A new patio or deck is more than an outdoor upgrade. It is a construction project that can affect how you use your home, how your property handles water, and how much you ultimately spend.

That is why choosing a contractor should involve more than comparing the lowest number on a quote.

Before you sign a contract, take the time to ask the right questions. A good contractor should be able to clearly explain what will be done, what the project includes, what may require permits, and what you can expect throughout the process.

Here are seven questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a patio or deck contractor.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Start with the basics.

In Maryland, home improvement contractors are required to hold a current license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). MHIC also advises homeowners to verify a contractor’s license and request proof of current general liability insurance. (labor.maryland.gov)

Don’t simply take someone’s word for it. Ask for the information and verify it.

This matters because you’re allowing a contractor to perform work on your property, potentially involving structural elements, concrete, excavation, drainage, or other construction activities.

For a project as significant as a new deck or patio remodel, knowing who you are hiring should be one of the first steps—not an afterthought.

AD Landscape is licensed, bonded, and insured, with MHIC License #05-130900.

2. What Exactly Is Included in the Estimate?

A price by itself doesn’t tell you much.

Two contractors can provide very different estimates because they may be proposing different scopes of work, materials, preparation, or project details.

Ask the contractor to explain exactly what the estimate covers.

Depending on the project, that could include:

• Removal of existing materials
• Site preparation
• Concrete or hardscape work
• Patio or deck construction
• Drainage considerations
• Materials
• Labor
• Cleanup
• Permits, when applicable

Maryland’s Home Improvement Commission requires home improvement contracts to describe the work to be performed and the materials to be used. The contract should also clearly state the agreed price.

If you don’t understand what you’re paying for, you’re not really comparing estimates—you are comparing numbers.

3. Will You Handle the Permits If My Project Requires One?

Don’t assume every outdoor project has the same permitting requirements.

Requirements can vary depending on the type of project and the local jurisdiction.

For example, Prince George’s County has a specific residential deck permit process and requires complete architectural and structural plans for residential deck projects. Its requirements include site plans, foundation plans, framing plans, cross sections, elevations, and other construction details.

That is why a contractor should be able to explain whether your project may require permits and who will be responsible for handling them.

The important question isn’t simply, “Do I need a permit?”

It is:

“Who is making sure this project follows the requirements that apply to my property?”

Getting this clear before construction begins can prevent avoidable surprises later.

4. What Materials and Construction Details Are You Recommending?

You don’t need to become a construction expert before remodeling your patio or deck.

But you should understand what is being proposed.

Ask why the contractor is recommending the materials and construction approach for your particular project.

Your outdoor space needs to work for the way you actually use it. A patio designed for occasional seating may have different considerations from one intended for frequent entertaining. A deck project may also involve structural and safety requirements that need to be addressed during planning.

The goal is not simply to choose something that looks good in a photo.

It is to choose an approach that makes sense for your property, your intended use, and the scope of the project.

5. How Will You Address Existing Problems Before Remodeling?

This question can save you from putting a new surface over an old problem.

Before remodeling a patio or deck, look at the existing conditions.

Is water pooling around the patio?

Is the ground eroding?

Is the existing surface cracked or deteriorated?

Are there areas that stay wet after rainfall?

Does the current layout work for the way you use the space?

These issues should be discussed before construction begins.

For example, if water consistently collects around an existing patio, simply installing a new surface may not address the reason the water is accumulating there.

A professional outdoor remodeling project should consider the condition of the existing space—not just what the finished surface will look like.

This is particularly important for homeowners considering projects that involve patio remodeling, hardscape, concrete, or waterproofing.

6. Will Everything Be Put in Writing?

Never rely solely on a verbal agreement for a significant home improvement project.

MHIC states that Maryland home improvement contracts must be written and signed by both parties. The contract must include information such as the contractor’s details, MHIC license number, approximate start and substantial completion dates, the work to be performed, and materials to be used. The homeowner should receive a signed copy before work begins.

The contract should make it clear what you are purchasing.

That clarity protects both sides and gives you something concrete to refer back to if questions arise during the project.

And pay attention to the payment terms.

MHIC states that a contractor cannot accept more than one-third of the contract price as a deposit and cannot accept payment until the contract is signed.

If a contractor is asking you to skip a written contract or demanding unusual payment arrangements, slow down before signing anything.

7. Can You Explain the Process From Start to Finish?

This may be the most revealing question of all.

A patio or deck project shouldn’t feel like you’re guessing what happens next.

Ask the contractor to walk you through the process:

What happens after I approve the estimate?

What needs to happen before construction starts?

What will the project involve?

How will changes be handled?

What should I expect during construction?

A contractor who can clearly explain the process gives you a better understanding of what you’re actually committing to.

And if the project involves several services—such as patio remodeling, concrete, hardscape, waterproofing, or other outdoor construction—it becomes even more important to have a clear plan.

Don’t Choose a Contractor Based on Price Alone

Your patio or deck is part of your home. The contractor you choose is responsible for much more than installing materials.

They are helping determine how the project is planned, how existing problems are addressed, what is included in the scope, and how the finished space will function.

Maryland’s Home Improvement Commission specifically advises homeowners to check a contractor’s license, ask for insurance information, obtain references, compare bids, confirm permits when required, and make sure material selections and project details are included in a written contract.

The cheapest estimate may not represent the same project as a more detailed one.

Before you make your decision, make sure you understand what you are actually buying.

Planning a Patio or Deck Project?

AD Landscape specializes in outdoor remodeling and construction, including patio remodeling, deck remodeling, hardscape and concrete work, and waterproofing. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured, with roots in the industry dating back to 2000, and offers free estimates.

If your patio or deck is outdated, deteriorating, underused, or simply no longer works for your home, waiting won’t make the planning easier.

Start with a conversation about what your property needs.

Call AD Landscape at 301-370-7829 to discuss your outdoor remodeling project and request a free estimate.