The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard says growth in improvement and repair expenditures is expected to remain solid throughout the year and into 2022. And building a deck is one of the popular improvements homeowners are making to expand their living space outdoors.
At the high-end level many are choosing western red cedar, considered by many as the ultimate material for a deck. It is untreated and resists rot, making it very friendly to the environment. With a straight grain and pleasant aroma, cedar is a favorite of designers; but its qualities don’t come cheap.
The reason the addition of a deck is so popular is because it expands the living space of a home and often becomes an outdoor room with the addition of an awning. Young families add a small plastic pool for little ones to play in; and older kids and adults use a deck for most anything they’d do indoors, but with the added enjoyment of a fresh breath of air. For many there’s no better venue for dining out than on your own deck.
Before you consider the size and shape of a deck, check with your local building department to learn about building code requirements. And review your property survey to make sure you know exactly where your property lines begin and end. Also make sure there are no pipes or wires where you plan to build the deck foundation.
Visit the Miss Utility website https://www.missutility.net/homeowner about excavating on your property. They don’t perform locating or marking services; they inform subscribing facility/utility owners of proposed excavation, so you don’t have to call them each individually. They, in turn, will locate (mark your dig site or verify the site is clear).
To build a basic 12-foot-by-15-foot ground level deck made of mid-grade cedar, a contractor will charge $4,716, which includes labor and material. If you’re an experienced carpenter and have the tools, you can buy the cedar decking materials and fasteners for $1800 and build it yourself, saving 62%. The building process is extensive and involves planning the design, laying out the deck for size and height, locating the posts, installing joists and bracing, attaching the deck to the house, installing the foundation piers, installing the decking, and finishing the deck with stairs or a railing if needed. If there’s any doubt in your mind about building a deck with costly material, we suggest hiring a contractor.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$4,716 — $1,800 — 54.0 — 60.0 — $2,916 — 62%
