1. Preplan with your designer
Designing a deck to suit all of you and your business or household specifications is crucial. Make sure you take time to design a deck that suits your needs and wants. Some considerations include: deck use and functions, access to interior space, pathways or flow of the exterior space, shading and roof coverings, occupant loads, and nighttime lighting for evening events or gatherings.
2. Consider your budget from the initial design stages
With a good designer and contractor, anything you imagine is possible. However, all creative design and construction comes at a cost. Keep your budget in mind at the initial stages to keep the design and project in the scope of your proposed budget. Your designer and contractor will be able to create a wonderful exterior living space (deck or patio) that suits your budget as long as they are aware from the initial consultation.
3. Review materials for shortterm and long term benefits
Today there are a lot of options for deck and patio materials. You can go with your typical pressure treated wood or your beautiful Ipe, Tiger or cedar wood. In addition to these materials are composite materials provided by trex composite decks or eon decking systems. Often these new materials and technologies have benefits such as longevity or nice aesthetic finishes. However, it is wise to consider all implications of using materials. For example composite is often more expensive than natural wood but has ample warranty and long term performance. Contrary to this, composite can expand and contract with weather leaving gaps in your deck (if not installed properly). Each material has its benefits and drawbacks and materials can be used simultaneously to create an ideal exterior space.
4. Permits and Code requirements
Permits are suggested as it will ensure that your contractor or project manager performs the project to city compliance. In addition, it is important to make sure that your deck or patio meets all code requirements outlined by the city. The drawback to applying for permits for a deck or patio build is the clearance at each stage of construction (i.e. inspection of footings, framing etc.). To mitigate for this time lag, make sure your contractor has the city inspectors into the construction schedule for the proposed project.
5. Do it yourself or using a contractor
Many like to pick up the hammer and get down to business themselves. Construction is fun, however if you are going to perform the project yourself, make sure you have ample timelines, consider safety requirements and ideally have someone with carpentry or construction experience to guide you through the process. The drawback to this is that your project will take alot longer than if a contractor were to construct your deck or patio. In regards to using a contractor, you will have a warranty on the work, have the project constructed on time and budget and be able to enjoy your project within weeks. Way out the options to see what is the right option for you.