If you are a homeowner, you must have thought about building a deck. Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space but there is a difference between intending to do it on your own and hiring a professional. Plus, decks also help increase the resale value of the house. So, while decks have a lot of other benefits to offer, things can go south if not done the right way. This is the main reason homeowners hire deck contractors for building decks.
Below are the pros and cons of DIY deck building along with some other important information for you to consider.
Understanding The Basics Of DIY Deck Building
Before you dive into the process of building a deck on your own, you need to have an understanding of the basics. You might have come across many decks in your neighborhood and thought they were easy to build but you were wrong. Every deck serves a purpose and you should as well.
This means that before you can grab the tools, you need to define the purpose of the deck. The shape, design, and materials that will be used to build the deck will depend on the purpose. For instance, a deck that is built for entertainment and relaxation is going to be a lot different than the one that is only made for visual appeal.
Furthermore, you will need to invest in safety gear. Building a deck requires dealing with tools and equipment that can easily cause serious injuries if they were to come in contact with the body. If you are confused about the process, you will need to consult an expert.
However, the design must be practical. If the design does not allow you to carry out certain activities, it will most likely decrease the value of the house. However, in most cases, decks do increase your home’s value.
What Are The Advantages Of DIY Deck Building?
As mentioned earlier, building a deck offers several benefits. Here are some of the most important things you should consider.
Adds Value To The Home
The first and most important advantage of building a deck is that it adds value to your home. You might have homes in your neighborhood that hardly have any decks. This is because not everybody has the budget or simply does not have the skills and the time required to build one.
So, if you can build a deck for yourself, it will surely increase the value of the property. However, then again, you it will happen if you choose a good and practical design and prefer good-quality materials. The last thing you would want is the deck having cracks and damages just when you are about to sell the property.
Expands Living Space
Building a deck gives you extra living space for your entertainment and relaxation purposes. With a comfortable outdoor living area, you will be able to keep your privacy intact without letting anyone enter. Plus, decks are a great place for you to host a variety of parties like barbecues and all.
At the same time, you can also lie down in the sun and grab some fresh air while sipping on your favorite cup of coffee. With the right design and layout, you will be able to achieve a functional outdoor living space that compliments your house.
Aesthetic Appeal
When it comes to building a deck even on your own, you have the choice to go for an elegant outdoor material or a wooden or modern composite deck. Depending on the materials and the design, the deck installation may be more complex.
However, all such decisions rely on the purpose and the theme of the house with the goal of improving curb appeal. Generally, homeowners tend to prefer wooden decks that complement every type of house. The wood is treated and can withstand various outdoor factors given that you maintain it regularly as instructed by the seller or manufacturer of the wood.
What Are The Disadvantages Of DIY Deck Building?
While there are some advantages of building a deck yourself, it can also have its disadvantages. Here are some common cons of DIY deck building.
Safety Issues
As mentioned earlier, building a deck on your own can cause serious injuries as well. There is no doubt that the process is exciting and interesting but not at the cost of hurting yourself. While building a deck, you will be dealing with sharp tools and materials that can seriously hurt you.
This is why you must prepare yourself by wearing and using protective gear. A common mistake people make is that they rush the process. Building a deck is not a one-day task. It might take a few days or weeks for the project to complete based on several factors.
This is why you should to be calm and take your time. It doesn’t take long for an injury to occur but will take months to recover. Due to this, hiring an expert for deck, pergola, or gazebo building is better because gazebo builders Long Island are equipped with the right tools and have the skills to complete the job safely.
Material Selection
Another disadvantage of building your deck is material selection. While building a deck, you will come across a wide variety of decking materials that will surely make the process overwhelming. As a result, you might end up opting for something that serves no purpose and wastes your money.
When it comes to selecting material for your deck, you have to consider several factors. For instance, the climate and humidity have a huge role to play in terms of affecting the lifespan and finish. The project aims to build something practical and visually appealing. So, consult experts before finalizing your choice of the decking material.
Permits And Regulations
Some countries and states have strict regulations about extending your outdoor space. It might be that you are required to apply for a permit or license before you begin building the deck on your own. Plus, if you are not aware of the building codes, you are most likely to ignore them and exceed the limits set by the state.
As a result, you might be imposed with a hefty fine. This is why you need to be well-informed about the rules & regulations so that you can avoid any unexpected complications.
Factors To Consider Before Building A Deck By Yourself
Before you can dive into building a deck for yourself, you should consider several important factors. To begin with, you will need to decide the location and consider the climate. You will want to choose a spot or an angle that allows easy access and offers a good view.
Plus, the climate and the weather conditions tend to take a toll on the deck too. So, you will need to choose materials that can withstand such factors. For instance, if your region is prone to a lot of rain, you will need to choose water-resistant materials.
Conclusion
Building a deck is a great way to improve the functionality of your house. The fact that the process can be intimidating, you should follow the tips mentioned above that will give you a kickstart. At the same time, you should also be in touch with a deck builder Port Jefferson who can guide you in the right direction from start to finish.
