Believe it or not, conducting a home renovation doesn’t have to cost you hundreds and thousands of dollars (or add an extra 5 years of stress onto your appearance). With the right kind of mindset and knowledge, renovating your front or back deck is easier than you think.
In fact, the deck is one of the most overlooked areas of a home. This being said, having an ample and well-constructed deck can increase the value of your home by thousands. Whereas front decks serve as the initial point of contact of any home, the back deck tends to feel like a hub where family members can gather round and socialise.
Whether you only have one deck or you’re lucky enough to have two, it’s important to give each area some good old TLC every once in a while. We’re talking more than a quick powerwash. If you’re umming and ahhing about renovating your deck, this is the blog for you. Here’s everything you need to know about deck renovation!
Calculate Your Budget (And Stick to It)
When it comes to setting a budget for your deck renovation, it’s extremely important that you sit down to face the facts. What kind of scale are you dealing with? How quickly do you hope to finish the project? Are there any ways you can cut down on costs?
Once you have a brief idea of how you’ll work out your budget, you can start calculating costs such as materials and labour. We recommend that you also set aside an additional 10% for any unexpected surprises you may encounter along the way.
Create a Mood Board For Inspiration
If you have a clear-cut idea of how you want the project to look, you should try to map this out as best as you can. If you’re still open to new ideas, don’t hesitate to create a mood board and get inspired. You’d be surprised at the countless amounts of fun DIY ideas you can embark on.
We recommend you create an online mood board on sites like Pinterest. If you prefer the old-school method, don’t hesitate to print out images or cut out photographs from design magazines. Make sure to keep referring back to your mood board throughout.
Choose a Design That Complements Your Home
When you’re embarking on a new project like a deck renovation, it can be easy to get carried away. You may think you’re dead set on a new deck trend and end up hating it a few years down the line when it’s no longer in style.
The safest option you can go for is choosing a design that truly complements the rest of your home. Don’t push the boat out too far and pick a style that will stand the test of time. This is also a great way to increase the resale price of your home if you decide to sell in the future.
Always Consult With a Professional
Another thing to keep in mind when redoing your deck is to consult the details with a professional. Unless you have a background in construction, it’s always best to get the opinion of an experienced contractor. A small mistake during renovation can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Make sure to scope out the most specialised and equipped team in your area, such as Deck Builder in “Blaine Minnesota”. Not only will you get the job done faster and more efficiently, but you’ll also be able to benefit from an immense peace of mind.
Enquire About Necessary Building Permits
When it comes to any type of home renovation or extension, it’s likely that you will need to secure the necessary building permits. These are especially important for projects that significantly increase a home’s size or structure.
However, it’s worth noting that the type of planning permissions you will need vary greatly across states. More often than not, you’ll need to submit your plans and hope they are passed by the zoning-code gauntlet.
Research the Types of Decks Available
There are tons of different kinds of decks available to the modern homeowner. However, the two most common types we tend to see are freestanding outdoor decks and attached (or fixed) decks. Not to mention, you’ll also need to choose the materials for your deck wisely, as these can include anything from wood, composite, aluminium, and PVC. Bear in mind that these types of material will have different lifespans.
Freestanding decks are those that are not attached to the house and can be built anywhere. You have more flexibility in terms of positioning, however, you may encounter greater costs because of additional legs and footings. Fixed decks are those that are seamlessly attached to the house. This gives the space a greater sense of flow, however, it requires more skills to build and will probably involve greater permits.
Plan Your Renovation with the Weather
As you’ll be spending quite a bit of time outside, it’s never a bad idea to plan your renovation with the weather, especially if you live in an area with extremely harsh seasons. Adverse weather conditions will complicate any project so decide when the best time of year will be.
Whereas frozen ground can slow processes like digging, scorching summers can be too demanding on the workers helping you finish the project. We recommend you opt for late spring or mid fall to start your project.
Last but not least, make sure to stay calm and focused from the minute you begin planning to the moment you’re finished and can start enjoying your deck. There’s no point in trying to get this done while you’re stressed, as it’s likely that you’ll do it wrong and be forced to start again. Don’t forget that you should enjoy the process from start to finish. We hope this guide has taught you everything you need to know about deck renovation and provided you with the inspiration to get started.
