Few home projects can bring as much joy (and home equity) as a brand-new deck. As the dream begins to become a reality, however, you’ll be faced with a lot of important questions about your project. Knowing how to answer these questions, and navigate the larger deck-building project, will help you stay under budget while making your dream deck a reality. To get you started on the right footing, here are nine crucial details to consider before constructing a deck:
1. What Will the Deck Be Used For?
Depending on where you live, you might be using your deck for a wide variety of different reasons. Tropical climate deck builders will be hosting party after party, while those in colder climates might use their decks for more private affairs. By knowing what you will be using a deck for, your journey toward buying materials, getting the deck built, and making it look right will become much, much easier.
2. Where Will the Deck Be Built?
Not all decks are built directly behind the house. Especially if you’re attaching the deck to a pool, your deck could end up in a lot of different locations around your house. Determining the best spots for your deck’s construction, and narrowing your choice down to two or less is recommended. Never rush this step, as it’s difficult to change your deck’s location mid-construction (especially if you do not want to spend a lot of money to do so).
3. What is Your Budget for Building a Deck?
Before reaching out to any contractors, or going to buy materials on your own, you need to have a solid budget laid down. Doing so will keep your project from going dramatically over-budget, and will keep you relaxed as you undergo the deck’s construction. Thankfully, with the right help, this step becomes simple. Speaking of which…
4. Can You Construct the Deck Yourself?
Building a deck on your own can be incredibly rewarding. However, the monumental nature of the task is difficult to overstate. If you do not have experience and time to bring to the construction efforts, you should always find a contractor to help you complete the project in a timely, safe fashion. Additionally, knowledgeable contractors understand how to build a deck in a way that will keep it sturdy, safe and durable for decades to come (so the investment is worth it). With the right research, you’ll find the perfect Chicago deck builders to get the project finished.
5. What Materials Will You Need?
Understanding the variety of different materials you’ll need to build a deck is a huge effort. When deciding on the primary material the deck will be made out of, you’ll need to research to determine what look and function each different material type has to offer you. From premium hardwood to plastic planks, there are many options to choose from (so take your time with this crucial step).
6. What Style of Deck Do You Want?
Aside from materials, the actual building style of your deck will be important to nail down before beginning construction. Decks should complement the aesthetic and architecture of your house, and your materials will need to line up with your intended deck style as well. This becomes another key feature where a knowledgeable contractor can benefit the quality of a deck-building project.
7. What Type of Lighting Will You Use for the Deck?
Deck lighting is almost as important as the actual build of a deck. Without calm, comfortable lighting that fits the intended function of a deck, the space will fail to meet your dreamy expectations. With all the money you’ll be spending to construct the deck, you need to ensure this step is handled as effectively as possible. Path lights, overhead lights, landscape solutions, and more provide some of the most popular lighting types that are used on quality decks (so do your research to determine which option is best for your project).
8. How Private Do You Want Your Deck to Be?
Gaining privacy is a huge point for many people that build decks inside of a neighborhood. Depending on the level of privacy you want to be built into your deck, the materials, style, and lighting options will all be impacted. Once again, understanding how to optimize your project during the planning stage will save you tons of time, effort, and money in the long run.
9. What Building Codes Could Affect Your Deck’s Construction?
Depending on where you live, the building codes that affect your deck’s construction can vary wildly. If you’re working with a contractor, they will already be up to date on all the ins and outs of the rules they need to follow. However, if you’re building a deck on your own, be sure to reach out to your local code enforcement offices to ensure you’re building a deck that will not result in costly fines and renovations later on.
The Perfect Deck Awaits You
Whether you’re planning on throwing pool parties, or just having the perfect place to get some summer reading done, building a quality deck can be thrilling. You’ll boost your home’s value, increase your range of outdoor activities, and have a solid living space to enjoy your weekends once the project is completed. With these nine details squared away, you can approach the project knowing that you’ll complete the undertaking in a successful, and budget-friendly fashion.
