Adding composite decking to your home will improve your property’s appearance and increase its value substantially. Should you decide to sell the property, you will be in a good position to ask for a higher price than the initial amount you incurred when buying the house. The size of composite decking installed in a property will determine the new value of your house. In terms of monetary value, it isn’t easy to quantify how much value is added to your property after installing a composite deck. There are numerous ways in which a composite deck can increase the value of your property. But before we get to know how it adds your home’s value and what to consider when investing in it, you need to know what composite decking is.
What Is Composite Decking?
Decks are an extension of the living space of your house. Decks can either be installed on the front yard or backyard of your property where homeowners and their visitors or family members can relax and enjoy the exterior environment. A deck contractor can customize the design and materials used for your deck, and one popular option that many homeowners are turning to is composite decking.
Composite decking is the use of reusable materials when building a deck. Some of these recyclable materials include strands, wood, and plastics particles. Normally, composite decking is categorized as either wood or non-wood composites. Some might think that this is a DIY project, but it couldn’t be further from that. Make sure to contact professional deck builders for this project. You can buy top quality composite decking online from sites such as buildstore.ie/garden/decking/composite.html, which offer free delivery and lower costs than some home/garden stores.
How composite decking adds value to your home
1. It expands the square footage of your home
Even though a composite deck will not add an extra room to your house, it will create extra outdoor space for your loved ones. Depending on your deck’s size, the extra space will make a difference when looking to resale your property. Adding a deck may be a cheaper approach to adding extra space to your property than adding actual square footage. In that case, one may also check some of the top rated humidifiers for a cozier home.
When you look at the average cost of adding an actual 400 square-feet room, it may cost you between $32,000 to $80,000. A composite deck of the same size (400 square-feet) will cost you less than $20,000. An increase in the square footage in your home means the value of your property will also increase.
2. A composite decking has low maintenance cost
While installing a wood may seem to be cheaper than installing a composite one, the cost of maintaining a wooden deck is higher. With a wooden deck, you will be required to re-stain it after every 2 to 3 years, which will cost you approximately $700 each session. It may discourage your future home buyer who is not ready for the upkeep cost.
On the other hand, a composite deck is almost maintenance-free, it will save you costs, and it is appealing. Homeowners are looking for houses with low cost of upkeep. Some composite decks are scratch, stain, and fade-resistant; this increases their lifespan and maintains their low maintenance cost compared to wood decks. Composite decking is a great option for adding value and appeal to your property.
3. It increases the curb appeal
In the real estate industry, a beautiful sidewalk and outdoor living space will attract potential homebuyers. You will not go wrong with the aesthetic appeals brought about by a composite deck. Your home will stand out from other homes that have wood decks, making your home more marketable, making potential buyers willing to dig deeper into their pockets. Set your home apart by investing in a composite deck.
4. Increase the safety of your home
Even though most people may fail to consider the safety of a house when they are looking at its value, having a safe deck is valuable to a family person. For your family home to be marketable, it should be safe for the potential buyer’s family.
Plastic and wood decks become slippery, especially when it snows or rains. This can cause a serious slip hazard to the occupiers of the property. Contrastingly, composite decking is made with a slip resistance feature. You can improve the anti-slippery feature by adding a handrail around the composite deck perimeter. This will improve the safety of the deck and enhance its aesthetics as well. If you have kids, this is a vital improvement on the composite deck.
Factors to Consider when investing in composite decking
Before installing composite decking, it is critical to remember that composite decking boards are manufactured differently. One type of composite deck may not be appropriate for all homeowners for various reasons. Here are few factors to remember when investing in composite decking.
- Your location: When investing in a composite deck, you need to be aware of your surroundings’ climatic conditions. There are some locations with high temperatures while others have low temperatures, affecting the deck’s effectiveness and durability. You must understand the pros and cons of different types of composite decking materials against your location’s climatic condition. For stance, if you stay in a rainy or snowy place, you need to ensure that the composite deck you are investing in has high anti-slip resistant features. You can install such a deck in areas near a jacuzzi or swimming pool.
- Level of maintenance required: Different types of composite decks require different levels of maintenance. There are composite decks that are manufactured to guarantee low-maintenance cost, while others are expensive to maintain. If your focus is to go for low or no-maintenance-cost composite decking, choose one that is easy to wash, has stain-resisting and anti-scratch properties.
- Look at your budget: there is a direct correlation between the cost of composite decking materials and their quality. There are composite decks that are more valuable than others. Do not compromise on the quality by going for cheapness. The quality of the deck will determine the features it comes with and its lifespan. Look out for composite decking suppliers who will give you a balance between affordability and quality decks.
- How long will you be occupying the house?: There are composite decks that can last from 10 years to 30 years: this depends on the type of composite deck you will invest in. If you are looking to sell the property after 10 to 15 years, you should invest in a composite deck that can last up to 25 years. Such a deck is likely to be intact by the time you are planning to move out.
With the many factors to consider when installing a composite deck, ensure to get a warranty for whichever type you will choose.
Hire A Decking Contractor
If you plan to install composite decking, hiring a qualified contractor is paramount to ensure the success and longevity of your project. Composite decking offers numerous benefits, including durability, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. However, proper installation is crucial to unlocking these advantages fully.
When seeking a decking contractor, start by researching local companies with experience in composite decking installation. Look for contractors with positive reviews, certifications, and licenses. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had decking projects done recently.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule consultations with prospective contractors to discuss your project’s scope, timeline, and budget. During these meetings, ask about their experience with composite decking, previous projects, and if they provide warranties or guarantees for their work. Request detailed written estimates outlining the cost breakdown and timeline for completion.
Additionally, inquire about their insurance coverage and if they subcontract any work. Before making a decision, carefully review contracts and ensure all terms are clearly outlined. By following these steps and selecting a reputable decking contractor, you can embark on your composite decking project with confidence, knowing it’s in capable hands.
Final Thought
Composite decking will improve the value of your property should you consider reselling it. However, it is not easy to quantify how much value your property will earn after installing the deck. Choose the right composite decking, and your potential home buyers will be willing to dig deeper into their pockets.