With the housing market in uncertain territory, many homeowners are
choosing to stay in their homes and undertake home improvement projects
that offer immediate benefits, as well as a good return on investment.
Building a sturdy deck is one way homeowners are creating a home they
can enjoy more now, while looking smartly ahead in case they want to
sell later.
According
to Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value report, adding a deck
constructed with composite decking, a decking material made of combined
wood and plastic, can be expected to yield an approximate 77 percent
cost recovery on average at resale. Composite decks rank higher than
the national average of cost recovered for a major kitchen remodel or
bathroom remodel - two types of projects homeowners often undertake to
make their homes more appealing.
Expanding Living Space
Building a deck expands living space, as many
homeowners are using their decks for longer periods of the year. Decks
are now considered another room of the home. According to a report
from The NPD Group, Inc., eight out of ten consumers prefer outdoor
entertaining to indoor, weather permitting. And, with new home
construction slowing, there are potentially more remodelers available
to homeowners desiring to take on home improvement projects. One
consideration for homeowners planning to add a deck is to look at other
decks in their area to determine the appropriate size and scope of
their deck project for their neighborhood. Homeowners should also
consider a decking material that will last in the long term. Not only
will homeowners enjoy a durable, inviting deck while they live in the
home, but the type of material they use can help determine how well it
will retain its value over time.
Materials
Decking materials
must be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements and hold up
well to temperature changes, sun exposure, and rain. They also must be
attractive and complement the house and existing landscaping. Many
homeowners are turning to wood-plastic composite decking for durable
decking material that does not require staining or painting. Composite
decking is also resistant to moisture and decay. And, the material will
not splinter or crack. Composite decking does require periodic
cleaning, which can be accomplished with widely available commercial
deck cleaners. For homeowners searching for environmentally
responsible materials, some wood-plastic composite decking is made from
recycled materials, potentially keeping unused waste out of landfills.
Such composite decking consists of recycled polyethylene plastics that
are re-used from common items such as grocery bags. "With outdoor
living continuing to increase, homeowners who add a deck are
essentially adding to the square footage of the home," says Sue Snuggs
of Weyerhaeuser. "In addition to providing a good recovery of cost at
resale, building a deck with composite decking makes the home more
attractive to potential buyers who are looking for a home with a deck
that does not need to be stained every year." Building a durable
deck offers immediate enjoyment for friends and family, extends living
space outdoors, and offers long-term value. As some homeowners decide
in favor of remodeling over selling in a challenging housing market,
adding a composite deck can help them ensure their remodeling dollars
are spent wisely. To learn more about composite decking and railing
products that combine recycled materials with the classic appearance of
wood, visit www.choicedek.com Courtesy of ARAcontent
