What’s Your Budget?

With any home renovation project, having a budget is essential. It matters not how much something costs if you can’t afford it. Here are some tips that will help you with the process of developing a budget for that new deck, or any home improvement project for that matter.

How long will you be living in your house?

This question might be the most important question you ask yourself when determining a budget. If you’re planning to sell your home for instance in the next couple of years, you might want to save that dream deck for your next, forever home. A new deck might be a must but going all out for the next family that lives in your home, isn’t necessary. On the contrary, if you plan to stay in your home for 10 plus years, your budget will likely increase. You are going to get what you pay for in a new deck and you won’t want to build it twice.

Primary use

Consider the uses for your new deck. If you are a small family of three and don’t entertain often, a smaller, more simple deck might do the trick. If green space is at a premium where you live, you might not want to fill your space with deck alone. Obviously building a smaller deck will lower your budget. Likewise, if you spend the majority of your leisure time outside, and have the capacity, a larger deck to fit family and friends on all summer long, could be in your future.

Lifestyle

Do you aim for low maintenance around the home? Like many, long work days in addition to an often long commute have you craving a home that practically takes care of itself. A low maintenance deck is likely something your budget will need to allow. Stripping and staining a wood deck every year will eat away at your leisure time. Low – maintenance, although purchased at a higher price point, is a better value, You will need to consider this high price point when creating your budget.

Property limitations

Geography may be a factor in determining the budget. If it’ a large deck you want but your property can’t hold a large deck, no matter how much money you may have for your project, that large deck isn’t going to happen. Also, consider any other work that has to be done to your backyard before a new deck goes in. Will you want a fence? Does your property need grading? These things can eat away at your available funds.

Finances

Obviously, personal finances will play a big part in any project around the house. A new deck is no different. A deck is a great investment into your lifestyle and your home, but overextending yourself can negatively affect your enjoyment of the finished project.

The scale of your project

Your preference of deck size, material and design need to line up with your pocketbook. If you need a multilevel, low maintenance deck, you will need to come to the table with a budget that reflects this kind of deck. This brings us to our last budgeting tip.

Research

Do your research. Educating yourself on the products and cost of having a deck built by the professionals will give you peace of mind, good research will also give you a realistic idea of what the cost will be. Often having this knowledge will help all your other budget factors fall in line. Knowing your budget is as important as picking the colour of your new deck. It’s something you’ll be living with for a very long time.

Get someone experienced and efficient to make your deck

Let our work speak for itself, check out our Decks Pricing Guide and see for yourself what kind of results you can expect from Hickory Dickory Decks.