Install a Deck This Summer

Spring is already in the air and summer will be here sooner than you think. It’s time to start dreaming about backyard parties and outdoor enjoyment. You might be considering throwing a great barbecue. Or maybe you just want to enjoy dinners outdoors with your family. Whatever outdoor activities you imagine, adding a deck to your home can make your outdoor space much more enjoyable. If you are thinking of adding a deck to enjoy this spring and summer, now is the time to start thinking about installation.

Why Install a Deck

Installing a deck can sound like a big project. But it also has a big payoff. Adding a deck to your home creates a whole new space for leisure and entertainment. Outdoor living space is a huge trend in housing today, and it’s not hard to see why. If you are looking for extra living space you could consider adding an extension to your home to gain an extra room or two. But adding an extension to your home is costly and time consuming. Often, it also requires extra permitting from the local authorities taking more time and expertise that you may not have.

Adding a deck is a great way to gain added living space with a minimum of cost, time, and trouble. A properly built deck can be used from early spring to late fall. And in this temperate Atlanta climate, you may even find that there are days in the off season that are just right for a little outdoor deck time.

Outdoor living space is also a huge trend among homebuyers. Adding value to your home may not be your first concern when you consider adding a deck, but it is a nice side benefit. A recent survey showed that homebuyers preferred outdoor living space over almost any other single feature of a home. They even chose it over another huge trend, the open layout. So if you think you might sell your home, even in the long term, adding a deck is a great way to increase the value and salability of your home.

Considerations When Adding a Deck

Installing a deck is a great cost-effective way to add living space and value to your home. But before you move ahead with installing a deck, there are some important factors to consider. The most important factor is safety. A deck is going to have to hold a lot of weight. When you add up the people, furniture, and other fixtures you will want on your deck, you can imagine how great the strain is on your new structure. If you plan on having parties on your deck (and you should!) you will want to make sure that your deck can hold a full crowd of people. So safety is a major concern when adding a deck.

Another important consideration when adding a deck is the design of your deck. You want a deck that will complement your home and serve your needs. Picking the size of your deck is important, as it will affect how you use your new space. While you may think that bigger is automatically better, that may not always be the case. You will also want to consider the appearance of your deck. You want your deck to fit in with the style and look of your home, not clash against it. Designing a deck that complements your existing home is key, so that your new deck doesn’t look like it was just slapped onto your home as an afterthought.

You also need to think about proper drainage. It may not be the first thing you think of, but making sure your deck drains properly is key to ensuring the safety and longevity of your deck and everything around it. If water pools on your deck you could be in for some serious damage. Pooled water can lead to leaks and algae growth. A wet deck is slippery and dangerous. And if you let algae or moss grow, that could make your deck slippery and dangerous even after the water has dried. Pooled water can also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can greatly reduce your enjoyment of your new deck.

Similarly, if water is draining improperly, you could be directing water away from your deck but sending it somewhere else to do damage. Water that collects under your deck, near your foundation, or other architectural features of your home could cause rot and other damage. So it is very important that you plan your deck with proper drainage right from the start instead of trying to fix it after the fact.

Hiring a Reliable Builder

The best way to ensure that you are getting everything you need in a new deck is to work with a reliable builder. A reliable builder does more than just install a deck. The right builder will work with you every step of the way. Make sure that your builder is open and honest with you from the very start. They should be able to share with you the time, cost, and process that will go into building your deck before the first nail is hammered in.

A good builder will also help with the design of your deck. It’s great to go in with a plan, but a reputable builder will have experience on their side. They can help you finalize your design and make sure it is safe. They will also help you determine the right design for your needs and budget.

Beyond the tangible benefits of hiring a reputable builder, you will find plenty of other benefits to working with a reliable company. Customer service is key to any project, and that is especially true of building a deck. You want a company that will be responsive to your concerns and that will stick with you if you need any repairs or other work in the future. Don’t fall for a fly by night contractor looking to make a quick buck and get out. The best work is done by companies and contractors who stand behind their work and will do what it takes to make sure you are totally satisfied.

Who Does Dale Trust

When it comes to new deck installation, Dale has done the research and can help you find the right company for the job. While you have more than one choice, knowing that each of these companies is TrustDALE certified should help you rest assured that you are getting the best products, the best price, and the best service.

Whomever you decide to work with on your new deck installation, you can be confident that TrustDALE certified businesses will do it right.