Is the contractor licensed? Ask to see it!

Is the contractor insured? Ask to see their Liability and Workers Comp. Certificate.

Who is going to physically do the work? You? Your employees? Are you subcontracting the work? If so is that company insured? How much experience and training do they have?

References--Ask for several, call them, look at their work!

Who is going to design the deck? Is there a charge for this service? How much experience does this person have?

Design features--How big should it be? How many levels? What will the railing look like? How will the bench be built? What direction will the deck boards run?

Material--What kind of material should be used and why? 2x4 or 2x6 decking? Do you provide visquene and stone? How thick and what color is visquene? How large is the stone?

Construction specifics--What size post, beam, and joist do you use? How do you secure your beam to the post? How will you bond or attach the deck to the house? Would you recommend a "skirt" around the deck? Who will call MISS-DIG? If you hit an electrical, gas, telephone, or sprinkler line who is responsible? How far apart will the deck boards be and will any be spliced?

Clean up--Who is responsible? When will it be done? Does the left over material belong to me?

Do we need a permit? Will you apply for the permit? Is this included in the price? Who will get Homeowners Association approval?

Timing--When will you start construction? How long will the job take?

Payment terms--How much of a deposit do you require? How much do you want at the start of the job? Do you expect payment instantly upon completion?

Warranty--What kind of warranty do you provide? How long is it in effect and specifically what things are covered?

Waiver of lien--Do you provide one? (if your builder does not pay his supplier, the supplier can put a lien on your house and sue you for payment.)