How to Hire a Deck Contractor
Red Flags, Must-Ask Questions & Contract Checklist

Finding quality deck contractors in Canada requires looking in the right places:

• BestDecks.ca — Get matched with verified, reviewed contractors in your area (free quotes)
• HomeStars — Canada's largest contractor review platform
• Local Home Builders' Association — Members are vetted and follow a code of ethics
• Word of mouth — Ask neighbours with nice decks who built them
• Home shows — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa all host major home shows annually
• Lumber yard referrals — Local yards like Turkstra, Tamarack, and Castle often recommend trusted builders

Before hiring, ask every contractor these questions:

• 1. How long have you been building decks specifically? (Look for 5+ years)
• 2. Are you licensed and insured? Can I see proof? (Verify WSIB coverage in Ontario, WCB in other provinces)
• 3. Do you carry liability insurance? What's the coverage amount? (Minimum $2M recommended)
• 4. Will you pull the building permit? (A good contractor handles permits — if they suggest skipping it, walk away)
• 5. Can you provide 5+ references from the last 12 months?
• 6. What's your warranty? (Minimum 1 year on workmanship; material warranties are separate)
• 7. What's your payment schedule? (Never pay more than 10–15% upfront)
• 8. Will you provide a detailed written contract?
• 9. Who will actually be on-site doing the work? (Some contractors subcontract everything)
• 10. What happens if we discover issues during construction (e.g., rotten ledger board, rocky soil)?

Walk away immediately if you encounter any of these:

• 🚩 Demands large upfront payment (more than 15% or full material cost)
• 🚩 No written contract or refuses to put details in writing
• 🚩 Suggests skipping the building permit to "save money"
• 🚩 Can't or won't provide proof of insurance
• 🚩 No business address — only a cell phone number
• 🚩 Pressures you to decide immediately ("this price is only good today")
• 🚩 Significantly lower quote than all competitors (below-market pricing = below-market quality)
• 🚩 No reviews or references, or all references are "friends and family"
• 🚩 In Quebec: No RBQ licence number (legally required for work over $5,000)

To compare quotes fairly, ensure each contractor is quoting the same scope:

• Same deck dimensions and layout
• Same material (be specific: "Trex Enhance Naturals Toasted Sand" not just "composite")
• Same railing type and height
• Same number and depth of footings
• Permits included or excluded (should be included)
• Cleanup and disposal included
• Stain/seal application included (for wood decks)
• Timeline and completion date specified

What to expect for pricing (2026 Canadian averages):

• PT wood deck (300 sqft)$9,000–$16,000
• Cedar deck (300 sqft)$14,000–$24,000
• Composite deck (300 sqft)$18,000–$35,000
• Custom/premium build$35,000–$80,000+

Your contract should include all of these items in writing:

• Full legal name and address of the contractor/company
• Detailed scope of work (materials, dimensions, design)
• Specific materials with brand, model, and colour names
• Total price with itemized breakdown
• Payment schedule tied to milestones (not dates)
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Permit responsibility (contractor should obtain it)
• Cleanup and waste disposal details
• Warranty terms (workmanship and materials separately)
• Change order process (how changes to scope are handled and priced)
• Dispute resolution process
• Cancellation terms

Stay engaged during the build without micromanaging:

• Visit the site daily (or every other day) to check progress
• Take photos at each major stage (footings, framing, decking, railings)
• Verify that the materials delivered match what was quoted
• Don't make changes verbally — put all changes in writing (change orders)
• Ensure the building inspector visits for required inspections
• Don't make the final payment until the project is 100% complete and inspected

If problems arise during or after construction:

• Document everything in writing — emails, not phone calls
• Give the contractor a reasonable deadline to fix issues (10–14 business days)
• If unresolved, file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection office
• Ontario: Contact the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
• BC: Contact Consumer Protection BC
• Alberta: Contact Service Alberta
• Quebec: Contact the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC)
• As a last resort, small claims court handles disputes up to $25,000–$35,000 (varies by province)