7 Things to Ask Local Deck Builders Before You Hire in 2025

In the South Bay, a deck isn’t just an add-on; it’s your second living room. Whether you are catching the sunset in Redondo Beach or enjoying a family BBQ in Torrance, a well-built deck expands your lifestyle and significantly boosts your property value.

But a deck is not a simple “handyman” project. It’s a structural addition that must withstand the specific challenges of our region: salt air, intense sun, sandy soil, and seismic activity.

The difference between a deck that lasts 30 years and one that starts to rot and wobble in five years is the builder you choose. At GAGA US Construction, we believe an educated homeowner is our best client. To protect your investment, here are the 7 critical questions you must ask any potential deck builder.

1. “Are you licensed and insured specifically for California?”

This is the first gate you must pass. In California, don’t just ask “Are you licensed?” Ask to see their CSLB license. For deck building, this should usually be a B-General Building Contractor or a C-5 Framing/Rough Carpentry license.

The GAGA Standard: We provide our license number and proof of insurance upfront.

• General Liability: Covers damage to your property.

• Workers’ Compensation: This is non-negotiable. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor is uninsured, you could be held liable.

2. “How will you handle the ‘Marine Layer’ moisture?” (Waterproofing)

In the South Bay, moisture doesn’t just come from rain; it comes from the ocean air. The board that attaches the deck to your house is called a “ledger board.” It is the #1 point of failure, often rotting out due to trapped moisture.

• The Amateur Answer: “We’ll just bolt it tight to the stucco.”

• The GAGA Answer: “We install a multi-layer flashing system.” We use metal or vinyl flashing that tucks up under your home’s siding and runs down over the face of the ledger board. This creates a waterproof barrier so the marine layer mist never touches your home’s structural frame.

3. “What grade of hardware will you use?” (The Coastal Test)

This is the most important question for South Bay homeowners. A deck is held together by thousands of screws and metal hangers.

• The Problem: Standard “zinc-plated” or standard galvanized screws you buy at a big-box store will rust quickly in our salt air environment. Once the fasteners rust, the deck becomes unsafe.

• The Professional Solution: At GAGA, we recommend Stainless Steel (Grade 304 or 316) or heavy-duty Hot-Dip Galvanized hardware for any home west of the 405. It costs more upfront, but it is the only way to ensure your deck’s skeleton doesn’t rust apart in 5 years.

4. “How deep do you dig the footings in sandy soil?”

As we discussed in our foundation guide, the South Bay has sandy soil that shifts.

Your builder must dig holes to “undisturbed soil,” which often requires going deeper here than in other parts of the country. They should also confirm that the city inspector will view the holes before concrete is poured.

Crucial Detail: Ask how they set the posts.

• Wrong: Burying the wood post inside the concrete. It will rot.

• Right: Pouring the concrete footing first, embedding a metal standoff base (like a Simpson Strong-Tie), and attaching the post to that. This keeps the wood high, dry, and away from termites.

5. “Which decking material handles the California sun best?”

There is no single “best” material, but the South Bay sun is intense. A good builder acts as a consultant here.

• Composite (Dark Colors): Be careful. Dark composites can get painfully hot for bare feet in the summer.

• PVC / Capped Composite: We often recommend lighter colors or specific “cool-touch” technology boards for South Bay homes.

• Redwood/Cedar: Beautiful and traditional, but requires yearly staining to fight the salt air.

GAGA Tip: If a builder pushes only one brand, they might be limited in their skills. We install what is best for your specific yard exposure.

6. “Explain your Warranty vs. The Manufacturer Warranty.”

You need to distinguish between the two:

1. Manufacturer Warranty: This covers the material (e.g., Trex or TimberTech might offer 25 years against fading).

2. Workmanship Warranty: This is what the builder offers. If a board comes loose, a rail wobbles, or the ledger flashes incorrectly, who fixes it?

At GAGA US Construction, we stand behind our craftsmanship with a clear labor warranty in writing.

7. “Can I see a project you built locally?”

A portfolio of photos is nice, but seeing the work is better. Ask to visit a site in Manhattan Beach, Torrance, or Hawthorne.

Ask their past clients:

• “Did they handle the city permitting process smoothly?”

• “Did they keep the job site clean?” (Crucial in tight South Bay lots).

• “Was the final price the same as the initial quote?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I really need a permit for a deck in the South Bay?

A: Yes. South Bay cities (especially the beach cities) are very strict. Generally, any deck over 30 inches off the ground requires a permit. If a builder says, “Let’s skip the permit to save money,” do not hire them. You will be liable for fines, and you may have to tear the deck down when you try to sell your house. GAGA handles all permitting and city inspections for you.

Q: Should I use hidden fasteners?

A: We highly recommend them. Hidden fasteners clip into the sides of the deck boards, leaving a smooth surface with no visible screw holes. This is not just for looks—it prevents water from pooling in screw holes, which extends the life of the deck. It also prevents splinters and rusty screw heads from snagging bare feet.

Q: How much value does a new deck add?

A: In Southern California, outdoor living space is premium square footage. A well-built, permitted deck offers one of the highest Returns on Investment (ROI) of any home renovation project, often recouping 70-80% of its cost upon resale.

Conclusion: Build It Once, Build It Right

Hiring a deck builder is a major commitment. These questions will help you separate the true craftspeople from the “handyman” crowd.

The right deck builder will be happy to answer these questions in detail—it gives them a chance to show off their expertise.

Ready to transform your backyard? At GAGA US Construction, we specialize in building high-performance decks designed for the South Bay lifestyle. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s build an outdoor space that lasts a lifetime.