When homeowners think of expanding their living space, one popular way to do so is to extend the home to the outdoors. What better way to do this than to build a deck?Building a deck can be an exciting project, but before you get carried away with building your dream outdoor space, ask yourself a few basic questions first: What design elements would you like to incorporate? What materials should you use? Will they suit the climate and weather conditions in your area? How much can you afford to spend on the project? Can you afford to hire a pro, or is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project more feasible?
Here are two basic things to ask yourself as you plan your deck project:
What will it be used for?
Before you actually start building, take the time to properly visualize the size and shape of your deck and to plan its layout carefully. Outline the area with stakes and string, then walk around to test the views and to check if there’s enough space around your proposed area to allow everyone to move around comfortably.
Also, consider privacy. Unless you want to parade around where your neighbors can watch you like they would a stage performer, think to build screens, fences, or add design elements like lattice screens or arbors to create some privacy.
In Part II, coming soon, we will look more closely at possible design challenges and what you can do to remedy them.
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