Upgrading your Outdoor Living Space
It is easy to add function and beauty to your outdoor living
space by building a new deck. Like any other renovation, there are many questions
homeowners have when undertaking a custom decking project. Without proper
guidance from professional and expert design-build firms, you may not know
where to begin! When beginning a custom decking project, the best starting
point is to build a plan. There is much more to consider than simply putting
some boards down on a frame, which means meeting with an expert team who can
help you to realize your dreams for a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space is
essential.
Choosing your Deck Design
There are many different styles of deck to choose from. The
size and shape will depend on a variety of factors that are impacted by the
construction of the house and the layout of the garden. Rooms of a house serve
many different purposes, but they work together to provide a comfortable and
aesthetic living space. Just like a room in a house, your deck should have
intention to it – a purpose to fulfill! Decks often offer an outdoor kitchen
space, supporting a dining area and cooking area during warm summer months. Depending
on size and available space, custom decks may also support a hot tub or spa
area, or a comfortable living space with outdoor furniture and fireplaces. Like
a kitchen in a house, the outdoor dining area will be the focal point of your
custom deck. Designers will also look at the longevity of a client’s deck and
how it will serve the homeowners needs into the future. The beauty of custom decking is the ability you have
to change the layout from year to year. There are many accessories a designer
can show you that will add character to your outdoor living area, enabling you
to refresh your deck with new styles.
- Lighting is a wonderful element that adds style to your custom deck. Solar powered LED lights are inexpensive accessories you can buy to create a functional environment for relaxing and socializing after the sun sets.
- Railings are used as a safety function, but can also add style to a deck. Railings are often the most visible part of your deck and their prominence means you should choose a style you will enjoy. Modern trends are moving towards metal and glass materials, while other designs use panels instead of balusters.
- Built-in Furniture should be used sparingly. Once these benches, flower pots and pergolas are constructed, they are in place until the deck is re-built. If you want to keep your custom deck versatile, then avoid using built-in furniture in your designs.
- Use the space underneath your deck to create private areas you can screen in. This not only prevents bugs from getting at you in the summer, but it provides a secluded spot to host a spa or hot tub.
Managing Custom Decking Projects with Design-Build Firms
It’s easy to create a construction budget for a custom
decking project. It’s also very easy to exceed that budget and increase your
costs. Meeting with a designer to outline your dream deck takes time and the
design can get lost in translation if a separate contractor arrives to install
materials. Working with a design-build firm is a more efficient approach to
custom home construction because it’s a team that works together to manage your exterior renovations seamlessly. If there are any issues with the design that need addressing
on-site, this team will consult with each other and will only make changes
after communicating with the homeowners. Often designers work independently from
contractors, meaning if any on-site factors arise, the contractor will be
unable to contact the designer. The homeowner then becomes the middleman,
creating a stress that can be avoided entirely by using a design-build firm.
Design-build firms will also work to ensure clients stay
within their projected budget for custom decking, working together to minimize
costs and deliver exceptional craftsmanship at the price you were originally
quoted.