FAQ - Compass Contracting
Frequently Asked Questions

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Everything you need to know about working with Compass Contracting — from first estimate to final walkthrough.

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Process & Timeline

We start with a free, no-obligation on-site consultation. One of our project managers will visit your property, discuss your vision, take measurements, and walk through material options with you. Within a few days, we'll provide a detailed written estimate outlining scope, materials, and timeline. There's zero pressure — we want you to feel confident before signing anything.

Timeline depends heavily on project size and complexity. A standard wood or composite deck typically takes 3–7 days. A fence installation is usually 1–3 days. Screen rooms and larger outdoor structures run 5–10 days. Interior renovations vary widely — a bathroom remodel may take 1–2 weeks while a full kitchen gut can run 3–5 weeks. We'll give you a specific timeline in your estimate and keep you updated throughout.

Our schedule varies by season. Spring and summer are our busiest periods — we typically book 4–8 weeks out during peak season. Fall and winter often have shorter lead times. We recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your preferred start window. Once you're on the schedule, we commit to that date.

Yes. We use our own trained employees — not subcontractors — and the same crew stays with your project from day one to final walkthrough. This means consistent quality, clear communication, and a team that truly understands what was built and why. You'll have a direct point of contact throughout the entire project.

Weather is part of outdoor construction — we plan for it. If significant rain or dangerous conditions prevent safe work, we'll reschedule affected days and keep you informed. We never cut corners or rush work to make up time. We'd rather do it right in favorable conditions than do it wrong quickly. Any weather delays will be communicated to you promptly.

Materials & Products

Wood decking (pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood) offers natural beauty and a lower upfront cost, but requires regular maintenance — sanding, staining, and sealing every 2–3 years. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) is made from recycled materials and requires virtually no maintenance — just an occasional wash. It costs more upfront but saves significantly on time and maintenance costs over its lifetime. Both are excellent choices depending on your priorities and budget.

We are proud authorized installers of Trex and TimberTech — two of the most trusted names in composite decking. Both brands offer a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes with industry-leading warranties (Trex offers a 25-year limited warranty; TimberTech offers 30 years). We'll help you compare options during your consultation and find the right product for your style and budget.

We install wood (privacy, picket, split rail), vinyl (privacy, semi-privacy, decorative), and aluminum fencing. Each material has its own strengths — wood offers a classic natural look, vinyl is maintenance-free, and aluminum is ideal for decorative boundaries without blocking views. We carry a full range of styles and heights, and will help you choose the right solution for your property and goals.

We use commercial-grade, UV-resistant fiberglass mesh on all of our screen room enclosures. It provides excellent visibility and airflow while keeping insects out and holding up to years of sun and weather exposure without sagging or deteriorating. We also offer pet-resistant and solar screen options upon request for specific use cases.

Pricing & Financing

Deck pricing varies significantly based on size, material, design complexity, and site conditions. As a general range: a standard pressure-treated wood deck typically runs $15–$30 per square foot installed. Composite decks run $25–$50+ per square foot depending on the brand and complexity. A 300 sq ft deck might range from $6,000 to $18,000 depending on all factors. The only accurate way to know your cost is a free on-site estimate — contact us and we'll get you a detailed number.

Yes — we offer financing through GreenSky®, one of the most trusted home improvement lending platforms in the country. Options include 0% promotional plans, reduced-rate fixed plans, and extended term plans up to 10 years. Applications take just a few minutes and decisions are fast. Visit our Financing page to learn more and estimate your monthly payment before you even contact us.

Yes, we require a deposit to secure your spot on our schedule and to cover initial material orders. The deposit amount varies by project size and will be clearly outlined in your contract. The remaining balance is typically due upon project completion after your final walkthrough. We never ask for full payment upfront.

Absolutely — always. Every project starts with a detailed written estimate that clearly outlines scope of work, materials being used, project timeline, and total cost. There are no surprises. If anything changes during the project that would affect the price, we discuss it with you and get written approval before proceeding. Transparency is non-negotiable for us.

Services

We serve homeowners throughout the greater Charlotte, NC metro area and surrounding communities across North and South Carolina. This includes Mooresville, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Concord, Kannapolis, Gastonia, Rock Hill, and beyond. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us — chances are we do.

Both! While we're known for our outdoor work — decks, fences, screen rooms, patios, pergolas, and gazebos — we also offer complete interior renovation services including kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, flooring installation, trim work, basement finishing, and more. Many of our customers trust us with both the inside and outside of their home.

Absolutely — and we encourage it. Combining projects is often more cost-effective since our crew is already mobilized at your property, and it results in a more cohesive finished look. We regularly build decks, fences, patios, and screen rooms together as part of a full outdoor transformation. Just describe your full vision during the estimate and we'll put together a comprehensive plan.

Yes — we perform deck repairs, board replacements, railing upgrades, and structural assessments on existing outdoor structures. If your deck is showing signs of rot, loose boards, or aging hardware, it's worth having us take a look. Sometimes a targeted repair is the smart move; other times a full rebuild makes more sense long-term. We'll give you an honest assessment either way.

Permits & Regulations

Yes — we handle the entire permitting process on your behalf. Many projects (decks above a certain height, fences over certain heights, screen rooms, structural additions) require building permits in North and South Carolina. We know the local requirements, submit the necessary documentation, and ensure all work passes inspection. You don't need to worry about any of that — we take care of it as part of the project.

If you live in an HOA community, you'll typically need to submit plans for approval before we begin. We can provide the documentation your HOA needs — drawings, material specs, color samples — to help you get approval quickly. We work with HOAs regularly and understand what they typically require. We recommend starting the HOA process as soon as you have your estimate so it doesn't delay your project start.

Yes — most municipalities require that structures be set back a certain distance from your property lines, easements, and sometimes even your home's foundation. These setback requirements vary by city and county. During your site consultation, we'll discuss placement options with these rules in mind and help you position your structure to maximize your space while staying fully compliant. We've navigated these requirements hundreds of times.

Always. Every project we build meets or exceeds current North and South Carolina building codes. When a permit is required, our work is inspected and signed off by local building inspectors. We're fully licensed and insured, and we never take shortcuts on structural requirements — your safety and the long-term integrity of your home are non-negotiable priorities.

Still have a question?

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Ready to Start Your Project?

Get a free, no-obligation estimate. We'll come to your property, walk through your vision, and give you a detailed quote — no pressure, ever.