Whether you want to update your existing deck, or want something entirely new, there are several important factors to consider for your home improvement project. Decks can provide a great space for family gatherings, neighborhood parties, relaxation, or simply a beautiful aesthetic compliment your home. What are the things you should consider before you approach the project of remodeling your deck space?
1. What Do You Want Out of Your Outdoor Experience?
A deck can help define the exterior of your home, and to ensure you end with a result that satisfies your needs, you should first consider what personally attracts you to a new or revamped deck, and how this addition can contribute to the overall experience of your home. How will it work with the rest of your home’s exterior? For example, if you had new windows installed by Lifetime Exteriors how would they work with your new deck? Do you like to be the go-to-spot in your neighborhood, to host summer barbecues, birthday parties, and get-togethers? Consider a deck that has enough room to entertain but still maintains yard space for a variety of activities. If you’re entertaining on your deck, do you want to be able to access your kitchen or living room straight from it? Perhaps looking into some glass doors from a company like Graceland Residential Windows could help give inspiration, and ensuring you get them installed professionally is important. Perhaps, you want your deck to be a space where you can find peace and take in fresh air. If so, considering what furniture would compliment the space can help establish the layout from the outset. If you decide on wooden furniture for example, you also need to think about the space and time you’ll need to care for wooden patio furniture. Also important to any deck design is considering where the shade will come from. Will there be tree-cover or will you have to install canopies? How might these affect the façade of your home? Perhaps you are concerned about privacy and will need room for some outdoor privacy screens on your deck. Considering the material of your deck is also an important aspect to designing your perfect deck experience. Are you children rambunctious when they play outside? If so, a softer laminate may be preferable to harder wood materials. Crafting the kind of deck you want around the needs and preferences of your family can ensure that the final product is something you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.
2. What Permits Need to Be Pulled To Complete Your Outdoor Project?
As with any external home or yard renovation, building a deck can require particular permits prior to the start of construction, especially in urban and residential areas. As such, it is important to seek out a contractor that works with you to outline and obtain the permits necessary to build a home addition in your area. Be sure to enlist a contractor that has local experience and trustworthy testimonials from former customers. Failing to pull the proper permits for your deck renovation project can provide a legal headache down the line. Working with a trusted contractor can reduce the stress of your renovation project and ensure that the proper procedures are followed to appease you, your neighbors, and the state.
3. How Much Space, Time, and Money Do You Have To Work With?
As with any home renovation project, installing or revamping a deck requires space, and time to complete. Space is especially important for your deck project, as balancing the green space of your backyard with the recreational space of a new deck can be one of the tough factors you have to decide on. Time is also a crucial factor to consider. If you like to entertain outdoors in the warmer months, consider scheduling your renovation in the off or shoulder seasons to ensure that your project is ready when you want to gather the neighborhood. Equally important is to work with your trusted contractor to create a budget that is comfortable with you. A new deck can meet a wide range of budgets, from modest to the extravagant, and establishing a clear budget plan can help ensure satisfaction by the time your product is complete.
Ready to Remodel Your Deck?
If you’re ready to enjoy the wonderful addition of a deck to your home, give Native Sons a call. For over 30 years, Native Sons has helped thousands of clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland with their kitchen, bath, and deck remodels. As a fully-licensed contracting company, we are able to complete a project from start to finish, without having to worry about sub-contracting out any of the work. By having all of the licenses in-house, we make your home remodeling experience simple and less stressful. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (410) 788-5179, or send us an email by visiting our contact page.