A quick and easy way to achieve an all-new look for your home is to remodel your deck. Deck remodeling comes with plenty of options and freedom. You can add new components, re-finish or replace older components and even perk up the deck with new accessories like pots and plants. However, many homeowners go headlong into deck remodeling without first considering the entire project. You can avoid this mistake by first charting a roadmap for your remodeling project. Here are four vital things to consider in this regard.
The Deck Remodeling Project Timeline
If you are going at deck remodeling on your own, it is important to set a deadline for completion. You can hire professionals to do the job. Remodeling for a 12 x 24 deck can take anywhere between one and three weeks. If you take the DIY approach, you may end up spending more time. The actual time for the project will also depend on the extent of remodeling and the number of changes you want to make to your deck.
New Levels or Stories For Your Deck Remodeling Project
You can add a new level or story to your deck during the remodel. Multi-story decks usually make sense when your deck is positioned to offer entry points to both the first and second floors. If your outdoor deck is more detached from the house, you may consider adding a new level during deck remodeling. Multi-level decks are able to utilize a limited deck space more effectively. They are particularly useful for decks that have to be constructed in an irregular space.
Changes to the Existing Deck
A deck remodeling project is ultimately aimed at giving your deck a new look and feel. You will inevitably make a lot of changes to the deck during the remodel. It is best to know and plan these changes in advanced in order to best manage them.
Filing for Deck Permits For Your Deck Remodeling Project
If you are going to extensively remodel your deck, you may need to file for a deck permit depending on your local building codes. You can also consult a professional on the matter before initiating the DIY remodeling project.
Contact A Deck Builder For Your Deck Remodel
DIY deck remodeling takes considerable commitment on your part. You will need to put in the hours and the toil to ensure a good remodel and a neat finish. You will also need to spend a considerable amount on remodeling. Given the investment in terms of time and money, it makes sense to think the project through before kickstarting it.
If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your property, your planning should take into account ROI variables. Materials, size, access, and the “wow factor” all contribute to a prospective buyer’s perception of the value added by a deck to the property. It’s worth becoming familiar with deck construction in the comparable properties in your area so you can position yours where you want to be value-wise. Another value relationship to consider is that between your deck budget and the overall value of the property. It doesn’t make ROI dollars and sense to build something too grand for the size and likely resale price of the home. One rule of thumb used by contractors and architects is that a deck should be no larger than the home’s biggest interior space.
Keep in mind, too, that adding value to your home gets the attention of the assessor and the underwriter, so your property taxes and insurance premiums are like to be increased. Like anything else built by human beings, a deck will inevitably require some maintenance and/or repair as time goes by. Good choices of materials, with expert design and construction, are the ticket to keeping those costs down and your enjoyment and ROI up.