Planning a new deck in your backyard? The backyard deck is the social hub of many homes in the summertime. It’s perfect for al fresco dinners, barbecues, Sunday mornings with coffee and a book, long summer nights with friends over, or keeping an eye on the kids as they get their energy out in the yard.
This is your guide to making sure you get the deck of your dreams.
Material
The material you choose for your deck will have a major impact on the cost and durability of your deck, as well as the resale value of your home.
The most common choice you’ll have to make is between cedar wood and composite, in particular, Trex composite. Contractors like Green Side Up Contracting primarily use Trex composite because it’s a material that requires very little maintenance, and it resists fading, wear, and the growth of mold and mildew. It’s a durable material that will keep your deck looking new without all the work.
Aligning Design and Lifestyle
Before you embark on your next landscaping project, it helps to know what you want to get out of a new deck. The design of your new deck should match the way you plan to use it. If you love hosting, a low-maintenance material will make sure you can keep your deck in company-ready condition without taking too much time and effort.
For those who love autumn, winter, and being outdoors in all kinds of weather, integrating a fire pit into your deck can make it comfortable and cozy in all seasons. Your deck can connect you with the outdoors, no matter how you like to enjoy it.
Regulatory Constraints
In order to make sure your dream deck doesn’t cause any you any headaches down the road, you need to make sure that your project follows all the rules and regulatory constraints imposed by your municipality. Many cities require you to get a building permit before you can add or change a deck attached to your home.
In order to get that building permit, you have to make sure that your deck follows local zoning bylaws and won’t infringe on the privacy of your neighbors. In some cases, you may even need to get a minor variance.
Working with an expert contractor who understands the rules of the game is critical when it comes to regulations. Often, any issues with a deck can be solved by adding screening that will protect your neighbors’ privacy.
Protecting Your Home Value
Home improvements can be tricky when it comes to protecting the value of your home. Your home is likely the biggest single investment of your life, and you should work with a contractor who believes in protecting that value.
Decks are constantly exposed to the elements, and even with good maintenance, they can turn into an eyesore over the years. Some materials are better than others. As mentioned above, Trex composite holds up much longer than cedar. Wood decks have a better ROI in the short-term, but if you’re not planning to sell for years to come (or if you don’t plan to sell at all), you want more durable materials both for value and your own personal enjoyment.
