Home Improvement Articles, resources and tips
Decks & Porches
Adding a deck or porch is one of the most common small-scale home remodeling projects. They require weather-resistant finishes, siding?, and flooring, but can provides hours of enjoyment and also pay for themselves in resale value.
Before you begin, be sure to check your local zoning laws and determine if a building permit is needed. It's also vital that you (or more likely your contractor) call local utilities (electric, telephone, water, and sewer) before digging. During the construction phase, field inspections may also be needed. These are usually paid for by the cost of your building permit.
The design of your porch or desk should be dictated by the style of your home and the size of your yard. High-end decking materials include cedar, redwood, ironwood, and mahogany, but pressure-treated wood is still the most common.
It's also important to think about where shade is needed and where it isn't, whether flower boxes will be used and where they will be placed, how the space will be lit, and whether outdoor cooking will take place. In fact, you can build an entire outdoor kitchen, a whirlpool, or even a fire pit for use on cold nights outdoors. Decks can be freestanding or attached to the house. Porches may be enclosed by a screen, latticework, windows, or other light frame walls.
You'll also want to think about how much of your yard you want to devote to your deck or porch. You can outline the size and shape of a deck you are considering with twine and stakes to see how much space it will really take. Usually it is best to consult with your contractor, who will know of all the different types of products and materials available. An on-site designer is recommended when adding a multi-level deck.
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