The DW Difference

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     Conventional wisdom states that you should "get at least three bids" before hiring a contractor.  It’s a mistake to let price alone drive your selection.  If you like DW Elite Decks and are confident that we would do a good job, don't settle for a company whose price may be less but  may not rank as high in customer service, competence, communication, etc.  If the estimate is more than you were expecting, we may be able to scale down by making a few modifications - using quality domestic stock lumber rather than exotic or composite - changing to a simpler, more cost effective design.

     Not all deck contractors are built the same.  Here are just a few key elements that make DW Elite Decks unrivaled in quality.  Please take them in to consideration when comparing proposals.

1. We rank above all Kansas City's deck contractors:  Our superior craftsmanship, premium quality materials attention to detail, cleanliness, and expedition of project are unmatched anywhere in the deck industry!  

*In 2007, it was the Andover Research Group that selected us as #1.  According to the report: "Those who completed the (Andover Group) survey gave high marks to DW Elite Decks for craftsmanship, quality of products, knowledge of deck building, crew appearance and cleanliness."

*In 2006, we were rated #1  among deck contractors by "the Kansas City Remodeling Industry."   We placed 1st in design & quality and 2nd in innovations. 

With over 25 years combined deck building experience (and a complete portfolio to back it up), DW can design and build any deck, screened porch, hot tub enclosure, arbor or pergola that you can dream up.

2. All We Do Is Decks:  Unlike many deck contractors, we don't "dabble" in several other trades (i.e. remodeling, framing, sheds, fences, misc. handy work).  This allows us to focus all of our attention and resources to the constantly growing and evolving deck industry.  DW specializes in all of the latest concepts and innovations the industry has to offer.  Some of which include: composite/ synthetic decking materials, tropical hardwoods, aluminum/ iron/ vinyl/ glass balusters and railing systems, and numerous fixtures in low voltage lighting.

3. Owner Operated:  We are not a franchise.  We do not subcontract.  An owner of the company will propose, initiate, and finalize all contracts.  All details of construction are supervised daily by an owner of the company.   Many problems often arise from subcontracting: design errors - miscommunication between general and sub contractor, poor and inconsistent quality - the sub’s name is not on the product, and inadequate or no warranty follow ups - the sub is not working for the customer directly.  All of DW Elite Decks are built with In-House employees.  This keeps our quality superior and our standards consistent.  By using DW trained employees, we can be assured our customers receive everything that was promised them upon purchasing the project.  

4. Licensed and Insured:  DW Industries, LLC is fully licensed and insured (liability and work comp).

Are they insured?  -  If someone is injured while performing services on your property, and they are not insured, they can take legal action against you to compensate for damages.  The states of  Kansas and Missouri both require $1,000,000.00 personal injury and 2,000,000.00 general aggregate liability coverage.  Anyone with employees is also required to carry work comp insurance on each employee.  You should request the contractor show proof of insurance via certificate typed in your name and sent to you directly from their carrier or agent.

Are they Bonded?  -  DW backs the integrity and character of its employees by carrying a $5,000.00 “dishonesty bond” which covers theft or malicious destruction of property.

Are they licensed?  -  All deck contractors in Johnson County are required to carry a Class C building license.  This license certifies the Universal Building Code for Residential Construction.  The license requirements are based on experience, annual educational courses (in the contractor’s specific industry), and current, valid liability and work comp insurance.  Government mandated licensing originates from customer driven complaints about unsafe and poor craftsmanship practices.

5. We can be located:  Everyone has heard horror stories of contractors running off with a consumer’s money without finishing or sometimes even starting a project.  Those contractors almost never have a business that is traceable back to the point of sale other than the customer’s own address.  Also, this helps if there is a quality or warranty issue in the future that needs to be resolved.  It gives you, the customer, peace of mind knowing you can always find the person on the other end of that contract.

6. Most comprehensive warranty:  Many decks look fine immediately following completion.  However, Mother Nature, gravity, and Kansas City’s extreme climates will test the deck’s integrity.  Most settling, twisting of boards, and popping of nails happens within the first year of being built.  Therefore, this is the minimum timeframe a warranty should cover your deck.  DW Elite Decks provides a 2 year comprehensive craftsmanship and 5 year wood rot protection plan with all its contracts.  A tangible Warranty Certificate should be provided when finalizing your contract.    

7. Numerous references provided:  A substantial reference list of at least 40 or more contacts including name, phone #’s, location and type of work performed will be accessible to you.  You should take advantage of this source and be sure to ask “When was the work done?  How does it still look?  Would you use them again?  Are you a relative or friend of the contractor?”  The reference list will be composed of fairly recent customers (within the last year) and not family or friends.  Deck builders providing "GREAT WORK ALL OF THE TIME" have no problem supplying many past customers with positive feedback.

8. Extensive gallery of photos:  Deck builders which produce quality decks for a significant period of time should acquire a good number of pictures to back up their claims.  These photos should portray a variety of custom designs and materials used.  The old excuse, “we just don’t take pictures of most of our work”, is a popular tale.  It’s used by many contractors to combat the lack of proof for an abundant, quality work history.  Visit our gallery at the top of any page and see what you think of ours!

9. No subcontracting:  Many problems often arise from subcontracting: design errors - miscommunication between general and sub contractors, poor and inconsistent quality - the sub’s name is not on the product, and inadequate or no warranty follow ups - the sub is not working for the customer directly.  All of DW Elite Decks are built with In-House employees.  This keeps our quality superior and our standards consistent.  All work is supervised daily and often performed by an owner of the company.  By using DW trained employees, we can be assured our customers receive everything that was promised them upon purchasing the project.  

Craftsmanship Without Compromise

"Never sacrificing quality to save money!"

"Never taking shortcuts to save time!"