A deck can be a beautiful addition to a home, giving you structural access to the outdoors while enhancing the aesthetics of your property. When built with high-quality materials in a respectable design, a deck can instantly increase the value of your home, and give you a place to relax with your friends and family.
However, sometimes the idealization of a deck can be more appealing than its reality—and you need to be prepared for some of the important decisions and potential challenges that can arise when you start seriously considering a deck installation contractor.
Questions to Ask
Before you get too far in the process, make sure you ask yourself these important questions:
1. Why do I want a deck in the first place?
There are many good reasons to build a deck, but depending on your goals, you may want to opt for different types of building materials and styles. For example, do you want a deck that could serve as an extension of your kitchen, with a grill or outdoor oven? Or do you want to use your deck more decoratively, with potted flowers and herbs? You could also have your deck center around an addition, like a hot tub, or just have a space to sunbathe. Furthermore, you may consider using your deck for outdoor recreation, or simply focus on getting the best possible return on investment (ROI) to boost the value of your home. All of these goals will produce different types of decks.
2. What’s the best way to access the deck?
Decks can be both freestanding and attached, and both offer different advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the layout of your house, an attached deck may be an easy feature to add, or it may end up with an inconvenient placement. On the other hand, freestanding decks tend to add less to your home value but are easier to create. Depending on the layout of your house, there may also be a price difference involved.
3. How do I plan to maintain the deck?
If you want your deck to last a long time and remain in good condition, you’re going to have to maintain it. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly, apply weatherproofing and other coatings periodically, and eventually repaint it. Different types of materials require different amounts of maintenance, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for different options. In any case, you need to prepare yourself for at least annual maintenance efforts.
4. How private will the deck be?
Most decks are made for enjoyment, but the amount of privacy you have will vary based on your deck’s layout and placement. For example, do you want to have high fences around your deck to keep things as intimate as possible, or would you prefer a more open environment, with practically unlimited visibility?
5. How much am I willing to spend?
This is one of the biggest questions to ask upfront, since it’s the single most significant limiting factor for most deck building decisions. High-quality lumber and good craftsmanship cost additional money, but also increase the value of your home more and make your deck last longer. Then again, you may be attempting to get the most value for the least possible amount of spend—only you can answer the budget question.
6. What style am I looking for?
There are many different deck styles to suit all kinds of tastes and preferences. You may wish to get building materials and a layout that matches the design of your home, or you may want the deck to stand out on its own.
7. What color will look best?
Again, this is a highly subjective question with tons of possibilities. In addition to basic colors, you’ll also want to consider your deck’s finish, and whether you plan on repainting it in the future.
8. What weather conditions will the deck need to withstand?
You’ll also need to think critically about the types of weather conditions your deck will need to withstand. There are ⦁ many ways to weatherproof a deck, but you’ll want to put special emphasis on key vulnerabilities your deck will be exposed to. For example, do you live in an area that gets lots of snow and hail in the wintertime? You’ll need some additional layers of support. Is your area subject to extreme temperature fluctuations? You’ll need to choose high-quality wood and building materials.
9. How will I choose a deck installation contractor?
It’s certainly possible to build your own deck, but don’t neglect the logistical hurdles you’ll need to overcome in the process. You’ll need to design your own framework, pick out all the right materials, and put the manual labor into the finished product—but don’t forget, you may also require a permit to build an extension of your property. For most homeowners, it’s better to go with a deck contractor, who can help you build the deck of your dreams for less money—and a lot less hassle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the paperwork, and you’ll probably end up with a warranty or a guarantee on the work.
Making the Decision
There’s no right or wrong reason to build a deck, and there are hundreds of options for practically any goal or motivation. The key is to understand exactly why you’re building a deck, what your needs are, and what options are available to you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the deck construction process, or if you’re interested in getting a quote from a deck contractor on a new addition to your house, reach out to us to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you make the best decision for you and your home.
