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Questions to Ask Your Playset Builder Before Hiring

Choosing a backyard playset is exciting — and kind of nerve-wracking. You want something fun and safe, something that fits your yard and your budget, and you want the crew you hire to actually show up on time. This guide is for Salt Lake City homeowners who are thinking about hiring a playset builder and want to ask the right questions before signing anything. Think of it as a friendly checklist that helps you avoid surprises and end up with a playset the kids adore (and you don’t regret).

Who am I hiring — and are they local?

First off: ask for basic credentials, but don’t stop there. You want to know if the company is licensed in Utah, carries general liability and workers’ comp, and has a business address in or near Salt Lake City. Why? Because local builders know the climate, the permitting quirks, and neighborhood rules — that matters when winter comes early or HOA rules govern fence lines.

You know what? a business can look great online and still be flaky. So ask for proof: a copy of the license, a certificate of insurance, and two recent references from projects in the Salt Lake Valley. If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

What materials and finishes will you use?

Materials shape both the look and life of your playset. Wooden sets — cedar or pressure-treated lumber — have a warm, classic feel. Cedar resists rot and insects naturally; pressure-treated lumber is tougher on a budget but needs the right fasteners. Composite decking (Trex and similar brands) is low-maintenance and resists warping, but it changes the price and the aesthetic.

Ask about hardware and fasteners. Are they stainless steel or galvanized? Do they use Simpson Strong-Tie brackets or just basic lag screws? Little details like these affect longevity more than people expect.

Also bring up surfacing under the playset: engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, pea gravel, or synthetic turf. Salt Lake City parents often pick surfaces that drain well after spring runoff. Each option has trade-offs — cost, maintenance, and fall protection ratings — so ask for recommendations based on how active your kids are.

How do you handle safety, inspections, and warranties?

Safety isn’t optional. A reputable playset builder will design and install to match CPSC and ASTM guidelines (yes, the acronyms matter). Ask how they calculate fall zones and whether they test anchoring. Do they offer a post-install inspection? Will they provide an installation checklist you can keep?

Warranties are helpful, but here’s a mild contradiction: a warranty isn’t a substitute for maintenance. Honestly, no warranty makes wood maintenance unnecessary. Still, ask what’s covered and for how long — both workmanship and materials — and whether replacement parts are available years down the road.

How will the project be managed — timeline, crew, and disruptions?

Here’s the thing: timelines are estimates. Weather, utility locates, unexpected roots or rocks — these things slow work down. Ask for a realistic start window and a typical timeline for a playset installation in SLC. Also ask whether the crew is in-house or subcontracted, who your single point of contact will be, and how they handle schedule updates (text, email, a portal like Jobber?).

Don’t forget permits and locates. In Utah you should call 811 before digging; good builders handle that for you. If tree removal or grading is needed, find out who’s responsible — and whether extra costs require a signed change order.

Money talk: estimates, change orders, and final payment

Get everything in writing. That includes a detailed, itemized estimate showing labor, materials, surfacing, site prep, and permit fees. Ask whether the quote is a fixed price or time-and-materials. Also ask about deposits and payment schedule. Common practice is a modest deposit, with the balance held until final inspection and cleanup.

Watch for vague language like “extras as needed.” Instead, ask how change orders will be handled and what counts as an extra. Demand lien waivers at the end if subcontractors are used — you don’t want surprises later.

Can I see examples and talk to real homeowners?

Photos are one thing; live inspections are better. Ask to see recent projects in your neighborhood or nearby. Read Google Reviews, but also call a reference and ask: did the crew show up on time? Were there communication hiccups? How did the builder handle punch-list items? A builder that’s honest about one or two messy jobs — and explains how they were fixed — is often better than a company that claims perfection every time.

Also glance at social media or their website for seasonal work. Are they busy in spring? Do they post before-and-after photos? That gives you a sense of taste and reliability.

Short checklist — essential questions to ask during the estimate

  • Are you licensed and insured? Ask for documentation right away.

  • Who will do the work? In-house crew or subcontractors?

  • What materials and hardware are included? Treated lumber, cedar, stainless hardware, composite options?

  • How do you handle permits and utility locates? Will they call 811 for you?

  • What is covered by the warranty? Length and exclusions — get it in writing.

  • Can I see recent local projects and talk to references? Preferably within Salt Lake City or nearby suburbs.

  • How are changes and unexpected costs handled? Written change orders only?

Bringing it home — making the final decision

Picking a builder is part detective work, part gut check. You want someone who communicates clearly and treats your yard like it matters. You’ll notice patterns: the company that answers your calls, gives detailed paperwork, and talks through trade-offs (price versus longevity) will likely deliver a better result than the cheapest bid with vague answers.

If you’re leaning toward a particular design, ask for a mock-up or a simple sketch. A good builder will show you options — swings, trapeze, fort modules, safety surfacing — and tell you which will hold up best in our Utah sun and spring moisture. Analogies help: building a playset is a lot like building a deck; if the foundation isn’t right, nothing else will be.

Ready to get started?

If you want a local team that understands Salt Lake City yards, seasonal timing, and playset installation standards, give Utah Playset Builders a call. We’ll walk your property, answer these questions in plain English, and provide a clear, itemized estimate. No pressure — just honest advice and a plan that keeps the kids safe and happy.

Call us at 801-405-3954 or click request a free quote to schedule a visit. We’re happy to talk through ideas, show examples, and help you make the right choice for your family.