If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your house, it’s easy enough to find general deck construction prices online. The fact of the matter is, though, that the generic websites where these rates are listed don’t necessarily take all of the appropriate factors into consideration. There are quite a few facets involved in the actual price of deck building. This shouldn’t deter you, because decks are wonderful places for family and friends to gather, but it should certainly encourage you to do your research before getting started on your project.
The rest of this guide features several key factors to think about before your upcoming deck construction job gets underway. If you consider all of these issues and create a substantial budget, you shouldn’t have too many surprises during the building process. It is, however, still a good idea to factor in a few hundred dollars extra for incidental expenses you didn’t initially account for.
Your Materials and the Size of Your Deck
The material you choose for your deck and the square footage of your new outdoor living space will both play major roles in how much you end up paying. Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable material, but it comes in limited colors and does require a fair amount of annual maintenance to stay in good shape; you will probably need to reseal and pressure wash it every year or so, for instance. Composite decking is available in a wide range of colors, but is the priciest option available to today’s shoppers; it requires almost no maintenance, though, short of being cleaned with a wet rag or sprayed with a hose when it gets dirty.
The bigger your deck, obviously, the more money you will ultimately have to pay. More square footage means more materials, and more materials mean more expense. Furthermore, if you want any special features, like a fire pit area or a gazebo, you should expect a higher final bill than a homeowner who intends to build a very basic deck.
Professional Installation vs. Doing It Yourself
DIY projects are almost always less expensive than paying professionals to do a particular job. That said, there are many downsides to doing it yourself when you aren’t 100% sure what you are getting into. Deck building can be quite complicated and, if done improperly, can ultimately lead to serious injuries for you or your loved ones. There are, for instance, city and state building codes that must be adhered to and unexpected problems that can arise when driving deck support posts into the ground.
It is always best to allow professional contractors to oversee deck building or renovation jobs. Make sure you hire a reputable company to handle your project. This way, you can rest assured that everything will be done right the first time and you won’t have to worry about safety issues due to shoddy construction in the future.
At Hatch Homes, our mission is to give you a home you love, both indoors and outdoors. We would love to assess your property and give you a quote for your new deck at your earliest convenience. Just call us to schedule your consultation. One of our experts will work with you to develop a deck building plan that suits your family’s needs. We’re excited to meet you!