Having a deck that is properly built won’t only transform how your entire property looks like, but, it will also increase the overall value of your home. However, if you never built one before or if you never worked with a construction company that would do it for you, you might be wondering – are there some things I should know and consider before building it?
Fortunately for all individuals in this situation, this article might be able to help you. The text below is going to feature a list of 7 things that you’ll want to know and carefully consider before you start building a deck in your backyard. Let’s take a closer look at the things you should know:
1. First Things First – Set a Budget And Stick to it
Before you do anything else from this list, it is important for you to set a budget and stick to it. Why? By doing so, you’ll be able to determine which materials you can opt for, whether or not it will feature a wooden seating area, as well as if you’ll be able to install the handrails immediately or later on. Additionally, think about the furniture you’ll need to purchase and when you set a budget, stick to it, especially since it is easy to get carried away.
2. Materials, Materials, Materials
Once you set your budget, your next step is to choose the material for the platform. The traditional option most homeowners choose is wood – threaded or natural – since it is resistant to the elements and insects. But, more and more companies such as DinoDecking are offering composite decks, which will cost a bit more, but, it will turn out to be a great long-term investment since it can save you money, as well as time since you won’t need to clean and refinish it often. Also, they can last for up to 15 to 20 years.
3. You Might Need a Permit
You’ll definitely want to ensure that you do not need a permit for building a platform in your backyard. In most situations, you won’t need one and it will mostly depend on the height and size you are planning on installing. Keep in mind that different states have different rules and regulations, hence, you’ll want to ensure that you do not need one, which will allow you to avoid some issues later on.
4. The Layout, Design, And Location
Before choosing the layout and design, you’ll need to choose where it will be installed. Do you want it to be joined with your back door? What about the front? Once you determine where you want it to be placed, you can then think about the design and layout. For this, you’ll need the help of a designer or architect that will use a program for designing one that will work well with your budget, as well as your house.
5. The Base Must Be Solid
The base where it will be placed needs to be solid and it will also need to meet all of the local regulations and rules that will allow it to be built properly and without any problems. The depth that will be in concrete will depend on the location of your home, where you want the deck to go, and it will also need to be located below the frost line. All of this will ensure that it is sturdy and that nothing goes wrong with the construction later on.
6. Clear The Area
If you do not clear the area before the building company arrives, you’ll lose a lot of time. So, when you figure out where you’ll place the platform, your next step is to clear the area. What does this mean? Well, it means that you should remove any bushes, trees, flowers, shrubs, decorations, and stones. Doing this will allow the workers to start building your deck right away, which will lower the time they’ll need.
7. Do Not Forget The Railings
Railings will guarantee safety, which is extremely important if you have small children. Now, if you determined that you cannot afford them right away, you could install them later on. However, if your budget allows it, you should definitely add railings as soon as you can. Depending on the material and color you chose for your deck, you’ll want to add railings that are made from the same material and that match the color of the platform.
What to Consider When Choosing a Building Company?
There are some things that you’ll want to consider when choosing a deck building company, all of which will help you choose one that will suit your needs, but that will also do a good job with building your deck. The things you’ll want to consider when choosing a company include:
- The Experience – the first thing you’ll want to do is check whether or not they are experienced. How can you do this? Well, you can check the company’s official website and see if there are some pictures of their previous work. If you like what you see, you can move on the next step.
- The Reviews – it is also important for you to check the reviews posted by previous customers. Naturally, if there are more negative than positive ones, you might want to skip to the next business.
- The Prices – lastly, check the prices. Different companies offer different services, which is why you’ll want to compare the prices of various businesses. This will ensure that you do not overpay for something that you could have gotten for a cheaper price.
Conclusion
As you were able to read and learn, there are various things that you’ll need to carefully consider and do before building a deck in your backyard. However, once you get the aforementioned things out of the way, you’ll be able to build a deck that will increase the improve the overall look and value of your property.
So, now that you are aware of the things that you’ll need to think about, you may not want to lose any more of your time. Instead, you’ll want to go back to the beginning of this article and start with the first thing on the list – which is determining what your budget will be.
