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Choosing the right deck builder comes down to experience, process, and trust—not just price.

Not all builders specialize in the same work
• Do they build custom decks, or mostly basic projects?
• Do they have experience with low-maintenance materials, porches, or pergolas?
• Can they handle complex designs and structural requirements?

Review past work
• Look at real project photos, not just stock images
• Check for consistency in quality and attention to detail
• See if their style aligns with what you want

A good builder should have a clear, organized process for:
• Design and planning
• Permits and approvals
• Communication during the build
• Project management and scheduling

Ask about communication
• Will you have a dedicated point of contact (Project Manager)?
• How often will you receive updates?
• How are questions or changes handled?

Check licensing, insurance, and reviews
• Properly licensed and insured in Minnesota (our license number is CR806901)
• Strong reviews and reputation
• Willingness to stand behind their work

Don’t choose based on price alone. Lower bids can sometimes mean:
• Corners being cut
• Lower-quality materials
• Less experienced crews

Focus on overall value, not just upfront cost.

The right builder should make you feel confident in:
• The design
• The process
• The final result

Bottom line:
The best deck builder is one with the experience, process, and communication to deliver a high-quality result—not just the lowest price.

We focus on a structured process, clear communication, and detailed execution so homeowners know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Yes—all contractors should be properly licensed and insured, no exceptions.

In Minnesota, residential contractors are required to be licensed through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

This ensures they:
• Meet state requirements
• Follow building codes and regulations
• Are legally allowed to perform the work

The Lakeside Decking license number is CR806901. Any contractor you use should be able to provide you with their unique license number, which can be verified through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's iMS system (instructions here). 

A reputable contractor should carry:
• General liability insurance (protects your property)
• Workers’ compensation insurance (protects you from liability if someone is injured)

Without proper insurance, homeowners can be exposed to serious financial risk.

Lakeside Decking is insured through Farmer's Insurance - please ask us if you would like to see proof of coverage. 

Minnesota also has a Contractor Recovery Fund through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
• Provides financial protection to homeowners
• May offer compensation if a licensed contractor fails to meet obligations or causes loss
• Only applies if the contractor is properly licensed

Hiring a licensed and insured contractor:
• Protects you legally and financially
• Ensures accountability
• Gives you access to state-backed protections if needed

Bottom line:
Yes—your contractor should always be licensed and insured, no exceptions. It’s one of the most important safeguards in your project, and something every reputable builder will have in place.

Yes—we offer financing through Upgrade to help make your project more manageable.

We partner with Upgrade to provide a select range of competitive financing options, including:
• Monthly payment plans
• Plans with deferred interest for the promotional period
• Fixed rates and predictable payments
• Flexible terms based on your project and approval

When financing makes sense
• Spreading out the cost instead of paying everything upfront
• Moving forward with your project sooner
• Keeping flexibility in your budget for larger or more detailed builds

What to expect
• Simple application process
• Quick decisions in most cases
• Clear terms before you commit

Financing allows you to move forward with the design and materials you actually want—without needing to scale things back.

Bottom line:
Yes—we offer financing through Upgrade with a few strong, competitive options.

We make the process straightforward and transparent so you can focus on the project—not the payment logistics.