What to Know When Building a Deck

Relaxing on a deck is enjoyable in any season, but especially during the summer months. 

Want to expand your home's outdoor spaces and increase your home's value? Building a deck will help you accomplish both of these goals!

With so many different options regarding deck materials, styles, and designs, it's important to do your research so your deck is right for your home. Here are a few things our real estate agents suggest you know when building a deck. 

1. A Deck is a Cost-Effective Way to Add More Space to Your Home
   Even though a deck usually isn't fully enclosed, it expands your home's usable outdoor areas for a price that's significantly less than building another room onto your home. A deck provides a large amount of open space for you to use according to your family's needs; set up a table for outside dining, or invest in a comfortable, conversational set for an evening of board games and snacks. 

2. You Have Numerous Material Options for Constructing Your Deck
   When choosing from the multitude of deck materials, you'll want to pick a selection that fits your aesthetic, maintenance preferences, and budget. Natural wood looks beautiful and resists rotting and insects. However, it's more expensive than other options and requires re-sealing every couple of years to keep it from cracking. You'll also need to pressure wash it annually to remove grime. Pressure-treated lumber is a more affordable alternative to natural wood that's also resistant to rot and insects. Like natural wood, it needs re-sealing every couple of years and an annual pressure washing to keep it clean. Composite decking combines recycled plastic with wood fibers. Trex and TimberTech are examples of composite decking. While composite decking is resistant to insects and rotting, it can get extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight. Shady areas are also prone to developing mold and mildew. Plastic decking is durable and easy to clean with your garden hose or a scrub brush. It's not vulnerable to moisture, insects, or rot. Like composite decking, plastic decking gets very hot in direct sunlight and has a tendency to develop mold and mildew in shady areas. 

3. Overly Extravagant Decks Might Not Pay Off
   If you're planning to add your home to the list of Richmond homes for sale, you may wonder if a fancy deck will help you secure a higher asking price for your home. While a deck will raise your overall home value, potential buyers aren't likely to place as high of a value on customized deck features or extravagant deck designs. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't add unique deck features or opt for more expensive decking materials if they're important to you; just realize that you might not recoup your money when it's time to sell your home. Ultimately, you'll need to consider how you'd like to use this space and how long you'd like to stay in your current home.

4. You May Need a Building Permit
   Depending on the size and height of your deck and your town's specific laws, you may need to apply for a building permit to construct your new deck. This will add at least a few hundred to the cost of your deck. Don't skip this step if you do need a permit. Otherwise, you'll have issues when you sell your home, and insurance claims associated with your deck may be denied. 

A deck is a fantastic addition to any home that will help increase its value and expand the outdoor living space. Want to upgrade to a home with space for a larger deck? Contact us today to get started!