There’s a good chance you already enjoy getting outside, grilling some food, and chatting with friends and neighbors. However, if your home doesn’t have an amazing deck, your entertainment space might be a little lackluster. Here are some excellent tips to follow for building a deck that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
Choose Materials Wisely
Not all materials hold up the same in the northern climate. Hot summers and downright cold winters can be hard on certain types of wood. Though wood is by far the most common option, composite materials also exist, and these can last as many as 25 years under warranty. If you opt for wood, be sure that you choose a proper sealant for the climate, and make sure you understand the maintenance and care that goes into protecting that wood year after year. With proper sealing and the right care, a wood deck can last for many, many decades.
Talk to Numerous Contractors
Contractors out there know how to talk to you to get you excited for your new deck, but you should never just choose the first one you speak with. Ideally, you should get three different bids from three companies – all with the same materials – just to better understand how much your project will cost. Then, consider each company’s benefits, make sure they are licensed and bonded, and talk to others who may have hired them to build their decks. All of this information will go a long way toward helping you choose the right contractor for the job.
Get the Right Permits
Believe it or not, in many parts of the area, you are required to have the proper permits before building your deck. Though it may be possible to skip that part of the process, especially if your deck is in the backyard, think of it like this: a deck built with the proper permits can add more equity to your home and make it more valuable if you choose to sell down the line. What’s more, the company you’ve hired to build and install your deck will likely be able to give you more information about codes and requirements to help you along.
Think About Where to Place Your Deck
If you have several options for deck placement outside your home, think about things like comfort and functionality combined. Think about which areas get sun, which get shade, and which are more likely to stay out of the wind. Considering these factors will keep you and your guests comfortable, and it will also help your deck last much longer. For example, if you plan to build a covered deck, but you build it in a location where driving winds force rain to move sideways, the covered deck won’t provide much protection, and you and your guests might get rained out.
A deck can add value, beauty, and function to your home’s outdoor area, and if you’re considering the prospect of building one, it’s important to do it right. These tips will help you build a deck that lasts for years, increases your home’s value, and keeps you and your guests comfortable.
