Did you know that the home improvement market is due to reach over $1 billion by 2026?
While general home improvement is referring to building projects that change the layout and structure of an existing home, it also includes things like lawn improvements, landscaping and garden improvements, and yes, you guessed it, the building of decks and garages!
A deck can truly complete your home, but how can you build one? This guide explains 5 important factors to consider when building a deck.
1. Permits And Permissions
Before you can go ahead and start any deck building project, you are going to want to check out what your restrictions might be. Most states have a restriction that says a deck that is going to be 30 inches above the ground will require a permit.
Have a look at your local building websites and see what you can find out in terms of building permits and permissions. You may have to submit a project overview and building plan to get approval.
2. Connected Or Stand-Alone Decks
Decks can either be connected to your home or be a stand-alone variety that sits in your yard. You’ll need to consider that layout of both your home and your yard, before deciding which one you want to go ahead with.
If your swimming pool sits on the other side of the yard, then a stand-alone deck at the poolside may be a brilliant idea. Alternatively, you may want to have it attached to the side of your home so that you can barbecue closer to the kitchen!
3. Think About Safety
When it comes to the safety of your deck, you’ll need to think about two things:
- Guardrails and handrails
- Earthquake or seismic safety
Have a look at some ideas for deck railings in order to see what your options are. Ensure that you or your builder has seismic activity in mind when building your deck, you don’t want a small tremor to bring it all crashing down.
4. Think About Durability
Aside from how your deck will look, you need to think about the long-term durability of the deck itself, and this often boils down to the materials that you decide to use. Don’t penny-pinch when it comes to selecting your wood and structure materials, the better and more durable the material, the longer your deck will last.
5. Decorating Your Deck
Simply building your deck is not the end of the road, oh no! You’ve got to think about the features you’ll want your deck to have, in order to decide how big it should be and what shape it should be.
Will you be putting outdoor furniture on it? Do you want to build a barbecue or a fire-pit? Think about these things before you go ahead with your project.
Building A Deck Brilliantly
When building a deck, keep in mind all five of these things to ensure that your project is both legal and meets your expectations. Take the time to select proper materials, and don’t skimp on the things you need to build the perfect deck, you won’t regret it.
Head on over to our home decor tips section for more great content.
