Deck Installation: Tips to Make Your Home Improvement Project a Success

Deck installation is a relatively simple home improvement project that can boost property values and improve quality of life for homeowners.

Deck Installation: Tips to Make Your Home Improvement Project a Success Close
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Deck Installation: Tips to Make Your Home Improvement Project a Success

Posted by Gary Ashton on Friday, April 12th, 2019 at 12:56pm.

Tips to Install a New DeckDeck installation is a high ROI project that can boost property value and help a home sell quickly. Deck installation is also a very affordable project, so that many homeowners will at one time or another consider installing a deck in their back yard. For a homeowner who has never owned a deck, or a homeowner who has never taken on a major remodel project, deck installation can be an overwhelming or intimidating task. These tips can help make the project a success.

What is the ROI of Installing a Deck?

When you are trying to sell your home in a market that is favorable to buyers, you have to make your property as attractive as possible. The average ROI for decks is 73%, but this percentage can be even higher when the deck is built out of high-quality recycled material. Decks are installed fairly quickly, and can cost around $5,000-$10,000. If you are looking for ways to upgrade your property fast, a new deck is one of the quickest ways to increase the value of your home without spending too much money. You will improve your curb appeal and give potential homebuyers another reason to purchase your home.

Decide on a Material

The type of material that the deck is made from will affect its appearance, functionality and maintenance. Some of the most common materials that decks are made from include pressure treated wood, composite decking and high-end woods like redwood and cedar. Pressure treated lumber is wood that has been treated with chemicals to prevent it from rotting. This is usually the least expensive option.

Composite decking is made from a combination of wood and plastic. From a distance, composite decking looks like wood, but it feels and weathers very differently. Composite decking is virtually maintenance free, so it's becoming more popular among homeowners. High-end woods like redwood and cedar are both rot resistant and attractive, but require regular maintenance to prevent them from rotting.

Pick a Location

The location where the deck is placed should be picked carefully. When homeowners are considering parts of their back or side yard for the deck, they must consider the view, issues of privacy and easy access. Ideally, the deck will be located in a part of the yard that is easy to get to, somewhat hidden from neighbors and located within view of other attractive parts of the yard. Homeowners may need to work with their contractor to make this happen.

Make a Budget

Making a budget can be difficult. For homeowners who have cash on hand for a deck, budgeting for the home improvement project may be fairly straightforward. For homeowners who need to get a home improvement loan, there will be limitations based on the amount they can borrow. Homeowners who plan to borrow should start by visiting banks and talking to lenders to find out how much they can borrow for their home improvement project.

Hire a Reputable Contractor

Hiring a reputable contractor is critical for a job like deck installation. Homeowners seeking a reputable contractor for their deck installation can start by getting referrals from friends and reading online reviews. Homeowners who are starting a major home improvement project must get bids from and interview each potential contractor. It's important to remember that the best contractor is not always the person with the lowest bid. Contractors who bid dramatically less than other contractors may be cutting corners on materials, or may hire less skilled labor.

Re-Landscape When the Job Is Complete

Deck installation can disrupt the landscaping, so many homeowners plan to re-landscape when their project is complete. Landscaping around the deck can help make it look like a more natural part of the yard. Homeowners who don't feel comfortable with this process can start by working with a qualified landscaper to get the job done.

Contact A Reputable Contractor to Get Started

If you're a homeowner who is thinking about installing a deck in your Hendersonville backyard, hire a licensed contractor to get started with your project. Working with a licensed contractor can help ensure that the finished product is one that improves property value and brings joy to people in the household.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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