Let’s face it. It’s embarrassing to invite a bunch of friends over and realize that your deck is too small. It’s not your fault — not all houses and lots can accommodate big decks. Even if they can, many people don’t realize how much size matters until it’s too late and the build is already done. There are also a few things to be careful about when you’re trying to make your deck bigger.
Whatever made you realize that you do care about size, there are some things you should be aware of. There are rules and regulations regarding massive decks and the consequences of violating them vary. Let’s just say it’s best to know your limits before you start making party plans.
You should also be aware that having a huge deck doesn’t come without its costs. Big decks increase property value, but they also require more maintenance and upkeep, especially if the construction team that builds it doesn’t do a good job up front. Then there’s the price of materials and construction, which gets higher as your deck gets bigger.
Since repairs on large decks aren’t cheap, it’s best to wait until you can tend to your deck frequently and well. After all, the last thing you want is an ugly, uneven, or unpleasant-looking deck. Here are just a few things to know about the prices and responsibilities, as well as a few benefits, of having a huge deck.
Know your Deck’s Function
The first step to brainstorming any build idea is knowing what you want to use the space for. Decks are no exception. While they may look similar enough at first glance, every deck has a unique shape, size, and style contributing to its overall performance. Factor in your environment, your daily life, and be honest with yourself about how much use your deck will get.
Your Deck’s Location
Consider what part of the lot your deck will be located on. For example, if your deck is located toward the back of your house, you’ll be able to use it for a different function than you would if it was attached to the front door. Similarly, a wrap-around deck will have the biggest range of functions, as it has the most space to experiment with.
Consider the Environment
People that live in warm climates tend to prefer larger decks, as they are outside more than people who frequently have to deal with frigid weather. Warm, dry climates have to account for less extreme weather conditions than people in cold or mild climates. In regions like the midwest, where the temperature varies greatly from season to season, people with decks have to count for the expanding and shrinking that their deck will experience due to the changes in weather.
People in warm climates will get the most use out of their deck, and therefore benefit more from having a bigger deck than those in cold climates. That’s not to say that people in cold climates can’t have a huge deck. You could always plan to cover the deck, which at the very least prevents snow and rain from ruining it. If you enclose the deck, you can create a sunroom, plus an extra buffer against frigid winds in harsher climates.
Know your Budget
It’s all too common that people focus more on size than quality and end up blowing all of their money on a massive deck they can’t afford to finish. Know the price of construction, the materials you want, and other important details that your designer will go over with you. You don’t want to get halfway through a build only to realize that you can’t afford to finish.
Running out of money could lead to the construction team taking shortcuts. That means your huge deck won’t last nearly as long, and you’ll end up spending even more money in the long run on maintenance and repairs. Make sure you can afford the costs of the entire build before you have the construction team start raising the deck.
How Winthorpe Design and Build Can Help
Winthorpe design and build has been in the business of designing and constructing a wide range of home projects, including decks and porches. We eliminate the hassle of going between an architect and a construction team over and over until you finally reach the ideal deck. Instead, our expert team of designers walks you through the entire process, from initial contact to the last follow-up. They’ve been doing this long enough that the final cost estimate they give you is one of the most accurate available.
To learn more about our expertise and how we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our website for more information.
For a consultation, fill out our contact form, or call us at the numbers below.
Office: 301-854-2092
Metro: 202-600-2515
