Q. Are you licensed and insured?
A. Yes, I have a state contractor license and carry all necessary insurance.
Q. How do I select a reputable contractor that I can trust?
A.
- Check their references and make sure you ask specific questions that deal with the project you want done.
- When checking the references, make sure to ask if the project was completed on time and on budget.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints about that contractor.
- Make sure they are fully insured.
- Ask to see pictures of past projects or even go look at them in person.
At Beckman Builders, LLC a large percentage of our business comes from referrals from past customers.
Q. I do not know much about construction and I'm not even sure what questions I need to ask. How can you help me?
A. Karl Beckman (the owner of Beckman Builders) will personally sit down with you before the building process begins and ask you several questions so he
can get a feel of what you are looking for. Then, from his experience he will give you options from which you can choose that will meet your needs. He is also at
every one of Beckman Builders' jobs to make sure that the whole construction process goes smoothly and to answer any questions or concerns of the customer.
Q. Who can I expect to show up and do the work?
A. Karl Beckman, owner of Beckman Builders, LLC is present and involved in 100% of all projects. He has also chosen sub contractors that perform
high quality and outstanding work. If for some reason there is a problem call him day or night and he will take care of it.
Q. How long will the project take?
A. Every project is different. At the beginning of the project Beckman Builders, LLC will take a look at the size and complexity of the project. We will then create a construction schedule with estimated dates of completion for each phase of work. We will keep you informed
throughout the process of any deviations from those dates and explain why they occurred (weather, product shipping delays, changes in the plan, etc.).
Q. Will the project cost what your estimate says?
A. At Beckman Builders, LLC we are proud of the fact that the majority of our projects' final bills are the same as the estimates. The only time this is not true is if an unforeseen problem arises or if there is a change in the plan from the original estimate. In both of
these cases we will discuss with you the changes made and will sign change orders so you know what to expect when the bill arrives.
Q. What are the available deck materials and some advantages/disadvantages of each?
A. AC2 treated (least expensive option, can warp and crack, have to stain every 3-5 years), cedar (looks very nice, does not warp and crack as much as treated lumber, middle price, needs to be stained every 3-5 years), vinyl/composite decking (does not warp or crack, more expensive, no need to stain/low maintenance).
Q. Do we need to have a deck plan drawn up or do you do that?
A. That is up to you. We can build your deck with a plan or design that you already have or we can custom design one to fit your needs.
Q. How are your decks constructed?
A. We use 1/2" lag bolts to attach the ring board to the house. The majority of our decks use 2x10 treated joists at 16" on center. All of our decking is screwed down which holds much better than nails.
Q. How do you support your decks?
A. At Beckman Builders, LLC we dig a 12" diameter hole four feet deep and fill that with concrete. We then attach a post pad on top of the concrete
and place the post on top of that. By using this method the posts that support the deck are not in contact with the ground which will help them last longer.
Also, wood is a natural product and can crack and warp. If this does happen then we are able to replace that post without having to dig up the ground to get the old post back out.
Q. Should I put a railing on my deck and if so what style?
A. This really depends on the height of your deck and how you want to use it. According to code, if your deck is less than 24" off the ground, a railing is not required. We have several
options of railing available to customize your deck.
Q. What is your square foot cost?
A. All of our decks are individually priced. By doing this you will receive a very accurate estimate. The price depends on several factors, such as: the number of footings required, type of material (treated, cedar, composite), type and style of railing, the height the deck, number of stairs, skirting and/or lattice around the deck, hidden fastener system, and several other factors.
Q. What type of remodeling do you do?
A. At Beckman Builders, LLC we specialize in basement finishes, as well as bathrooms, kitchens, new flooring (wood and ceramic tile), replacement doors/windows, and several other projects. If you are unsure if we can or will do a certain project, give us a call and we will let you know.
Q. What is your square foot price?
A. We do not like to give a square foot price because each project can vary so much. Every one of our estimates is done on an individual basis which will give you the most accurate estimate possible.