For Colorado Homeowners Who Want Quality, Transparency, and Year-Round Outdoor Living
Building a deck in Colorado — especially in places like Castle Pines, Palmer Lake, or the foothills west of Denver — isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about elevation, exposure, engineering, and expertise.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we’ve spent decades designing and building luxury outdoor spaces that withstand Colorado’s extremes — snow, sun, and shifting soils. We know what works, and more importantly, we know what doesn’t.
Before you hire a deck builder, here are 7 questions to ask potential “deck contractors near me.” They’ll expose the shortcuts others take — and help you find a builder who treats your home like their own.
1. Can You Show Proof of License and Insurance?
Not all deck builders are created equal. In Colorado, general contractors and deck builders need to be licensed. However, homeowners are protected through the permitting process and building codes. When you are looking for someone to build your outdoor project, you want to search for “deck builders near me” so they understand local building codes.
You also want to make sure your deck builder is fully insured to protect you financially if something goes wrong.
Regulations vary by county in the Greater Denver region, so your local decking contractor must be aware of them.
2. Do You Have Local References or Past Projects I Can Review?
Verbal promises are easy, but past performance is proof. Ask your potential to see completed deck projects, privacy rooms, or pergolas built in your area, especially if you live in high-altitude communities like Larkspur or Monument.
Experienced outdoor builders should be proud to show off their portfolio of how they transformed outdoor living spaces. Local testimonials are a powerful indicator that they deliver on their word and understand your neighborhood’s terrain and climate.
3. Which Decking Materials Do You Recommend for This Region and Why?
In Colorado, material choice isn’t just cosmetic — it’s structural. Intense sun, freeze-thaw cycles, and dry air demand decking that’s engineered for the Rockies, not just what’s popular in other states.
A reputable outdoor contractor will explain the differences between capped composite decking, redwood, and wood- and steel-framed structures, and match those to your elevation, usage, and style.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we recommend building with Trex, Deckorators, Fiberon, and TimberTech/AZEK advanced PVC and composite deck materials. They hold up well with the Colorado climate. We use wood and steel for framing, but we prefer steel.
4. How Do You Collaborate with Homeowners on their Dream Deck Designs?
Deck design isn’t just lines on paper — it’s about function, flow, and feel. You’ll want a builder who offers a personalized process, turning your ideas into a space that fits your family’s lifestyle and home’s character.
Ask about custom designs, what deck is best for your terrain, louvered roof integrations, built-in lighting, and other features that elevate basic plans into exceptional outdoor living environments.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we meet to discover your vision and plan a thoughtful design that aligns with your desires, home, and property.
5. Do You Handle Permits and HOA Approvals?
Navigating Colorado’s permitting landscape can be daunting. Many cities — from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs — have deck height rules, setback requirements, and zoning code overlays that must be addressed before any post hits the ground.
Look for a contractor who handles city permits, HOA submittals, and engineering documentation, so you’re never stuck in paperwork limbo or facing a stop-work order.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we handle all permitting requirements, and we work on homeowner association approvals. We are full-service deck builders.
6. What’s Your Step-by-Step Deck Building Process — and Timeline?
A transparent construction process is a sign of experience and professionalism. If your builder can’t explain what happens after design approval, expect costly delays and miscommunication down the road.
Reliable deck contractors should provide a clear construction process, detail how they stage materials, manage inspections, and minimize disruption to your property.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, every decking project is customized to your idea of the perfect deck, and we have to account for your property’s terrain and slope. So, during the design process, we will establish a timeline for the start and completion of your deck. Because each deck and home is different, the time for completion will vary. But, the sooner we start, the sooner we finish.
7. What’s Included in Your Labor and Material Warranties?
Warranties protect you from long-term headaches — and weed out builders who cut corners. In Colorado’s harsh outdoor environment, the right protection is essential.
Ask about coverage periods, exclusions, manufacturer terms, and whether warranty claims are handled in-house or passed off. Strong warranties often reflect stronger craftsmanship.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we offer a one-year workmanship warranty and manufacturer warranties to protect your investment.
These are the Top 7 questions to ask when you are searching for “deck contractors near me.” We also have some bonus questions to round out the Top 10.
Three Bonus Questions to Ask Potential Deck Companies
8. What Do Past Clients Say About Working With You?
A builder’s reputation reveals far more than their brochure. Look beyond five-star averages and ask how they handled mid-project changes, bad weather, or delayed materials.
Great outdoor living builders are remembered for their communication, cleanliness, problem-solving, and follow-through — not just how the deck looked on day one.
9. Can You Show Me Photos of Past Decks You’ve Built?
Visual proof beats vague descriptions. A seasoned Colorado deck contractor should have a portfolio of custom outdoor spaces, underdeck systems, pergolas, and multi-level decks that align with your style and challenges.
Don’t just look for beauty — look for consistency, structural quality, and how the build integrates with real terrain.
Check out this photo gallery that demonstrates our experience building decks:
10. What Are the Hidden Costs in Deck Construction I Should Watch For?
It’s common for deck quotes to omit extras — and then add them back later. What might look like a deal can balloon once you add permits, cleanup, HOA re-submittals, debris hauling, and change orders.
Transparency around costs means your local deck builder respects your budget and builds lasting trust from day one. Ask for estimates and documentation on how adjustments are handled.
Have Any Questions for Our Local Deck Builders at ALTA Outdoor Living?
Your deck isn’t just a platform — it’s an extension of your home and your lifestyle. Choosing the right contractor will define how that space feels, functions, and holds up to Colorado’s wild weather for decades.
At ALTA Outdoor Living, we bring 30+ years of design-build experience to every project, with a collaborative approach that ensures no detail is overlooked. We manage the red tape, specify climate-smart materials, and build custom-crafted decks, pergolas, and privacy rooms that reflect your vision — not a template.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward a better outdoor life, we’re ready to help you build it. Contact us today with your questions or to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
