One of the most important items in a deck remodeling project is creating adequate access to it. Decks are usually accessed via patio doors which also let in vast amounts of light to your home and make it look and feel bigger and brighter. However, if you have patio doors that are not energy efficient and let in too much heat, have air leakage, or create drafts, it’s a sign the patio doors need to be replaced.
Adding a deck is one of the most valuable home renovation projects a homeowner can undertake. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s cost vs. value report, the national average return on investment for a basic wood deck addition was 72.1% in 2020.
While the boost in resale value is nice, a new deck offers a plethora of functional benefits in the short term, allowing homeowners to enjoy their exterior like never before. Therefore, if you are planning a deck addition to your house this summer, consider any of the following complimentary backyard renovation projects which can help you maximize the safety and functionality of your new deck.
Create Some Shade
Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is one of the primary reasons to build a deck. However, no matter which side of the house you build it on, the sun will present challenges of varying levels.
As a result, building a cover is one of the best ways to ensure maximum enjoyment of your new deck. While fully-roofed decks are a popular choice, some homeowners may feel a bit too confined with a full roof and want to create greater contrast between the indoors and outdoors. If this is the case, explore trendy pergola design ideas to find the level of shade that best suits your taste.
Add Some Potted Plants
Although the deck is a classy addition in and of itself, bordering it with colorful plants is an important element that can make the new deck stand out even more. And if your plants attract hummingbirds to your deck, even better!
Whether adding planters like golden cane palms or digging small gardens for shrubs, the ideal plants will grow vertically and no bush out and start growing into the deck. To this effect, some strong options include canna, salvia, and lavender.
Install a Swimming Pool
In the wake of the pandemic, people are likely to be less inclined to flock to crowded public pools for their refreshing summer splashes. Therefore, the timing has never been better to take the plunge and have an in-ground pool installed.
A deck provides the perfect vantage point for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids while they swim, or for those who want to be a part of the outdoor fun without having to don the bathing suit.
It is important to remember that although the cost of installing and maintaining a swimming pool can seem steep, expenses can be controlled with the proper pool trench drain, keeping the pool covered when not in use, and staying on top of routine maintenance before it becomes a major chore.
Perform a Roofing and Siding Upgrade
While building a deck is in no way a fire hazard, the outdoor behaviors that are likely to accompany a deck installation, such as an increase in grill-outs and evening fires, may increase the chances of a fire-related accident.
Therefore, when adding a deck, it is a good idea to pair the project with a matching, fire-resistant siding option, such as fiber cement or steel log, and look into composite fire-rated shingles for the roof of the house that will complement the new deck and improve aesthetics.
Add a Pass-Through Window
A new deck means more outdoor meals. To make outdoor dining more convenient, consider installing a pass-through window that opens directly from the kitchen to the deck.
Not only can this help control HVAC costs by reducing the need to continually open the door as you go in and out, but there are many trendy pass-through window designs that can help give your home a contemporary charm. For example, you could create the appearance of a drive-through window to capitalize on the current popularity of contactless dining, or you could build a small exterior bar that mimics a cafe window.
Conclusion
A deck addition is one of the best remodeling projects a homeowner can perform, offering increases in both the enjoyment and resale value of the property. By pairing your new deck with any of the aforementioned backyard renovation projects, you can create an exterior atmosphere that truly stands out.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.