Home improvements will increase your home enjoyment, but can also affect the value of your home – adding or upgrading a stone patio or deck may yield a 50 to 75% return on the cost at resale. <\/p>\n
Here are some tips to help you plan for your deck and patio improvement needs with a focus on your home value at resale<\/a>:<\/p>\n Assess – Decide what the main purpose of your deck or patio will be: for entertaining, relaxing, or simply to improve the look and landscape of your yard. This will help determine the size, layout, and need for things like eating areas and built-in seating.<\/p>\n Research – Understand whether you require a building permit to meet fire and structural safety standards, even if you’re just upgrading an existing deck or patio. Contact the zoning department to help locate any underground utilities if you plan on doing any digging.<\/p>\n Materials – Determine the right kind of deck or patio to fit your needs. For patios, brick, flags, cobbles, and concrete all offer durable and cost-effective solutions. Wood is ideal for design flexibility, vinyl is durable and low maintenance, and composites look great and are eco-friendly. <\/p>\n Shape – Create a deck or patio that looks like an extension of your home. Right angles convey a strong, sturdy look while soft or round angles help create a casual, relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n Location – your patio or deck adjacent to an entry door of your home as this will make traffic flow easier when serving a meal or entertaining outdoors. Lower the elevation of the deck or patio from the door threshold approximately 10cm to allow for snowfall. <\/p>\n Enclosure – Think about building an enclosure for your patio or deck. Enclosures made of mesh, glass, or aluminum can help provide shade, protect against insects, and allow you to enjoy your space in the rain and in colder temperatures. <\/p>\n Accessorize – Complement your deck or patio with stylish accessories like wicker chairs, cedar benches, hammocks, wind chimes, and lounge chairs. Install outdoor mood lighting and music.<\/p>\n Maintain – Replace broken boards and rusty nails, and treat wood decks with a water seal each year.<\/p>\n Adding deck or patio is like adding another room to your home. They’re a great way to expand your living space, get a little closer to nature, and entertain outdoors. Find tips on renovating Toronto Lofts<\/a> and live BIG in your small space. <\/p>\n