Are you planning a backyard upgrade? If you're unsure where to start, consider starting with your patio. Upgrading your patio can instantly improve your home's curb value and raise its value by roughly 12.4%.

But, before you add a patio or renovate your existing one, you need to find and hire a patio builder. Hiring a professional patio builder can ensure you get a patio constructed to your requirements in good time. On the other hand, hiring a novice patio builder can lead to delays and substandard work. Worse still, a poorly built patio can compromise your home's structure, make it stick out like a sore thumb, and even lower its curb value. Those are things you certainly want to avoid.

That's why to help you hire a suitable patio contractor, we've compiled five questions that you should ask prospective patio builders before you hire one for your home improvement project.

1. Do You Specialize in Patio Construction?

Landscaping companies usually offer a variety of services. However, when hiring a landscaping company to help you with your patio construction project, ensure you hire a company that specializes in building patios. A company that specializes in patio construction is likely to be more conversant with your project's intricacies than one that doesn't specialize in building patios.

2. Are You Licensed?

Most states require professional patio builders to hold an active license from the relevant contractors' bodies to work on projects. Ensure you hire a licensed patio contractor if it's a requirement in your state. You can check whether your contractor is licensed using Angie's List License Check tool. Often, licensed patio builders are credible and knowledgeable. They are also less likely to defraud you and inflate construction costs.

3. Are You Insured?

Nobody likes accidents. Unfortunately, they are inevitable. If a patio contractor is injured on your property during construction, you don't want to be held liable for the injury. Therefore, ask the patio company if it offers its patio builders with workers compensation. Additionally, inquire whether their insurance covers any potential damages that may happen on your property during the project.

4. How Long Will the Project Take?

The duration of patio construction projects isn't cast in stone. Project completion times usually depend on the complexity of the project. While some projects take just a couple of days, others may take weeks. However, to help you plan and avoid surprises down the road, inquire about how long the project will take. Ideally, the patio construction company should provide you with a tentative time to complete the project.

5. Do You Have Any References?

Poring through a patio company's website can give you some insights into the company's work. However, if you want more clarity about the quality of the company's work, ask for references. A reputable company will be more than glad to provide you with a list of satisfied clients. However, if the company is hesitant to provide you with references, it could be an ominous sign, and you should consider looking for a different contractor.

Get the Best Patio Company

Before you hire a patio company, ask the questions above to ensure you hire a professional patio builder that's up to the task at hand. And if you have more questions about patio building, contact us today. We can't wait to collaborate with you and make your dream space come to life.