How much should I be paying for a 22' x 24' pressure-treated deck with no railings? (In South Florida)

Question

A "friend" quoted my at $5,000 for all materials and labor. I am afraid I am getting ripped off. Some coworkers think I should be paying about half that.
I know lumber is expensive, but still.......

Answer 1

This is kind of a generic answer for any question that begins "How Much will it cost", when what is meant is how do I ensure I pay a fair price and get a decent job done.

Labor costs vary widely depending on locations; materials are a bit more standard. call local supply stores to get Ideas on the cost of materials.
One way to get a true competitive price for the job, regardless of location, is to have contractors bid against one another for the chance to receive your money.
Call at least 5 contractors and schedule them all to come to your home at one time. Show them the entire project you have in mind, describe what you want done. Ask questions like "do you see anything that looks like it may cause a problem?" "Does this require a filing?" etc and let them talk it back and forth. Thank them for coming and ask that all the bids be in three or four days later (set a date that you will review the bids).

By seeing that there are other competent craftsmen interested in doing your job they will be forced to give a realistic price if they want to take your money. Also that visit just gave you an in depth understanding of the exact nature of the scope of work, as the contractors are less likely to put out a line of bull in front of their peers where they can be called out on it.

Review the bids, verify their contractors license, proof of insurance ( I usually ask for a rider specifically covering my job address and myself on the coverage for the specific job, only takes a call from the contractor to their carrier and no additional cost to them), review offered warranties, if any, and contact the references of the two lowest bidders.
Contact the winner and let them know they have the job and you have a deposit ready for them to proceed (25% is normal but 50% is not unusual), and the full payment available upon "Satisfactory" completion. That means everything contracted to be done is complete and working with no apparent problems. Pay the remainder promptly.

I also like to call the other contractors who bid, thank them for their time and if they ask let them know where they fell in the bid. This is useful information for them which they can track to make their bid process more competitive and profitable.

Answer 2

you won't get it much cheaper than that but I wouldn't build it out of pressure treated. With in three years your deck will look like the remnants of an old barn. build a patio out of bolders and have them pour colored concrete in it. Don't stamp it though...it is hard to walk on.

Answer 3

6-8$ per sq. ft on the mid to high side, He`s a bit high but not out of line

Answer 4

Give these people a call and ask them what they would charge:

http://www.ubuildit.com/offices/florida/fortlauderdale-westfortlauderdale/