Is $32,000 to rebuild an 18' x 20' pressure treated lumber deck with pergola a fair price?
Project Details
I contracted a general contractor for a deck rebuild. They weren't the cheapest but made many promises about using trusted teams. I'm frustrated because the deck team was inexperienced, leading to quality issues like missed nails, uneven boards, nails sticking out, and up to 1/2" gaps between deck boards. The general contractor has also been difficult, demanding early payments (I've already paid about 85% of the total), going AWOL for weeks, losing team members, and showing a complete lack of communication and onsite guidance, causing the project to be months past its estimated timeline. I've seen their subcontractor invoices and they have significant markups (50-70%). I paid the general contractor $32,000 for the deck and pergola, but they only paid the actual labor team $10,000. I'm questioning if $10,000 for labor is a bargain basement deal for a project like this.
Quote Details
This quote covers the materials and labor for an 18' x 20' pressure treated lumber deck and a 10' x 10' pergola. The project is permitted. This cost does not include electrical work, underdeck system, sealing, demolition, dumpster charges, or permit fees. - Deck Dimensions: 18' x 20' - Deck Material: Pressure treated lumber - Deck Height: 10' up from the ground over a concrete slab - Joist Spacing: 12' (as stated in text) - Posts: 6x6 - Deck Features: Steps down to backyard, railing system with hogwire fence - Pergola Dimensions: 10' x 10'
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More Details
Category
Decking
Price
$32,000
Quote Date
July 15, 2025
Material
Pressure Treated wood
Railing included?
No
Square footage
360
Stairs included?
No
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