Do you want to build a deck? Think about it before you start DIYing!
For some people, a deck would be a dream come true. No matter what your dream backyard looks like, sometimes a deck is the best choice for all your backyard issues.
You can make it a get-together place, a BBQ spot, and even a play area if you need it.
Not to mention, if you ever end up deciding to sell the home, then a deck may be what helps you get a bit more money than you anticipated since it becomes a big selling point to many.
What’s more, it can actually become a bigger selling point than a sunroom or a new fence.
Many backyard features can increase home value, but a deck is one of the best.
To be able to get a return on your investment, how much more can you get, and what things you should consider before you gear up for this DIY and make one yourself, keep on reading!
Have you been dreaming of having a deck? Would you pick it up as a DIY project for your home? Share your stories in the comments!
Is it worth adding a deck to your home?
The best and shortest answer is “yes.” It is definitely worth it. Even better, it is one of the best ways to add livability (meaning square footage) to your home in a practical and cost-efficient way.
People who have gone on to add a deck to their home have ended up with a recoup of their initial investment of about 76%, which makes it one of the most lucrative home improvement projects that you can do.
What’s more, research has shown that on average, adding a deck to your home can cost you up to $13,000, with the resale value of the home with a deck being $11,000.
Not only is it going to increase the value of your home, but it can be an amazing amenity to have for friends and family.
If you enjoy the outdoors, then you can definitely benefit from building a deck for the quality of life of your home and family!
If you are ready to be able to create a ton of memories with your loved ones on the deck, it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to do it.
Be it that you hire a contractor or you pick this up as a DIY project, you should probably be careful how you go about it!
Keep on reading to discover what can happen if you do not do things properly!
Do you need a permit to build a deck?
One thing that people do not think about when they want to DIY a deck in their yard is that they may need a building permit to do this legally.
Building a deck means that you will have to attach it to your deck; however, this comes along with some height and size limits that may need to be respected. If you end up not doing things right, you could get in trouble.
If you end up going down the contractor route, you should check with them so they comply with the zoning and local building codes. Otherwise, if you want to try to build it yourself, you will need to check it yourself so that you can be in regulation and stay safe.
Getting a permit will help you prioritize your safety and make sure that your deck will be secure and sturdy for everyone who will use it and even for future homeowners if you ever decide to sell.
What’s more, you will be able to see what the requirements are for your particular location; after all, you will need to follow different safety and environmental needs in Colorado when compared to Florida.
If you’re in a homeowners association (HOA), you may end up needing one as required by them and the various rules of the association.
Not to mention if you build one without a permit and there are any safety issues, you may end up being fined for not using a permit, and your project will be stalled until you end up getting one.
In the end, you will need to get one if you ever think about maybe selling the home. If you sell it and you do not have a permit for the deck building, even if it was completed years before, you may not be able to sell your home to some people.
Lenders end up not approving mortgages on homes that had work done without permits, so you may not be able to sell at the value you want, find a buyer, and even end up having to destroy the deck in the long run.
Likewise, other types of projects will need permits. This includes the likes of:
- new roofing;
- patios;
- sheds;
- balconies.
If you plan on building a detached deck that is less than 200 square feet and less than 30 inches above grade, you may be able to get away without a permit, but it all depends on your local regulations, so be sure you check them before you start any sort of building!
What if I do not get a permit?
Homeowners who still end up choosing to build a deck without any sort of permit can expect to be subjected to lawsuits, fines, and even the demolishing of their newly built structure.
While no one expects the police to knock on their door for something like this, it is more common than you may think.
Your city can find out about unpermitted work being done on your property from neighbors who report it (most of the time due to the noise created), other projects that you may want to do that require an inspector to visit the property, or annual tax assessments of your property, so never expect you can get away with it.
Not to mention, if you end up having any sort of safety issues and accidents due to the building, then you can say goodbye to any sort of help from your insurance company.
The company will not cover any sort of cost if your deck has not been inspected and built without a permit.
We have already mentioned the selling issue if you have an unpermitted deck, so we will not hash it out again.
Know that you can get a retroactive permit, but you will have to pay extra for it and get the home inspected before you can sell, which can also show that the deck may have been unsafely built, and it can lead to more money spent on it to get it up to code or having to destroy it.
So get your permit if you want to build a deck and if you work with a contractor, ensure that they are going to get one too!
If you want to read more about how you can build a deck safely and legally and how you can maintain it once you have, we recommend you give this book on the matter a read!
And since we are discussing upping your home’s value, why not take a look at those stairs as well? There are ways that with a little DIY, you can up the value of your stairs without having to do much labor. If you are curious about what could be achieved, then read this article!
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