Screened in second-level back deck in Nashville, TN

ADDING A DECK TO YOUR NASHVILLE HOME: TOP CONSIDERATIONS

We’re all glad that the cold weather is coming to an end, and we can start thinking about spending time in the gorgeous Tennessee outdoors. Grilling and relaxing with friends and family over a meal with some great conversation….there’s nothing like it.

Perhaps you are a new homeowner, and there’s really no great spot in your yard for these get-togethers; it might be time to take the plunge and add a deck! Yes, it can be a big expense, but there are some really great reasons to go ahead and do it. Below we list some things to consider while you are thinking about committing.

Decks can be a real asset and add quite a bit of value to your home; they add living space to your home at a fraction of the cost of a fully-enclosed living area. Consider this: you’ll pay approximately $25 to $35 per square foot for a professionally built deck done by a general contractor, and $100 to $250 per square foot for an enclosed addition! If and when the time comes to sell your home, a deck can be a huge selling point, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to your property that can’t be beat!

Your deck will be a very popular spot in great weather, so careful thought will need to be given to where it is ultimately located. Easy access to indoors would be a good idea, and you might want to consider using another entrance other than the kitchen so that any large crowd entertaining you might do will flow into places with seating instead of the cooking areas. Perhaps a sliding door or French doors into the living room space might be a good plan.

You will also want to consider the size of your deck; it should not either overpower your yard or be so small that it gets lost in it. Check your local codes to make sure that you will be compliant concerning lot lines and size restrictions, etc. Your general contractor can help you with this part of the planning process.

Access to your yard from your deck is something that needs to be carefully planned. Where you place your stairs is very important to the overall look of your new deck, and they need to be safe for all types of people to use. You won’t want to sustain any insurance losses due to impractical stairs.

Another important consideration is the path that the sun takes through your yard at different times of the year. Will the late afternoon be blazing hot for your guests, with the sun beaming directly into their eyes? Will the decking receive no sun and run the risk of producing a mold issue? Talk with your general contractor about these concerns to make sure that the right steps are taken to make your deck the most popular place in the neighborhood!

The team at General Ascension Contractors are Nashville’s repair specialists. Come visit us on our website: Ascension General Contractors or give us a call at (615) 750 2345!