Things to Think About When Having a Deck Built
Posted on: 2 March 2017
When you think about remodeling your home, it's important to think beyond the exterior walls, too. Hiring a remodeling contractor to build a deck at the rear of your home is a way to not only increase the home's value but also help you enjoy it more. Whether you favor quiet nights on the deck with your spouse or rowdy parties with friends and neighbors, the deck will be the perfect venue for these gatherings. It's a good idea to sit down with your contractor to brainstorm what the deck will look like. Leave the intricate building details up to the contractor while you think about the finished product. This important conversation will ensure that you get the deck of your dreams. Here are some important things to think about before you have your deck built.
Levels
While many standard decks consist of just one level, others may have two or more separate levels. This feature can be desirable if you envision having large gatherings on the deck and think that the group may split into two. For example, if you're having a bunch of friends over for a barbecue, all of the kids in attendance may want to hang out on one level of the deck, while the adults spend time on the other level. The physical difference between the levels doesn't have to be major — you may simply want one or two steps dividing the levels.
Built-In Bench Seats
Some people favor simple decks, while others like the idea of having various elements built in. If the latter idea intrigues you, talk to your remodeling professional about built-in bench seats. This feature can be handy for large gatherings, and can save you money on seating, too. If you're planning a big get-together, it may be necessary to buy a handful of outdoor seats from your local big box store if you don't currently own enough chairs. With bench seating built into the deck, you won't have this hassle.
Access
Think, too, about how you and your family will access the deck. It's customary to walk onto a deck through a door from your home, but you may also expect that you'll access the deck from the yard. If this is the case, make sure you plan for one or more sets of stairs that run from the deck to the yard. If you have children or pets that will be on the deck but that you don't want to move beyond it, plan to have a gate installed over the stairs. Planning to have a proper gate built at the time of construction is better than trying to rig a makeshift gate later on.
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