Having a deck in a backyard is something that a lot of people want and need in our lives. But, building an entire deck from scratch in a backyard is both a difficult and expensive process. But, when a person sets their mind to it, it is definitely possible to do that and with the right planning, it may not be as expensive as expected. Once you finish this project, you will find will have a place in your backyard where you can just sit down and enjoy your morning coffee.
However, as I already said, it is not a simple process. This is a project that will require you to invest a lot of time, effort, and concentration. It will be stressful, but I am sure that you will be able to get through it.
But, with this type of project, there are always mistakes that are very often made by almost everyone. To save you a little bit of money and time, I decided to write this article and tell you about all those mistakes you will need to avoid. Once you know them, I am sure that everything will be smooth sailing from then on.
1. A budget that cannot support the build of a backyard deck
So, you have managed to get her a bit of money in your bank account and feel like it is time to spend them on something very meaningful. You have made the decision that the money will be spent on a project that will bring a huge addition to your property. And that addition is a backyard deck. That is a great idea and I am sure that everyone around you will support.
However, one very big mistake that people make when building such a deck is underestimating the cost. If you underestimate the cost of a project of this size, you will end up with something that is unfinished and with no more money in your backyard. This is not a good situation which is why you should do everything in your power to avoid it.
Do not underestimate the cost of building a backyard deck and analyze your budget to ensure that you will have enough money. The best way to achieve that is to do a bit of research on the materials you will need to find out just exactly how much all of this will cost.
If it costs more than you currently have, I recommend that you wait a few more months or years to gather a little bit more for your budget.
2. Starting without any kind of plan
By now, I am sure that you realize that this is not a construction project that you can build and finished easily. It will take a considerable amount of time and it will be complicated. Even if you do have a bit of experience with similar construction, I think it would be best to form some type of a plan first before you do anything. You can also take help from ADP group in this regard as they are the best providers for construction related services.
With a properly built plan, you will have a good idea of how long this project will last which is probably every important piece of information. Although, you will not be able to exactly know how long it lasts.
3. Picking the wrong materials
The backyard deck that you will build today, will probably last for the next 10, 15, or 20 years. It is a long-term solution for your home that will not require any kind of upgrades or repairs in the oncoming years. However, to get that longevity, you will need to ensure that the quality of the deck is of a high level. Otherwise, you will notice the need for repairs even just after a couple of years. That is unacceptable.
This is the reason why it is so essential to find the right materials that are of very high quality. These materials will ensure that the deck you build will last as long as the house will last.
For those that want to get the most durable and resistant materials, it would be best to get pressure-treated lumber as suggested by decksforlife.ca. This type of lumber is resistant against insects and fungus while also achieving a very high level of durability. This means that the wood beams will endure any kind of rain, snow, or even hail.
4. Not checking the city or neighborhood building regulations
To avoid construction-related injuries or to maintain a neighborhood’s value, the city or the neighborhood community sets certain regulations and building codes that must be followed. Otherwise, you might end up in trouble. In other words, you may have to take down the deck after you have built it. This is unacceptable and a huge loss of money.
To avoid such a situation from ever happening, you should probably check all the different codes and regulations that are set by the city or the neighborhood community.
Only then you can form a plan that will follow in the building code in your city.
Keep in mind that some neighborhoods will require you to get approval before you start building.
5. Forget the waterproof coating
Most decks are made out of wood beams and those beams are not always very resistant to water or waterproof. This is the reason why we usually apply all kinds of different coatings to protect the want from every outside element, including water.
Unfortunately, many people forget to apply that coating after they are finished. By not applying that last bit of coating to ensure that the wooden beams are waterproof, serious damage can be seen just after a couple of days. This kind of situation can cost you a lot of money, so make sure that you apply that waterproof coating. Otherwise, you might end up having to rebuild the entire thing.
I am sure that you will not have the patience or time to start this kind of project again.
There are a lot of other mistakes you can make while building your backyard deck, but with enough planning and after doing some research online, I am sure that you will able to finish this project easily.