Remodeling projects are more affordable than buying a new home. Homeowners should consider doing one to add value to their homes. That said, even a simple kitchen renovation or a new patio construction can become quite complicated if homeowners do not give sufficient thought to such projects.
For example, deck construction is one home remodeling project that has a sizable return on investment. Experts agree that a brand-new deck can certainly recoup about 72 percent of its original value over time. However, the variety of deck options available usually complicates matters. Pressure-treated wood is a popular option for homeowners since it is cheap and easy to work with. On the other hand, this material needs to be refinished every other year, thereby increasing its cost in the long run.
As an alternative, homeowners can go for composites that require less frequent maintenance. These materials, however, can encourage mold growth if they are not properly cleaned after three or four years. Hardwoods, the most durable and rot-resistant of them all, are significantly more expensive and labor-intensive.
There’s also the matter of ensuring that the new deck meets all local building standards. In Chicago, the Department of Buildings has very specific guidelines for porches (and by extension, decks). For instance, an attached and unprotected deck made from wood must be no closer than three feet from the interior lot line, unless certain conditions are met, to help prevent fires from spreading.
