There is NO OBLIGATION to hire any of the companies who submit a quote.
There are many benefits to adding a gazebo or outbuilding to your home. While you may want to do the work for yourself, but Perfection Decks and Pergolas gives many reasons why you should consider finding and hiring a gazebo or outbuilding contractor.
According to Dulando Screening and Awning, Inc, there are several questions you should ask a contractor before hiring them to build a gazebo or outbuilding.
One of the benefits to having a structure built outside of your house is that is should cause little to no disruption of your day to day life. It is important to remember that the contractor is building a structure, so that means they will be hammering, drilling, sawing and generally making a lot of noise. You should be aware of what time they plan to start each morning, so that you are not woken up to the sounds of construction.
You should know if the contractors are going to need to enter your home for any reason. Will they need access to a bathroom? Will they need access to water or electricity? Typically, you should have a hose bib outside of your house where they can access water. You should also have an electricity outlet for them to have access to power. They may have equipment they need to set up, such as wood and other tools. They may ask if they can set that up in your garage or driveway. This may mean that your garage and driveway are blocked while they are working on your home. The contractor may have more than one truck showing up outside of your house that may also block your driveway. You may want to have your car parked on the street so that you are able to get out when you want. You should have a conversation with the contractor before work starts about where the vehicles will park. You may want to consider letting your neighbors know that you are having construction work done in your yard, so they also know when to expect the noise. You do not have to do this, but just as a courtesy to your neighbors.
Typically, a gazebo or outbuilding contractor falls under the general contractor category. They have some basic requirements required of them, such as high school diploma or GED. They also need to have completed math, English, physics, mechanical drawing, welding, and blueprint reading classes. When in the construction field, it is common for some to start as apprentices or laborers. These people learn on the job and then more work they do, the more experienced they become. There are degrees available within construction fields. Some may choose a management course of study to become construction managers, while others may choose a degree in engineering or business. Individuals that build structures such as gazebos may choose to specialize in carpentry.
When it comes to carpentry, a contractor may have to have lessons in a classroom as well as doing hands on work to gain all the needed experience. Trade schools often offer classes, including safety classes. It may take two to four years to complete these courses. Typically, you must be 18 years of age before taking on any of these paths.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers certification in different areas such as carpentry, plumbing, pipe fitting, and heating and air conditioning. A contractor should be aware of what each state in their surrounding area requires of them to be able to operate. The contractor should be able to show you proof of their certifications and licenses.