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Having an outdoor deck adds character to your home and extra space for you to enjoy. This can also be an added space for entertainment, outdoor dining, an extension for a pool, a small garden, or additional privacy from the neighbours.
If you are considering building this structure for your property, there are important factors you need to look into while planning the construction. Your reasons for wanting a deck will determine the size, design, and material. However, there are more factors to consider during the preparation stage.
– Location
The deck is commonly attached to the back of the house, but there are factors to consider when deciding its location. For example, if you want to maximize the view at the back of your house, this can be a good reason to put the deck opposite its usual location. Think of the microclimate, the wind patterns, and the direction of the sun in your area, as these conditions will help finalize the location of the construction.
– Budget
Can you build a deck with the budget that you have? When setting a budget, don’t limit yourself to the materials and labour for the basic construction. Also, consider the cost of the accents, such as the lights or built-in railings and the permit. If you find yourself getting lost in this stage, you may want to consult a deck and fence company to help set a realistic budget.
– Style
Keep in mind that the style of your structure must complement the style of your house. Otherwise, it may compete with the look of the property and end up looking odd. As such, the line, design, mood, and your house should continue to the deck so that it will look seamless.
– Material
Untreated wood used to be the main material for decks in Alberta. That is why we are replacing all of those old deck today. Treated wood is the main material now for the structure and is common for the deck surface too. Composite materials are made mostly from wood fibre and resins to create a much more durable product that can help a deck last many decades
– Deck Lighting
Did you know that there are various ways to illuminate your deck? It ultimately depends on how bright you want the space to be. Is it going to incorporate direct or indirect lighting? Do you just need to accentuate the deck? Depending on how you want it, you can pick the best type of lighting that would fit your purpose.
– Built-ins
Remember that a deck can offer more than just additional space. You can add more functions to it by putting built-ins because it can be turned into cool storage for items at home that have no particular storage area. A storage box can also be a bench or a game table, especially when you have guests coming over. Likewise, construction tools, children’s outdoor toys, and gardening tools are just some of the things you can keep in there.
– Privacy
The only space in your home where a deck can be built may cause you to compromise your family’s privacy. However, this is a simple problem that can be easily solved. You can put screens or plants on the platform to minimize your exposure to the outside world.
– DIY vs Contractor
You might think that you can save a lot of money by building the deck by yourself. However, it is considered a project for more experienced DYI’rs. If you are looking at a classic structure with simple and less complicated features, you may try to build it yourself. However, you should be ready to consume a lot of your time to finish it. On the other hand, our carpenters can do it quickly while ensuring top-quality results.
– Building Codes
Before building your deck, you must always consult your town’s authorities if there are any rules that you might unintentionally miss. If there are any safety protocols in building a deck in the area, it is also best to identify them so that there won’t be any delay in your project, or worse, an accident.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know the nine factors to consider when building a deck for your home. If you finally decide to build this structure but are still troubled with what to do, just refer back to this guide so that you won’t waste your time, energy, and money by doing the wrong things!
Our team of deck specialists and installers from A.C.T. Home Services have years of experience in the industry and will work closely with you to build a deck you always desired to have. Get in touch with our renovation experts in Red Deer, AB, today to learn more about our services!