The 4 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Deck or Patio Project in Severna Park or Towson.
The 4 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Deck or Patio Project in Severna Park or Towson.
Planning a deck or patio project at your Severna Park or Towson home is no small feat. You have a lot to consider, from timeframe and cost to deck and patio designs. Those considerations are important to ensure your new outdoor oasis turns out exactly as you have envisioned in your heart and mind. Before getting started, here are four questions to ask during the planning process. You can also get a free copy of the Valley Deck & Patio idea book to help inspire.
1. When Should I Start Planning My Project and When Should I Start Work?
Think of time as an asset. It’s a good thing to have on your side. Many people prefer to plan a project in the winter months. By getting an early start, you can bump up your spot on the construction calendar while also having the luxury of taking your time to plan your deck or patio project in January and February. Construction is in a prime position to begin as soon as the weather is nice. There is no wrong time to build. When you design your outdoor space right, you’ll be able to enjoy it year-round — spring, summer, fall, and even winter. With that said, some portions of work require minimum temperatures or no rain for a few days before and after. In the Maryland area, winter is a guessing game. January 1st might be snowing, and then January 15th could be a balmy 50 degrees. Planning ahead allows us to work with what mother nature gives us without falling behind on the project.
2. How Much Will My New Deck or Patio Cost?
On average, a standard and typical deck or patio project ranges between $25,000 - $50,000. With that said, we work with plenty of people whose projects are more complex, moving the price point to the $75,000, $100,000, $200,000+ range. The sky's the limit with what you can do and how jaw dropping we can make your space. Your price point is dependent on the size of space you want to build and the features you want to include. For example, a one-level paver patio with space to entertain 8-10 people, a built-in wood burning fire feature, a seat wall, some low voltage lighting, and a colorful shrub planting package is $25,000 - $35,000 depending on the final design choice and size. A typical composite deck with space for a dining table to entertain 8-10 people will also be in the $25,000 - $35,000 range. Construction costs for decks will vary depending on the height of the deck above ground, if steps will be included, and if options such as railing style upgrades, are added.
3. What Deck or Patio Design Should I Use?
At Valley Deck & Patio, we follow a specific process when it comes to planning deck and patio projects:
Listen
Estimate
Design a concept
Revise the design as needed.
Each goal can be accomplished in phases. If you start with a master plan, you’re able to begin your project with the end in mind. For example, it’s helpful to know from the outset that you want your ideal backyard to include a deck, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a pavilion. Still, for one reason or another, you might want to do the pavilion and outdoor kitchen at a later date. Planning ahead by running conduit during phase one and possibly pouring the footers for the pavilion could save a lot of extra work later.
4. Which Financing Options Can I Use for My Home Project
We find our customers will use one of three options to finance their projects — Home Equity, Home Improvement Financing, or credit cards. The most popular options are Home Equity and Home Improvement Financing. A less popular option is credit cards.
Home Improvement Loan
A few lending institutions offer loans specifically for home improvement. In most cases, you can find good incentive financing with offers that include 12 months same as cash. When you get an offer of 12 months same as cash or some other promotional term, make sure you pay off the balance BEFORE the end of the promotional period. Otherwise, you typically get back-charged all the financing fees. The 12 months same as cash option works well for those families who expect annual bonuses. They can use their bonus now to pay for half the project and then use their bonus the next year to pay off the balance. This strategy also makes it easier to get everything on the wish list so all the extra “necessities” can be included. At Valley Deck & Patio, we have a relationship with several lenders specializing in home improvement financing.
Home Equity
This is popular since people are putting the money back into the house and investing in the home. So it makes sense. The terms to pay back home equity loans can be attractive, and this can be a great solution for you. The best way to know which is right for you is to talk to your bank. There’s a lot that goes into planning your deck or patio project. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Reach out to us to start exploring what’s possible for your backyard.
Connect With Valley Deck & Patio
We are here to help you take the first step toward enjoying your new deck, patio, or entire new backyard. Request a consultation or download our free idea book. We are a team of seasoned experts building patios and decks in Severna Park, Towson, and Ellicott City.
