s just not worth the risk.
How to Protect Yourself
The good news is, it’s incredibly easy to make sure you’re hiring a legitimate professional:
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI): This shows the contractor carries liability and workers’ comp insurance. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt on your property, you could be on the hook.
Verify their license: Here in Virginia, you can check any contractor’s license online at dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup. Any reputable company will hand over its license number without hesitation.
Taking just a few minutes to do these checks can save you months of stress and thousands of dollars.
Why I Put This Front and Center
At Battlefield Decks and Patios, I make it a point to give clients our license information and proof of insurance right away. I want you to feel confident about who’s working on your home. I’ve been building decks and patios for over 25 years, and I’ve built my reputation on craftsmanship, communication, and trust.
Your Home Deserves the Best
When you choose us, you’re not just getting a beautiful new outdoor space—you’re getting peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing the work is being done by a licensed, insured, and experienced team that treats your home as if it were our own.
Built on 25 Years of Experience
I’ve spent more than 25 years working with my hands as a carpenter, and that experience shows in every project my team and I take on. Building outdoor spaces isn’t just what I do—it’s what I love. Over the years, I’ve learned that quality, honesty, and attention to detail matter more than anything else. When you’re ready to create a space where your family can gather, relax, and make memories, I’d be honored to bring that vision to life with you.