Homeowners who decide to create an outdoor living room by building a backyard deck typically increase the value of their homes. Yet, homeowners have to follow several steps for choosing the right deck to maximize the added home value. Moreover, properly caring for a new backyard deck ensures the added value remains consistent for years to come.
Five primary factors play a role in how to build an outdoor living room.
How Much Space Do You Have?
The amount of space you have available is the most important factor for choosing the best outdoor gathering area. You might be limited by property boundaries or have plenty of room to build a large structure. Size also plays a huge role in determining the cost, as larger outdoor gathering structures require more footings that provide the structure supporting your new outdoor living room.
Type of Material
Frames typically are constructed with Pressure Treated wood, which goes by the acronym PT. Homeowners must decide on the material used for the trim, rails, stairs and flooring. PT pine represents the most affordable material, but with this affordable material, you run the risk of shrinkage and splintering. Cedar and mahogany cost more and homeowners must treat the materials annually to ensure optimal quality. Synthetic materials such as PVC and composites rank at the top of the cost list for materials, but you spend less money on caring for artificial materials
Location, Location, Location
The home improvement specialists at Hallmark Homes Remodeling remind our loyal customers that the location of your home matters when it comes to choosing an outdoor addition to your home.
We recommend our customers answer the following questions:
Where is the gas line?
Does the structure require stairs?
Do you have to build around a septic system?
How high is it off the ground?
If we need to use a backhoe, can we move it into the back area of your home?
Do you want to connect your outdoor living room to the primary back entrance or build it away from the house?
What is the soil composition of the ground where digging is required?
Aesthetic Appeal
Building a backyard deck can enhance the value of your home, unless you build an eyesore for the entire neighborhood to see. Design plays an important role in determining your decision to build an outdoor living room. You have to decide on floor depth, rail structure, seating options, number of levels, and type of decorative flooring pattern. Additional design features include location of the grill, where you want to set planters, and the appearance of the audio and visual system.
The Home Remodeling Company
Hallmark Homes Remodeling is proud to offer superior services in terms of quality and the number of services offered. Building a backyard deck requires a permit from your local government. You need a highly detailed structural plan to take to City Hall. Are you prepared to discuss building code issues that pertain to the frame with the municipal housing inspector? We have licensed, experienced professionals that help our customers check off every task on the construction to do list.
Maintenance Saves You Money
The investment you make in the construction of a backyard deck demands meticulous care to ensure decades of high-quality experiences for you and your guests. Your new backyard deck must receive regular thorough cleanings that remove dirt, grease, leaves, and wood fibers. Nails that pop loose from a board require immediate replacement or pounding back into the material, depending on the size of the protrusion. A material that cracks lightly requires immediate repair to prevent the fissure from growing into an unmanageable size.
The Importance of Staining and Sealing
Although PT wood and synthetic materials usually resists the damage caused by insects and natural decay, homeowners still have to apply a preservative to prevent the damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and ultraviolet rays. A clear wood sealant that contains an effective UV protector takes care of the sun. Exterior stain options include sold and semi-transparent, with solid stains perfect for the floor and semi-transparent stains the best option for highlighting the design features of rails and banisters.
Remember to apply a preservative by using a brush or roller, as well as wear protective gloves and eyewear to minimize exposure to chemicals. A deck typically takes about 48 hours to dry after the application of stain. After 48 hours, we apply the sealant to create a long lasting home addition for our customers.
Short Cuts Lead to High Costs
If you decide to build an outdoor living room, you want to spend the money it takes to hire an experienced and accomplished team of home remodelers. Trying to save money by choosing inferior materials or failing to apply a sealant can lead to the costly replacement of the entire structure.
Hallmark Homes Remodeling offers the expertise and technical skills to build the dream addition to your home. Contact one of our home remodeling experts today to determine the type of backyard deck that is the best option for your home.