add to the value of your home. Deck additions are one of the leading renovations that provide the largest return on investment (ROI) for homeowners compared to refinishing a basement (76 percent) or a major kitchen remodel (79 percent) according to Remodeling Magazine. In fact, that same study found that homeowners can recoup more than 86 percent of the building costs when decks are added. As a rule, improvements that increase the functional space of a homehold their value longer than those that just make a house function better. Adding an outdoor deck can be the most inexpensive way to bulk up the square footage of your home—just $6,900 on average, compared to $31,000 for a sunroom (Money magazine, June 2005)—if you doit the right way. Decks increase home values only when they are in good shape, so it is important to use lasting materials or to regularly perform maintenance to protect your investment. Using the right decking materials is important. Composite decking offers homeowners the beauty of wood with none of the typical maintenance issues. No scraping, staining or sealing is required. For example, the composition of Veranda composite decking ensures its sustainability; the plastic shields the wood from insects and moisture damage, while the wood fiber protects the plastic from UV damage and addsstability. Renovating an aging deck is also an easy and cost effective option for homeowners looking to spruce up their outdoor space and improve their ROI. The experts at Adding an outdoor deck can be the most inexpensive way to bulk up the square footage of your home. Veranda decking suggest homeowners consider the following tips when adding a deck: * Size Matters. A good rule of thumb is that the deck should be no larger than one-third the footprint of your home’s mainfloor. * Shape and Decking Patterns. A deck can be any shape you want and, in fact, simple changes like an angled corner or a 45degree decking pattern can dress up a house (45-degree decking may require substructure improvements). You can also add visual interest by wrapping the deck around a corner, adding built-in benches, integrating a fence or screen on one side, or even adding an overhead screen. * Railings. Railings are the most prominent visual element in a deck and offer a great opportunity for the homeowner to use imagination andcreativity. Besides improving your ROI, a deck can make your home far more enjoyable.
