Rebecca Herrera

By Rebecca Herrera – Director of Operations of the Better Bureau of Southern Colorado

Spring is in the air and with that comes the desire to make improvements to your home. Perhaps this is the year you want to add that fabulous deck and privacy fence you’ve been dreaming about. How can you find a reliable contractor?

Obtain proposals from two or three contractors. Make sure proposals contain information such as the materials to be used, labor costs and an estimate of the time it will take to complete the project. Use the same criteria on all proposals so you are making an equal comparison. Remember the adage, “You get what you pay for.” The lowest bid may not be the best bid.

Check out the company’s credentials. It makes sense to use a company with a satisfactory work history in the area. Is the company licensed and does it have proof of insurance through the local regional building department? Companies need general liability insurance and if they have employees, worker’s compensation insurance is required.

In the El Paso County area, decks need to be built by a licensed contractor and a permit must be pulled. It is the responsibility of the contractor to pull the permit if they are doing the work. Homeowners only pull permits when they are doing the work themselves. Fences built less than six feet high do not need a permit; fences built higher than six feet require a permit. It’s also important to check with your local zoning department regarding your property’s lot line. Imagine the horror of building a new fence, only to find it was on your neighbor’s property and has to be moved.

When a permit is pulled, an inspection will follow. The inspection will come from the local regional building department. It is important to remember that when a structure is effected by a building project, a permit is required.

Contact the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado and check on the company’s report. The report will include information about how long a company has been in business, if there are any complaints, and how the company handled those complaints. Be a savvy consumer before planning those spring projects.

(Source information: Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept.)