Factors to Consider when Building a Deck
Factors to consider when building a deck
We know it can be overwhelming when deciding what type of deck fits your home best - that’s why we’ve listed the 5 most common factors to consider.
1.
Location, Location, Location
Where your deck is located on your lot will have an impact on the cost; for example, decks that are built in the front of the house will cost less than those that are built in a tight access backyard. This is mainly due to the cost of labor: the time and effort it takes to remove an old deck, haul it to the front of the house for disposal and then haul the new materials back adds up.
A basic rule of thumb is this: if your deck is close to any kind of access point, it will cost less than if your deck is further away from an access point.
2.
Material: Wood, Composite or Hardwood?
Like everything in your home, you have lots of options when it comes to the material you use to build your deck. Those options vary in both quality and cost. Below is a basic breakdown of the good, better and best materials to use on your deck, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Good: Pressure Treated Pine
Pros: Low cost and readily available. Easier to install than other materials.
Cons: Low life span (6-8 years if not stained/painted, 8 or more if stained/painted)
Better: Hardwood
Pros: Longer lifespan than pressure treated pine. Modern and high-quality finished look. Prefinished coating available.
Cons: Higher cost than pressure treated pine. Labor cost increases based on the install method. Not available in exact lengths, and therefore more seams or borders are needed for longer deck spans.
Best: TimberTech
Pros: 25 to 50 year warranty. Little to no maintenance and never needs to be painted or stained. Available in 20’ lengths, therefore less seams or boarders needed for longer deck spans.
Cons: Highest cost of the three choices. Labor cost increases based on the install method.
3.
Height Off the Ground - It Really Does Matter!
How high your deck is off the ground greatly affects the cost of your deck for a variety of reasons. Decks that are elevated will cost more in both material and labor for the following reasons:
Engineering plans and permitting will be required for any deck over 30” in height
Larger concrete footings will be required to support additional weight
Additional hardware and support methods are required to prevent sway and bounce
Stairs and possibly a landing will be needed to get from the deck to the ground
Labor costs and timelines increase, as it takes longer to climb up to the higher deck as well as move material to higher heights
In short, the lower to the ground your deck is, the lower the cost of both material and labor.
4.
You Get What You Pay For
When it comes down to it, the cost of installing a deck can vary substantially between one contractor and the other, but that old saying of “you get what you pay for” is especially true when it comes to construction.
So, how can you tell if you are dealing with “Chuck In A Truck,” or dealing with a seasoned contractor? In short, seasoned contractors are more expensive because of the following (but important) reasons:
Seasoned contractors are licensed, insured and bonded…this costs money!
Seasoned contractors partner directly with manufacturers…this costs money, too!
Most seasoned contractors have a unique specialty (for us, that’s roofing, siding, decking, windows and doors) as well as a history of construction within that speciality
In addition to looking into the above specifications, it never hurts to ask if a construction company is planning on using your deposit to pay for yesterday's jobs. If their answer is yes, you may be at risk of that company falling behind on other payments or even going out of business in the middle of your job, which would cost you thousands more for the same work.
Premier Exteriors is a zero debt company, and your deposit with us will always go towards holding your spot on our schedule.
5.
The Economy
Like everything, construction costs change widely with the market. For example, in mid-2019, lumber prices were 50-70% less than they are at the time of writing this article. That’s crazy! In just six months, a 2x4 stick of treated lumber went for around $4, and today, that same 2x4 is $8.58… and that is down from it’s high point.
So, when looking into building your deck, it’s also important to remember that material costs will vary widely based on a variety of factors out of our control, including the economy and, currently, the COVID-19 pandemic. However, good, seasoned contractors will always work with you to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
In Conclusion:
While there are plenty of factors to consider, we hope this will give you a starting point when creating a budget for your perfect outdoor space. And as always, please feel free to give us a call today to get a free consultation by one of our highly trained Remodeling Specialists.