Why Quality Craftsmanship Still Matters in Deck & Fence Construction
“Number of times a homeowner has told me they are going with someone who can build it cheaper… countless.
Number of times a homeowner has told me they are going with someone who can build it better… not once.”
That statement may sound blunt—but after years in the deck and fence industry, it reflects a reality many homeowners eventually discover the hard way.
When comparing quotes, price is often the first thing people look at. And that’s understandable. A deck, fence, pergola, or outdoor living project is a significant investment.
But here’s the truth:
A lower price and a better project are rarely the same thing.
The Problem With “Cheaper”
In construction, every number on a quote comes from somewhere.
Lower pricing is often achieved by cutting corners in areas homeowners may never see during the estimate process:
- Inferior materials
- Shallow footings
- Undersized framing
- Poor fastening methods
- Lack of drainage planning
- Minimal site prep
- Rushed labor
- Ignoring manufacturer specifications
- Skipping code requirements
On the surface, two projects can look similar on day one.
But time reveals the difference.
The cheaper fence starts leaning after a harsh South Dakota winter.
The budget deck begins warping, sagging, or loosening.
The railing fades, shakes, or fails inspection.
Fasteners rust. Boards split. Gates drag.
And suddenly, the “savings” disappear.
Better Isn’t Always Visible Immediately
True craftsmanship often shows up in the details most people never notice:
- Proper framing spacing
- Accurate leveling
- Concrete depth below frost line
- Drainage considerations
- Structural load calculations
- Quality hardware
- Clean layout and symmetry
- Manufacturer-approved installation methods
- Attention to expansion, contraction, and long-term movement
These aren’t flashy upgrades.
They’re the foundation of durability.
A professionally built deck or fence should not only look beautiful—it should perform for years through heat, cold, moisture, wind, and daily use.
Especially in South Dakota’s climate, shortcuts eventually get exposed.
Homeowners Deserve More Than the Lowest Bid
We understand budgets matter.
But homeowners should also ask:
- Will this project still look good in 10 years?
- Was it built to code?
- Are quality materials being used?
- Will the contractor stand behind the work?
- Is this designed for long-term durability—or short-term savings?
The goal shouldn’t simply be to spend less.
The goal should be to invest wisely.
Quality Construction Is About Trust
At Babb Deck & Fence, we believe outdoor projects should be built for generations—not just until the warranty expires.
Anyone can promise a lower number.
But real value comes from:
- Experience
- Craftsmanship
- Communication
- Structural integrity
- Attention to detail
- Long-term reliability
Because when your family gathers on that deck…
when your kids play inside that fence…
when your outdoor space becomes part of your everyday life…
You want confidence in how it was built.
Final Thoughts
Price matters.
But quality matters longer.
Years from now, most homeowners won’t remember who had the cheapest quote.
They’ll remember whether the project was done right.
And that’s the difference between building cheaper… and building better.