Response from West Coast Decks
Member, thank you for the opportunity to explain why we approach a deck estimate/consultation differently than some of our competitors. After 21 years (and, that’s a long time) of running a specialty deck company, (that only works on single family, existing residences) we have come to realize that we are providing far more to our customers during an on-site visit to their home than just telling them how much a project will cost. We spend a great deal of time, sometimes over an hour (just in time spent at the customer’s home, does not include our time in the office) helping our customers analyze the best possible layout for their deck. With that, comes the time spent educating our customers on the many different types of decking and railing materials available today. It is labyrinth of choices, and it can be overwhelming and confusing. It is our job to guide our customers through the maze. We also have excellent visual aides i.e.; 3D design software, to show different decking materials and railing styles for their particular deck design but, this comes later. Also, with every project comes the education of any permitting issues. It is always surprising to us when doing an onsite consultation with a customer, whose project requires a building permit and, perhaps even resides in a critical or sensitive area, that we are the first contractor to even mention the need for the permitting and how the process works. For example, I was at a customer’s home recently and had to explain to them that the particular municipality would probably not let them do what they had in mind. They insisted the other contractors had told them it would be no problem. I suggested they talk with their municipality to find out for sure. A few days later, they called to let me know that I knew what I was talking about and had steered them in the right direction. Not the first time this has happened. After we have been to the customer’s home during the initial on-site visit, we head back to the office to get started on the design. We may offer multiple design ideas which include the materials discussed. Finally, we get in contact with the customer again to go over the design(s), material selection, and the estimate (this is when the 3D design software gets débuted). Our goal is to provide the customer with as much knowledge about their project as possible so they can make an informed decision. To this end, once they have selected us as the contractor, we will continue (if necessary) to get the design exactly how they want and within the budget they need. We offer several model decks where they can come and view the decking and railing materials in the ‘real’ world. So, as you can see we offer a comprehensive, inclusive consultation. Frankly, our customers tell us that the $75 they pay for our on-site consultation is money well spent, (see the review below from King). For those who don’t wish to pay $75, we do offer a phone consultation to give them ‘ballpark’ figures for their project. Oh, by the way, the $75 is credited back to the project should we be chosen as the contractor (so, that would make it in essence, a free consultation). As with most things in this world, we believe you get what you pay for. While many other deck companies may offer free estimates, are you sure you are getting their best effort and cutting edge information for free?