How to Enhance Your Home Value with a Well-designed Deck

 

Do you want to build a deck, but you’re not sure if it’s a good decision?  Sure, it increases your outdoor living area and gives your yard more structure and beauty. 

But does a new deck increase the value of a home? In general, a well-built deck can raise the value of your house. Additionally, it enhances your property’s appearance and enjoyment for many years. 

This post will discuss how a well-designed deck contributes to home value appreciation. Whether you’re looking for a new house or trying to determine how much your current deck is worth, read on to discover how much a deck adds to the value of your home.

Is a deck a good investment for my home?

Increased property value is the major benefit of adding a deck to your home.  After construction, decks return 44% of the value of a house, and historically, this ROI has been much greater, rising to over 80%.

The National Association of REALTORS, which also surveyed homeowners, found that adding a deck offers one of the largest increases in satisfaction, scoring a 9.8 out of 10. After many lawn and landscape renovations, they discovered that a new wood deck is the fifth greatest improvement in attracting new customers.

 

How much does a well-designed deck contribute to home value appreciation?

Assessing the Impact on Property Value and Expected Return On Investment (ROI)

A deck addition ranks among the top 10 outdoor house improvements, per Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report. When a home is sold, a wood deck costing $16,766 recovers about 68%, while a $22,426 composite deck recovers about 63% of its value. 

Although installing a wood deck can be less expensive than installing a composite deck, these prices only account for the out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, maintenance for a wooden deck is greater than that of a composite deck.

This implies that every two to three years, money must be spent staining the wood. This normally costs much more than $700 for each dye.

The maintenance cost can reach thousands of dollars, depending on how long it takes from installation to property sale.

Additionally, the money recovered from installing a new deck is higher in areas where people enjoy outdoor activities more throughout the year than in colder locations.

Consider the ‘Cost vs. Value Report’ from Remodeling Magazine, which highlights deck as a top contender for return on investment. Homeowners often recoup a significant portion of their deck’s cost at resale. For newly built homes in Bismarck and Mandan, outdoor living spaces are not just wanted but expected. Adding a deck here can be a real game-changer for your home’s desirability and financial worth.

How do I increase the value of my Home With a Deck?

Even though a deck will raise the value of your house, the return on investment (ROI) is contingent upon several important variables, including labor costs, location, material costs, and timing.

  1. Location: Your location has a big impact on the material you choose for your deck and its value to your house. The biggest regional deck ROI, averaging 42.82%, is found in warmer temperatures in the West as opposed to the colder Midwest regions, which had an average ROI of 37.4%. This is partially because decks in warmer climates may be used all year round and require less upkeep to withstand harsh weather. Furthermore, since composite decking lasts far longer than wood, homeowners in colder climates like North Dakota or Minnesota should consider installing it.
  2. Deck Materials: Although the ROI for building wood vs composite decks differs slightly, the differential narrows over time when considering staining, sealing, and sanding costs. Regular sealing is necessary to keep a wood deck from splitting and decaying. The average wood deck begins to decay in as little as eight years. Composite decks require less maintenance and retain their value better since they don’t rot and decompose like lumber. 
  3. Deck Design Preferences: The design of your deck should complement the architectural style of your home and fit the way you plan to use the space. Will it be for dining, lounging, or entertaining? The size, shape, and features of the deck—such as steps, levels, and railing systems—need to be planned to accommodate these activities while also adhering to the neighborhood aesthetic, local building codes and regulations.  

What are the Other Benefits of Adding a Deck to My Home?

There are numerous advantages to building a deck on your house, which include the following:

It allows you to expand your entertainment area: If you construct a deck, it will be the ideal location for family get-togethers and barbecues. In this manner, your house will develop into a gathering spot for the entire family for birthdays, modest wedding celebrations, and much more. You can also use it as an outside location in the summer when you wish to sit outside in the sweltering heat. With the ideal deck on your head, the party will be fantastic, especially if you have outstanding plans to get together with your pals. When your home has a deck, you may have more people without worrying about running out of room.

You get space for outdoor decor: A deck decorated with garden statues and potted plants looks stunning. Having a level surface gives you plenty of room to design your dream backyard. Consider constructing a deck with an integrated planter where you can put your flowers or foliage. Additionally, you can utilize the deck as a showcase for your most beloved outdoor accents, such as whimsical décor pieces and garden stools.

It enhances the beauty of the house: The design of your deck should complement the architectural style of your home and fit the way you plan to use the space. Will it be for dining, lounging, or entertaining? The size, shape, and features of the deck—such as steps, levels, and railing systems—need to be planned to accommodate these activities while also adhering to the neighborhood aesthetic, local building codes and regulations.  Today’s deck designs come in various colors, textures, and styles. Adding one to your house might improve the overall aesthetics of the building by creating an inviting outdoor space. Real and composite wood decks come in a limitless array of finishes and stains, so you may pick one that improves the exterior of your house.

It gives you personalization options: A deck is more than just a level space with a few steps. There are several ways to personalize it by adding your own touches. It’s a great spot to spend cold evenings with each other when you have a built-in firepit. Have a fun party or host a fantastic s’mores night.

A deck makes a useful platform on which to build other structures: Installing a lovely pergola would add elegance to the deck area. A grill station is perfect for entertaining and you can add a covered area for food preparation. You’ll have a great spot to sit in the shade whenever you want if you install a gazebo on your deck. If you would like, you can storage underneath your deck or even have a shed built right onto your deck. You just need to ensure the deck has enough foundational strength to hold the shed’s weight. Decks are comparable to a blank canvas in your garden. To transform your backyard into a useful space where the whole family can spend time together, you can build practically anything you can think of using the basic deck. You can also convert your deck into an outdoor kitchen if you enjoy cooking. Add a fantastic barbecue and an outside refrigerator so you have a cool spot to keep drinks while preparing dinner.

You’ll have more fun outside: Having a deck can motivate you to spend more time outside, even if you don’t think of yourself as an outdoor person. Picture yourself enjoying a cool drink and your favorite book while lounging back and reading. Having a deck gives you a cozy spot to spend time outdoors. Being outside lowers stress levels, which is very good for your health.

Monitor your pet’s and children’s outdoor activities

Homeowners who enjoy outdoor activities might be more thrilled with the possibilities for outdoor play that come with having a backyard deck. These outdoor living spaces can be ideal for activities like water balloon fights without muck, mini-golf, and ring tossing!

Since decks are typically constructed higher off the ground, parents can keep an eye on their kids’ whereabouts and backyard escapades from the comfort of their deck chairs. Tehy’re alos able to check on beloved pets exploring the great outdoors.

As a bonus, a deck can help prevent mud and little paw prints from tracking inside the house when it’s raining!

It increases the marketability of your home

A house with a deck is more marketable. It allows you to ask for a higher price and attracts more potential customers. 

Buyers are willing to pay more for a house that will offer an outside living space they can use immediately without having to renovate.

The Value of Professional Installation

Why Opting for Professional Deck Installation Makes a Difference

Finding a qualified deck builder should be your top priority because a bad deck builder could ruin your project. This is where our local expertise comes into play. With two teams of seasoned deck builders in Bismarck and Mandan, ND, and decades of experience, the value of professional craftsmanship cannot be overstated. While the allure of a DIY project might tempt some, the knowledge and finesse of a professional builder ensure that your deck will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and compliant with all local building codes. Our builders have an intimate understanding of local weather patterns and materials that can withstand the elements, which means your deck will be built to last, giving you peace of mind alongside a beautiful outdoor space. Moreover, by avoiding common pitfalls that often beset the uninitiated, our experts save you time and money, turning what could be a series of frustrating trial-and-error attempts into a seamless, straight path from vision to life.

We’ll work with you to create the perfect design that meets your style, functional needs, and budget. We are happy to answer any questions about our deck-building services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.