If you’ve been thinking about adding a deck to your home, but you haven’t yet started the project, financial concerns are probably a big reason why. It’s important to realize that hiring a contractor to construct a deck on your property doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. As a matter of fact, if you take the time to plan your budget beforehand, you might be pleasantly surprised by the estimated final cost.
The next several paragraphs detail the key areas you need to evaluate as you put your deck budget together. Depending on the scope of your project, you may also have other expenses to consider, but this guide will put you on the right path. Once you’ve created a budget you’re happy with and picked a reputable deck builder in Charlotte, NC, all you have to do is wait for your family’s new outdoor space to be completed!
Material Choice
The type of material you decide to use for your deck will impact the cost. Every material option on the market today has both pros and cons. If the price is your primary concern, pressure-treated lumber is the most budget-friendly choice. It does, however, tend to need more care than many other materials. Composite decking materials are incredibly low-maintenance, but they are on the higher end of the spectrum from a cost standpoint.
Additional Taxes
In some regions throughout the Carolinas, homeowners can expect their property taxes to rise with the addition of a deck. Once a local tax assessor looks at your home’s latest feature, they will let you know how much more you will have to pay annually. If you are concerned about this aspect of deck construction, don’t hesitate to contact your local tax department to ask pertinent questions. Someone will be happy to help you understand more about how a deck will affect your property value and, subsequently, your taxes.
Increased Insurance Premiums
As wonderful as decks are for families all over North Carolina and South Carolina, they can affect your homeowners’ insurance premiums. Some insurance agencies consider decks to be potential liabilities (if, for instance, someone falls off and gets injured), so they may raise your rates. The best way to find out what, if anything, your new deck will do to your insurance rates is to call your agent to discuss the situation.
Labor Expenses
In many cases, labor is the most expensive part of a deck budget. This is especially true if your new deck is going to be quite elaborate. Every deck builder charges different rates for labor, so the best thing you can do to compare prices is to have several contractors come to your home to provide you with quotes. Make sure you get written quotes so you can easily compare them side-by-side later when you are ready to make a final decision.
The team at Hatch Homes has years of deck building experience, and we would love to construct the perfect outdoor space for your family. Our skilled contractors work with clients to select materials and deck layouts that suit their unique budgets. To get started, give us a call and schedule a time for a preliminary consultation. During this first meeting, you will be able to ask any questions you may have and get a feel for how your project will go from start to finish.