Decks & PatioDeciding on a deck or patio can be a difficult decision and each one has its pros and cons. Adding a deck or patio will add more living space and increase your usable square footage. Each option offers an area to gather with friends and family, grill out, and relax under the sun or stars. Factors in this decision are space, your needs, and your budget. Patio or Deck: What's the Difference? People use the the two terms interchangeably but there is a difference. A patio refers to an outdoor space that is directly on the ground and may be in a separate part of the yard or connected to the house. Patios often have foundations made of concrete, but some homeowners use brick, tile, pavers, stone or other materials. In most cases patios may or may not be covered and do not have rails. They usually also have other entertainment features such as built in barbecues, fire pits, and sitting areas, making them a great social area where all your guests can gather. On the other hand, decks are usually constructed of vinyl or wood and are typically enclosed with some type of railing. Though they can be built near the ground, they are not placed directly on the ground and feature some type of support system to hold up the structure. Decks may be built off of the lower floor of a home, such as the living room or kitchen, or they maybe added to an upper level room. Rooftop decks can also built to offer the homeowner panoramic views of their surroundings. Patio vs. Deck: A Cost Comparison Knowing your budget before you start can help in making a choice as with all renovation projects. The range for a deck or patio addition project can be large. For instance, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Value Report in 2013 states the average cost of a midrange deck addition project runs around $15,000 for a composite deck and $9,327 for wood. While This Old House averages a new deck to be just shy of $6,000. According to this article from HouseLogic, a free source from the National Association of Realtors™, decks run around $33 per square foot while a patio might cost as low as $15 per square foot. In summary, patios are usually cheaper than decks. There are a variety of factors that go into the cost calculation of the project. These include:
Return on Investment (ROI)? As a homeowner, return on investment should always be considered in making a decision on home improvement. What is the ROI when it is time to sell the property? Renovations such as decks and patios often offer a good ROI because most homeowners like to have some type of outdoor living space. The average return on investment for a new deck addition runs around 75%; on a patio, HouseLogic notes the ROI averages somewhere between 30-60%. What does this mean for you? Remodeling Magazine shows that a new wooden deck in the midrange project category will average $9,327; the resale value places that deck at $7,213. In this case, the homeowner would recoup around 77.3% of what was paid. If adding a $3,000 patio to a home, a homeowner might expect to get back about $1,500 of the cost of the project when selling the home. Which Is Best For Your Needs? To determine what is best for your needs, you must determine the purpose that you want to use it. Will the landscaping be incorporated into the overall design? If so, a patio might work best, as it can be surrounded by flowers, shrubs and trees. Would you like the area to be considered a space separate from the main house? Again, a patio works best here because the foundation can be placed away from the house. For homeowners with in ground pools, a Patio will allow a space to gather, relax, and cook. Homeowners that want to showcase their view might choose a deck since they can be built off of the ground and offer an unobstructed vantage point to relax with a bottle of wine. For properties that are uneven or on a hill, a deck is better since the supports can be cut to any height. Since decks have stairs, if the homeowner is interested in getting to the yard from the deck, those who want to keep the entertaining on the porch rather than in the yard may choose this option. With either choice, there is a positive ROI and countless possibilities for socializing, entertaining, or simply relaxing in an outdoor space. Contact Armadillo Fence Company today to see how we can extend your living space through the addition of a deck or patio, and start living your life outside, too! Ready to get started? Schedule a free, in-home design consultation with one of our patio or deck experts today! |
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