Building a Deck Can Be Your Best Home Investment
Reluctant to make any exterior home improvements in this less-than-stable housing market? Don’t be. Even a poor economy can’t disprove the fact that adding a wood deck to your home offers over a 70 percent return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazine's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2011-2012. Building a deck is still one of the most worthwhile home improvement projects.
Why is building a deck better than upgrading your master bath or remodeling your basement? Adding a deck to your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your living area. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the national average for new construction costs of a two-story, 2,000-square-foot home is about $85 per square foot. The construction costs for a wood deck are less than $35 per square foot.
Thrift-conscious consumers should find a deck appealing, as they are the demographic looking to save money by spending more time at home, according to Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports. These cost-conscious folks want a new way to enjoy the outdoors while adding value to their property.
Other outlets rank deck building positively as well. U.S. News and World Report claims building a wood deck is among the five best home improvement projects for your money. And Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, says, “These days the latest trend is all about outdoor living. Decks are a great investment if you’re looking to add some exterior space to your living area.”
Hicks goes on to say that investing in quality is one of the most important elements of opting for this exterior home improvement. “When it comes to building a deck it all comes down to how well it’s installed. We all too often hear stories of a deck being improperly installed and potentially collapsing. You want to have someone who knows what they are doing.” Plus, a good, reliable, knowledgeable contractor will work with you to keep costs under control, making your new deck a completely worthwhile investment on all fronts.
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