An outdoor living space is just as important as the interior when renovating or building a home. From design and functionality to overall comfort, every detail plays a role in creating an environment that truly feels like home.
The outdoor area makes the first impression; thus, by investing in quality materials, a home interior designer, and high-quality furniture, you will make the right decision. A deck, in particular, is one of the first things to notice, which makes it one of the most important elements to design thoughtfully.
Decorating your deck or just buying durable materials for the deck will enhance the overall look and give a clean look and balanced aesthetic.
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How to Decide on Whether to Hire a Contractor or DIY?
Everyone has a favorite part of the house and enjoys doing different things for fun.
Many people thrive in peaceful and quiet environments where they can have a cup of coffee and be alone with their thoughts. Here comes the idea of having a well-designed deck with a cozy atmosphere and a place where you can relax and enjoy peace in the comfort of your own home.
There are many details, such as lighting, layout, seating, etc., that will enhance the comfort and functionality of the space.
First of all, before building a deck or renovating, you need to determine whether you want to hire a contractor or do it yourself. Depending on the level of your skills, you can either hire a professional and play the safe option, or if you are confident, you will do a better job, and if you’re trying to work on a budget, there are definitely some great DIY ideas you might stumble upon.
You should also think about – given how demanding the process can be – whether it’s the best idea to do it on your own, and if it’s worth it, time and money-wise. Planning, purchasing, and managing the whole project might seem fun, but it definitely requires a lot of effort and experience.
If you do in fact decide to hire someone, it’s important to ask about how they’ll build the deck and which materials they’ll use. And this all has to do with where you live.
Here’s a quick example:
A custom deck contractor Chester County, PA residents would hire will suggest the deck needs to be designed around freeze-thaw cycles and snow loads. And all the permits and inspections will be handled at the municipality level, which basically means that requirements vary from place to place.
If you take Pinellas County (FL), the same deck will be designed to focus on hurricane wind/up[lift resistance, plus they’ll have to use corrosion-resistant materials (or coatings) to resist the humidity/salt.
It’s always best to look and find someone local who has experience working in specific weather conditions and can help you ensure a properly planned project within your budget, matching the vibe.
Unlike a DIY version, hiring a trained individual who specializes in outdoor construction will most likely result in a better outcome and have a positive impact on the value of the property.
A Few Tips/Tricks On How to Plan and Design Your Deck
As already mentioned in the text, the key is to think about how you’ll use the space.
Whether it’ll be a space for relaxing and reading a book or a gathering spot for your loved ones and neighbors to enjoy and share memorable moments, you can even place the pieces of furniture or other details in order to picture how it will look and how much space it will take.
When it comes to lighting, dimmed (ambient) lights along the railing and maybe LED strip lights under the steps will upgrade the overall look and bring out the cosy atmosphere for evening gatherings. Selecting the right material is a major factor as well, because durable materials will create more long-term value.
The best options are natural wood or PVC, which require less maintenance and will stay visually appealing for many years.
If you have a large space, you can even divide the space into zones for activity and relaxing, where you can enjoy both fun activities with friends and quiet moments outdoors.
Why Building a Deck Will Increase the Property Value
Additionally, the effort invested in building a deck will most definitely pay off when selling the property.
As already mentioned, a deck at the front of the house offers a glimpse into the design and layout of the rest of the home and, with that, directly impacts the property’s value. So if you are thinking about selling the house eventually, this might be a pretty good investment.
A beautifully designed deck will not only attract the buyers but will also create a great impression that stands out in the market.
Conclusion
A deck doesn’t just represent exterior design; it gives us insight into someone’s lifestyle and personal taste.
If planned thoroughly and conducted properly, whether it’s by yourself or with the help of a contractor, the renovation of your deck can upgrade the whole appearance of the house and accentuate the best features of the property.
Ultimately, investing in quality and durable materials, well-thought-out details, and comfortable furniture will always have the best long-term results, no matter what.
