Designing Your Own Custom Deck

A new deck is a great way to bolster the value of your home. Not only does it add an attractive quality to your back yard, but it also provides a great spot to relax or even host social gatherings. If you want a new way to enjoy your yard like never before then a custom deck is a great choice, and one that you will no doubt find yourself enjoying for years after its construction.

However, deciding on a course of action when it comes to implementing your new deck can be troublesome. There are many options that homeowners have, from finding that perfect design, to if they want to engage in a major DIY project or have the work handled by a professional.

No matter the approach you choose to take, there are various aspects of the project that you should take into consideration before you begin and after the work is underway. Planning accordingly will help make building your new custom deck an enjoyable experience rather than a frustrating one, and result in keeping costs down to a minimum.

1. Don't bite off more than you can chew: Do-it-yourself projects can be very exciting for any home owner, especially when it comes to major outdoor improvements like constructing a deck. This kind of project is one that many look forward to conducting, and it may even seem simple at first compared to riskier remodeling prospects. However, constructing a deck is laborious and time-consuming. If you don't think you have the time to devote to the project, consider having it done by a professional so you don't risk over burdening yourself.
2. Find the right design: If you're taking the DIY approach, look for examples online as well as home improvement books and magazines. Get a good idea for the look that you want to achieve. If you have a major home improvement store nearby you should pay them a visit and take a look at their materials to determine the kinds of options you have available.
3. Set up a budget: After you've determined the design you want to take, you should develop a budget and find out exactly how much you want to spend on the project. Price out materials and professional assistance with a few phone calls to local construction contractors. After you've done some comparisons you can find the approach that will most easily fall within your guidelines and achieve the results that you're after.
4. Do your research: You might have found a contractor with an attractive pricing on the project itself, but going with the lowest bidder isn't always the best option. You should do some research, check BBB listings on the contractor in question, and give the contractors a call to ask for some references. Having examples of their past work and the impressions of former clients is a great way to determine if that contractor is a right fit for your needs.
5. Set a deadline: Whether you are doing DIY or have a contractor helping, make certain that you set a solid and reasonable deadline for the project. This will help avoid having the inconvenience of a construction project that has gone on too long and create a sense of urgency that will help the entire thing reach completion sooner rather than later. With a deadline you can properly assess your progress and stay on top of the project to see it to completion.

Some of these suggestions should help make the entire process of reaching the end goal of a brand new custom deck a little more achievable. No matter if you decide to build it yourself or have it constructed by professional deck builders, it is important to not rush the process and try and enjoy it. If you take your time while remaining mindful of deadlines you are sure to get better results and have fond memories associated with your beautiful new deck!