What do you need to Consider Before Adding a Deck?

Creating an outdoor living space for your home is an excellent idea in early spring!

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The most popular outdoor project in Central New York is deck construction. The decking can be simple as a platform that sits a few inches above ground level or as elaborate as multi-leveled structures with staircases, railings, pergolas, trellises, and built-ins like tables, benches, and hot spots tubs. You can upgrade your porch with the help of deck remodelers. Plan your deck addition by following these five tips:

1. Start Planning and Booking Early

Although your backyard might be covered in snow, you shouldn’t wait until spring to begin planning your deck-building project. As soon as spring arrives, everyone wants to spend more time outside, and deck builders are often booked up quickly. Plan quickly so that you can start your construction project in the spring. You can make the most of your new deck during the warmer months by planning.

2. Determine the deck’s size

Using the measurements of furnishings and features, assess how much space you will need based on your list of needs and wants:

•       Patio furniture: Make sure you have enough room to pull out chairs and walk around.
•       Grills or outdoor kitchens: Make sure there is a workspace for the chef and the location of the kitchen on the deck.
•       Additional amenities: You will need to factor in the dimensions of the hot tub, firepit, or built-in storage if the deck features a hot tub, firepit, or built-in storage.

3. Choose the location of the deck

During your planning process, you probably already have an idea where you want to put the deck, but consider the following factors:

•       Zoning and codes for buildings in your area: Discuss building codes and zoning regulations with your contractor before beginning your project. If a deck can be placed near a lake or between neighboring homes, there may be restrictions on the type of land you can use. The codes may also specify railings and safety requirements.
•       Usability and accessibility. A deck is often located off a family room, living room, or kitchen for easy access.
•       Shade and sun exposure. The sun’s heat will be maximized by placing the deck on the south or west side of a home in Central New York. You should build your outdoor space in a north or east-facing location if you want to avoid the sun (deck surfaces can get hot and unusable during 90-degree days).

4. Optimizing your investment

Building a deck that matches the local market standard will help you get the most out of your investment. Take a look at the decks on houses of similar value in your neighborhood to get an idea. Building a deck that is too cheap or too extravagant will not stand out in the local market. It would be great to find a sweet spot where you can make your deck stand out without incurring high extra costs. Keep an eye on local codes because if the deck is not up to code, home buyers will often request it be fixed during a home inspection. At last, doing it right the first time may cost a little more, but it is worth it.

5. Add lighting

The deck may be illuminated by wall sconces, accent lights around the perimeter, or floodlights attached to the roof awning. Use dimmers and timers if possible and install switches inside if possible. Recent improvements to solar lighting have made it suitable for walkways and around gardens as well.