Perhaps you have been thinking about putting a purposeful addition to your home. Especially these days, when you seem to have a lot of time. You may want to do some remodelling, or repurposing, even wall painting among other things to make the home look better.
However, if you are not sure which project you should choose, think: container gardening in your balcony, maybe building a deck if you have the space for it, or adding a patio, putting a hammock, and other accessories in your garden.
A wood deck, for example, has many advantages that you should seriously think about. There are quite a few things that you will need to do in order to make a deck project become a reality. Here are things to consider if you decide to build a deck for your home.
Table of Contents
1. Decide the Dimensions of the Deck
You will first need to determine how big your deck will be. You might be forced to build a deck that is smaller than what you want if there is another home that is very close to yours. You will also need to decide if the deck will just be on the ground floor or if it will extend up to the second floor. A two-story deck will require a lot more work and be considerably more expensive than a simple deck on the ground floor of your home.
Take some time to think how often you will actually use the deck. How many people do you plan on having on the deck at the same time? The answers to these questions will be useful when you are trying to decide how big you should make it. You can also look into a hammock store, and see the sizes they offer. If you decide to put a hammock on your deck, you can consider its size in determining how big of a deck to build.
2. Hire an Architect to Design Your Deck
You will now need to secure the services of an architect in your area who has experience building wood decks. Discuss with the architect the dimensions and features that you want your deck to have. He will then make the plans that your contractor will follow once construction begins. Ideally, you should hire an architect who has a lot of experience designing decks.
You can also ask friends and relatives for recommendation.
3. Find a Contractor to Supervise the Building of your Deck
Your next task will be to locate a reputable contractor. This is a person who has many years of experience in the construction industry. He will know the right way to build your deck so that it will be safe and sturdy for many years to come.
Your contractor will also be responsible for buying all the materials that you will need to build your deck. He will acquire all of the necessary timbers and adjustable deck supports. It would be in your best interests to look at the contractor review websites to find out what they have to say about the contractors who work in your area. Get in touch with the contractors who have high ratings.
4. Get estimates from Contractors on Building Your Deck
The prices that contractors will charge to build your deck will be range differently. This is why you need to take some time to call different contractors and get an idea of their price range. You have nothing to lose by shopping around. You can save yourself a considerable amount of money by doing this. Do not be afraid to negotiate with the contractors you talk to. Some of them might be willing to lower their price if they need the work.
Once you have laid out a plan, contract, and estimated the costs, you can start building your deck, and start thinking of how else you will design it.
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I would love to build a raised deck where my back patio currently is. It would be extra work as we would need to dig down a bit in order for the raised look.
You made a good point that getting estimates first is important when planning to have decks built. I’d like to know more about deck building because it might be a good way to raise the value of my home. I think I should focus on that next year since I haven’t been getting any major home improvement projects lately.