Before You Build That Deck… « MasterPLAN Outdoor Living

Building a new deck or patio to your house is a great addition, and a great way to improve your backyard! You’ll get a new place for outdoor entertaining, plus had value to your home! But when talking to your landscape designer, keep these ideas in mind:

–How much will you use the new deck? Do you see yourself sitting outside drinking coffee during leisurely Saturday mornings? Family dinners at night? Parties during the summer? You’ll want to make sure your deck is big enough for your activities, while being the appropriate size for your home.

–How much maintenance are you comfortable with? Building with treated wood is cheaper, initially. However,you will be committing to a lifetime of pressure washing and staining, which can take time. Building with synthetic material is more expensive, however, you’ll have more time to enjoy your deck without working to keep it looking nice.

–What features are important to you? Decks can be as unique as you are. Do you want built in planters? A bar? A shady spot to get out of the sun or be protected from the rain? Or maybe a built-in fire pit, to take the chill off after the sun sets? Talk to your landscape designer about what features you’d like to include.

–What is your working budget? You need to have a good idea of how much you want to invest, but the good news is decks are consistently one of the most valuable home improvement projects you can do, according to Hanley Wood’s Remodeling magazine’s annual 2014 Cost vs. Value Report.

The magazine’s survey indicates that a midrange wood deck addition that costs $9,862 in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. will recoup 80 percent of its value at resale on the national average. A composite deck addition that cost $15,633 recouped 66 percent on the national average. So even in a sluggish housing market, a deck upgrade can increase your home’s value.

Spring is the time to talk about new backyard ideas, so talk to MasterPLAN Landscape Design & Installation today!

Before You Build That Deck…

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