When meeting your salesperson for the first time, you may be wondering how you can prepare for your consultation. This can be especially true if you have never met with a contractor in the past. This article will help you understand and prepare beforehand, so you will be ready once your consultation begins.
At Hankins Decks, we can’t always be the cheapest price, but we strive to give the best all-around value and experience you can receive with your new deck. Part of that value is realizing that your time is incredibly valuable. It sounds cliché, but it’s very true. You are already having to give up some of this valuable time to meet with one, or multiple contractors while deciding on your project. Although I cannot speak for all salesmen, at Hankins Decks, LLC we are not pushy when it comes to sales. Instead, we want to help walk you through all your options. We use our product knowledge and over a decade of deck building experience to assist you with your decision making. To assist you even further, I wanted to write blog post to help you even before I show up to your door.
Here is a list of the top 5 things to prepare before your in-home consultation:
1. Decide on a budget you are comfortable with for your project.
Before doing any research, planning, or decision making, make sure you have a budget you are comfortable with investing into your outdoor living space. Your sales person will ask for your budget rather early in the consultation to determine the best products to fit within your budget. It is best to have a number that you and your spouse feel comfortable with beforehand, so this question doesn’t come as a surprise. With so many options, in so many price ranges, it doesn’t take long to double or even triple the costs of your project with all the bells and whistles. When your sales person knows your budget, they are able to give a presentation with products that will meet your needs for a price you are comfortable with. For more on why speaking with your sales person about a budget, read our blog post.
2. Know your wants and needs.
What do you want out of your new outdoor living space? When building a deck or patio, you are able to start from a clean slate. Take a few minutes to write down what you love or hate about your current space, and what you would like to get out of your new space. This list can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Knowing what you are looking for before hand will allow you to customize your space to fit your every need.
3. Put a list together of questions to ask your contractor.
Put together a list, as long or short as you’d like, of questions you would like to know about your contractor. The list can include questions such as:
- How long have you been in the industry? Do you only specialize in decks, or does your crew do a little of everything?
- Do you have the proper insurance? May I see a copy of your certificate of insurance?
- What makes you different than other builders?
- Are the people building my deck or patio employees or do you hire the job out to subcontractors?
- Do you warranty your work? If so, how long?
4. Look to magazines, websites, and even your neighborhood for inspiration.
While your salesperson will help with design ideas, inspiration can be found everywhere. If you see a picture in a magazine, put a tab on the page to easily find it later. If you find something on a website, print it out. Driving through a neighborhood and see a color, design, or product you like? Snap a picture on your cellphone if you can. Anything you can show to your salesperson will not only help with the sales process, but also make sure you are getting the dream deck you have always wanted.
5. Set aside time for your consultation.
Clearing your schedule and making time for your consultation can be challenging, but is necessary to get the most out of your experience. To make sure your salesperson receives the best understanding possible of what you would like to get out of your new deck, and to make sure you get all of your questions answered, you want to set enough time for your consultation. Most consultations last 1-2 hours, and we want to make sure you aren’t rushed for time when discussing your project. Scheduling your in-home consultation when you have enough time to discuss all your wants, questions, or concerns will really give you the best overall experience, and leave you feeling comfortable about your decision.
Preparing for these five things ahead of time will not only give you the greatest experience from your consultation, but will also help your salesperson narrow down exactly what you are wanting with your new outdoor living space.
To schedule an in-home consultation with Hankins Decks, give us a call at (913)70-DECKS (913.703.3257) or contact us online.