If you own your home, you already know that enhancing it is an ongoing project.

There’s always something you can improve on, change, or update! One great addition to any home is a custom deck.

It’s a popular trend in home development and will expand a homeowner’s outdoor space.

Adding a layer will also enhance the value of a home and provide enough space for entertaining.

Why Should You Build A Custom Deck?

Investing in a custom deck can get you back its full value if and when you decide to resell.

You’ll get back all the money you spent and more since it’ll make your backyard look even better than before!

Decks are a hot trend in the home-buying market, and homeowners across the nation are investing in sprucing up their garden with custom decks.

If you’re someone that loves to entertain, a deck is great for adding functional space that allows guests to gather and still have lots of room.

A layer is perfect for when you want to have parties throughout the year (given the weather is right) since it saves you from having to worry about ruining the inside of your home.

Create the perfect entertaining space by customizing the deck with a bar, grill, and your favorite outdoor furniture!

But even if you don’t like to host parties, a deck can be a cozy place to read, relax, and take time out for yourself.

If you have kids, it’s the perfect place to have them play outside when the weather is beautiful.

A deck provides an entirely new perspective when it comes to comfort out.

The beautiful wood you choose under your shoes to the greenery surrounding the edges and the blue open sky creates a relaxing haven from the stresses of your day.

What Type Of Materials Are Available?

There are also tons of different decking materials to choose from, allowing you to express your preferred aesthetic for your rustic look.

You can choose from natural or composite materials, allowing you to design something unique.

Plus, there is a wide variety of construction choices that adds even more style to your deck like steel or brass screws and hardware that’s all hidden from the naked eye.

Then you can also design it to meet your needs like adding fire pits, outdoor seating, and even outdoor play toys for the children.

Your outdoor deck will be just as versatile as the inside of your home.

But the biggest reason why many homeowners choose to build custom decks is to increase their living space.

They use the layer for whatever their needs are, making decks functional additions that will increase your home’s value and style!

Installing a deck is easier than you’d think thanks to the abundance of materials and plans readily available.

So if you want to expand on your home and enjoy your backyard more, a deck is a great option!

Figuring Out How Much A Deck Will Cost

There’s no one set price for a deck. There are a lot of factors to think about when trying to budget for a new floor.

As with everything else when it comes to home improvements, the more elaborate you’d like your deck to be, the more it will cost.

Also, the materials used in building your deck will charge different amounts, so it’s good to keep these factors in mind when you’re budgeting for the build.

Since you’ll want to get the deck professionally done, costs can vary from contractor to contractor.

But generally, a custom wood deck that’s pressured-treated usually starts at about $15 per square foot (and that’s generally with materials).

If you want the works when it comes to a more elaborate deck, the price goes way up, but typically starts at about $35 per square foot.

But as with any remodeling project in your home, the cost to build a deck will vary, so you’ll want to get estimates from several contractors.

You can even get ideas from an architect or designer, and then give those renderings to a contractor to look over.

From there, go with something that suits your preferences and budget.

 Will Deck Add Value To My Home?

You should keep in mind the value of your home’s worth and how long you think you’ll live in it.

You don’t want to spend too much on a deck that won’t suit the scale of the house or skimps on the deck’s size if you have a reasonably big home.

And, if you plan on selling the house before the bridge is finished, you probably don’t want to spend too much on a deck since you won’t be able to enjoy it for long.

The general rule of thumb is to get at least three estimates to compare pricing.

When choosing, don’t just go with the cheapest option.

Consider any extras the contractors are adding, the duration of the build, and more.

Besides supply and labor, other factors that will go into your deck’s total cost include the climate of the location and slope of the property.

Usually, foundations for floors in cold climates cost more because they require deeper, freeze-proof footings.

Sloped sites can also increase the costs of building a bridge, but this also adds more design opportunities.

Factors That Determine The Cost To Build A Deck

Many factors must be considered when building a deck, which will also affect their overall cost. Here are a few of those factors to be aware of:

Materials

The frame of every floor should me bade of pressure-treated wood, but there are many choices for other things like the stairs, trim, rails, flooring, and more.

There are also a few pressure-treated wood options like pine and cedar.

Pine is the cheapest, but it has its downfalls.

It shrinks quickly and is more prone to splinters, which can hinder your enjoyment of the deck.

Mahogany and cedarwood cost more but are easier to maintain.

However, they still require yearly treatment on your part.

If you want something you don’t have to care for, synthetic materials like PVC and composites are best.

But they cost more, too.

Sometimes, a price difference can be the materials used to make your deck, so it’s essential to educate yourself on all your options for a budget-friendly deck!

Size

The size of the deck is a huge factor in cost.

The bigger the bridge, the more it’ll be.

Even going a few inches bigger can increase its price dramatically.

That’s because those few inches might require more footings, which are what support a deck.

The materials needed for those few inches might add up, and the work might be more intense.

Those few inches could need an extra girder, more massive joists, or even more columns.

The list can go on and on, so despite only being a few added inches in your eyes, it could be something more complicated when it comes to the actual work and materials involved.

Even if you still want to go bigger, don’t be afraid to ask why the cost is so much more.

Have your contractor explain to why they came up with their quote so that you better understand.

The Conditions At The Site

Where you want to place the deck will be incorporated in the cost.

The condition of the site impacts the cost to build a deck much.

Things to take into consideration include if the site is easy to access, how high it’ll be off the ground, where the gas line is, how rocky the backyard is, and more.

If things are complicated, the price will increase.

When getting quotes, always ask about the site conditions so that you’re not stuck with an insane increase mid-way through the deck install because of unexpected circumstances.

Design Additions

The more elaborate you want your deck, the more it’ll cost.

Design amenities can add up and make your bill higher than you’d like.

Things like decorative flooring patterns, multiple floor levels, lattice, benches, and other amenities that make a deck look great are expensive.

Go through some options you like and get quotes on everything.

From there, see if they work with your budget.

Or you can ask for recommendations on ways to get your dream deck without a hefty bill.

The Contractor

Believe it or not, but some companies just cost more.

Their quality of work and the more they offer ups the price on your deck bill.

So the more your contractor does, the more your deck costs.

Some contractors do everything for you, including getting all the required permits, drawing the detailed structural plans, talking to inspectors, and more.

Permits

Building a deck is an addition to your home, which you’ll need a license to do.

You’ll have to go through your city to get a license to build the deck, which will cost extra.

You can do this on your own, or your contractor can deal with it.

But either way, you’ll have to dish out additional money for the permits.

This is an expense that many forget about when thinking about adding a new deck, but it’s essential nonetheless.

To inquire about permit pricing, contact your local City Hall.

Your contractor might also have a general idea about permit fees, which will impact the overall cost to build a deck, too.

Added Insurance Costs

You’ll also need to make sure that the deck will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, which might mean an increase in your policy.

Although it doesn’t affect the actual cost of building a deck, it will translate to more money in the long run, which you should be aware of.

Also, before construction on the deck even starts, you’ll need to ask the contractor to give you a Certificate of Insurance so that there’s proof that the contractor’s insurance covers their workers.

Hiring one that can provide this is important since you don’t want to held responsible if something happens during the building process.

Added Taxes

Here’s another indirect cost of deck homeowners need to know about before building one.

You may have a slight property tax increase after the addition of a deck.

A tax assessor from your city will come out and do a visual inspection and will notify you of any increase. 

Removal An Old Deck

If your home already has a deck, you’ll want to factor in the cost of removing the existing one before the new one gets installed.

Demolishing a bridge isn’t easy, and the average job cost can be $1,000 on up.

You might get charged even more if a dumpster has to be rented or if the contractor has to dispose of the debris themselves.

Figuring out the cost of a deck isn’t an easy task.

That’s why you’ll want to get a few estimates before you agree to move ahead with your deck project.

But now that you know the different factors that can determine price, you’ll be more educated when talking to a contractor.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re getting quotes.

Write everything down so that you can review your notes before the other contractor comes to give you an estimate.

Then when you’re done getting views, go over your notes to compare what’s being offered and for how much.

From there, you’ll be able to make an informed choice on which contractor to go with and the style of deck you’ll be able to afford ultimately.

How To Choose A Deck Contractor

Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a fantastic deck and a subpar one.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right contractor for the job!

Finding And Working With A Qualified Contractor

When it comes to finding a qualified deck contractor, there are a few things you can do:

          *Ask for referrals – If you have known someone who has a great deck, ask them who they worked with!

Recommendations from people you know are the best way to get a qualified deck contractor come and help you with your project.

You’ll get an insider’s view of the type of work they do and what it was like working with them.

          *Search online – If you can’t get personal recommendations, do a Google search online for local contractors.

Search on online forums and places where others have left reviews on their work.

But don’t rely solely on what you find online because not all reviews are authentic; some could have been paid for.

         *In-person interviews – When you’ve found a few contractors you like, schedule a time to meet with them so that they can visit your home and see the site.

This will also provide you with an idea of their work and help the contractor confirm that they’ll be able to do the project.

          While meeting them in-person, take the opportunity to see if you are comfortable with them and if you’re ready to communicate effectively with them.

  Remember To Check Contractor References And Online Reputation

          *Ask lots of questions: Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you meet with each contractor.

This way, you’ll be able to choose one that’s not only a good fit but also reliable!

Plus, having all of your questions answered will give you more confidence when signing the contract with that contractor.

          *See photos – A quality deck company will take pride in their work and will have lots of decks to show you.

You’ll want to choose a contractor that has lots of proof; they are more than qualified for the job.

          *Make sure they’re licensed and insured – Always choose a contractor that’s both licensed and insured.

Working with one that isn’t properly insured or licensed can be more of a headache in the long run.

No matter how low their price is, don’t be fooled.

You’ll end up paying more in the long term if someone is injured while the deck is being built or if there’s damage to your home during the process.

Working With Your Contractor

Once you’ve chosen the right contractor, here are some tips on working with them:

          *Communication is critical – Making sure that you keep the communication channels open throughout the project is essential.

Go over any issues when they arise to avoid problems.

Also, be clear about your expectations to avoid miscommunications that can hinder the scope of work and the overall outcome of your deck.

          *Keep changes in writing – You’ll want to track all changes in writing to protect both you and the contractor.

Always talk about the financial and aesthetic implications of various variations you make throughout the project.

This will avoid massive changes that cost more than what you agreed upon.

          *A right customer – Don’t forget to be the right customer!

Make sure all payments are on time and be considerate of the crew.

You can even go the extra mile and offer refreshments for them and the like.

They’ll be sure to give your deck their all once they see that you appreciate their hard work.