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Spring has
officially arrived, and summer is just around the corner! OK, maybe it doesn't
seem that way for some of us who continue to deal with snow and freezing
temperatures. But the hour of sleep we lost the first Sunday morning in April
signifies the time of year when homeowners feel inspired to build decks. But
before you arbitrarily flip through the Yellow Pages or pick up your hammer and
nails, you're going to want to consider a few factors first.
What will you be using your deck for? Will you be using it simply for relaxing
in your favorite lawn chair? Setting up a table and chairs for dining al
fresco? Both perhaps? And just how much of a sun worshipper are you?
As you can see, there are so many things to consider. Depending upon the time
of year, your home could block the sun. Or, if you live in a hot climate, you
might want to build your deck at an angle that provides you with some degree of
insulation from the hot sun. Also, consider that some trees lose their leaves
in winter and will allow the winter sun access to your deck. Other trees, such
as evergreens, however, won't lose their leaves, and will continue to provide
shade and cooler temperatures on your deck when you won't necessarily want
them. Particularly now, when the public is extremely aware of the need to
protect the skin from the sun's potentially harmful ultraviolet rays, shade is
necessary. So you're probably going to need an umbrella that you can adjust as
the sun changes direction over the course of the day. When the winter months
roll in, however, you're going to need a place to store that large umbrella.
Consider the most common wind direction in your yard. You may want to consider
building an ivy-covered screen or hedge to block out annoying breezes (imagine
what a strong wind can do to your outdoor dinner party). And how about noise?
Does your home back up to a major thoroughfare? While it's nearly impossible to
insulate yourself from all surrounding noise pollution, planting trees or
hedges or building screens can help to some degree. Which part of your backyard
is most scenic? Would you like to be able to see it from your deck?
Make sure you don't block the view with high screens or hedges, or construct
them in designs that allow for partial views. And speaking of views, make sure
that your neighbors won't be able to wave at you while you're enjoying your
deck. Construct your hedges or screens to maintain your privacy.
Do you plan to sit outdoors on your deck at night? Then you're going to need to
wire the outside area to accommodate lighting and waterproof electrical
outlets. Most people don't consider it, but decks often become 'catch-alls' for
garden tools, hoses, empty pots, children's toys and/or pool accessories.
Before long, your deck becomes an unsightly mess. It's worth your while then to
plan to build a storage space along with your deck. Place it in a hidden space
away from your deck if possible, or if you use those items frequently, plan to
build yourself an attractive or perhaps camouflaged storage space near or on
the deck.
The most common form of entry onto a deck is through a pair of French doors.
However some homeowners elect to build sliding glass doors, although they are
becoming a bit outdated, and their safety has been questioned because burglars
have had success in forcing them open. French doors are a more visually
attractive choice, and if you plan to entertain on your deck, you'll want to
provide entry through them via the kitchen if possible. And if your back yard
slopes down from your home, you're going to need to build your deck upon posts
- a job which no homeowner should attempt to pursue on his or her own. Call an
expert.
Amidst contemplating all these choices, don't forget one of the most important
things you need to do - consult your city's building department regarding your
property lines. And do this BEFORE you get slapped with fine, angry neighbors
or both! It's best to get out your pen and paper, and write down your
"wish list" for a deck - what its design will be like, what you'll be
using it for and the views you'd like to see from the deck. And like any other
home improvement project, interview several builders before you select one.
Shop around and don't rush yourself. With a little preparation, you can turn an
ordinary back yard into a peaceful, scenic respite.
© Copyright 2007 Sutton Group
Realty Services Ltd.
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