1. Observe and protect
Note where you're picturing the deck, roughly how big, and anything about the yard's slope or drainage — that's enough to start.
2. Evaluate the house and site
A good deck scope coordinates layout, setbacks, permits, foundations, framing, ledger flashing, stairs, guards, and material movement.
3. Define a written scope
Get footing depth, materials, permit responsibility, cleanup, and the change-order process written down before work begins.
4. Compare providers
Compare the logic behind each proposal, not only the bottom-line number — that's where real differences usually live.
5. Inspect closeout
Walk the finished deck, confirm any required inspection was completed, and collect warranty documentation before final payment.