There are few places in the world that are as beautiful as Greater Vancouver in the summer. It's no wonder we were once again rated the nicest place in the world to live in by the London-based Economist Intelligent Survey (EIU). And naturally, Greater Vancouver homeowners want to enjoy the summer weather as much as possible which, for many, means getting a old deck rebuilt or a new deck installed on their home.
Ecowest has recently added deck renovations to its repertoire of products and services to meet this need. We've listened to many homeowners talk about their deck-related needs and, as these discussions evolve, it always goes beyond just enjoying the outdoors. So, here are a few things you'll want to consider if you are looking into getting a new deck installed.
- Size: Not everyone wants to have a large deck installed. And the size of deck that can be installed also depends on the amount of space you have available in your yard as well as the amount of yard you may have to sacrifice in order to provide the deck area needed. Be sure you are clear about the size of deck that you want.
- Uses: Decks can be used for reclining and reading a book, barbecuing, outdoor music and entertainment or perhaps even to connect the house to a newly installed hot tub. Ensure that you've listed all the uses of your new deck down so your representative can ensure it is designed to accommodate your needs.
- Leveling: Many Greater Vancouver homes are built on land that has a slope or incline. Your representative will help assess the land surrounding your home and determine what, if any, additional costs are required for your deck to be installed. Just be aware that difficult terrain generally means a more complicated and thus a more expensive deck installation.
- Old decks: If you have an existing deck then you will want to be very upfront about any damage or issues with your existing deck prior to having it repaired or replaced. It is not uncommon for older decks to have issues with water or moisture or to have shifted slightly over the years. Depending on the nature of your project, these are things that can increase the project budget. So the more you disclose upfront, the better it will be for all parties involved.
- Safety: Do you have any small children? Are you going to be hosting large parties where a large number of people will be standing on the deck or dancing and having fun? Think about all of the people that will be using the deck and ensure that your representative is aware of these people so that your deck is designed for safety as well as enjoyment.
- Liability and permits: This goes along with safety but you will absolutely want to ensure that your deck has the proper engineering approval and city permits. If not, you could be putting yourself at great risk if someone gets hurt because your deck wasn't designed properly. This is the main argument against having a friend or family member install your deck as a favour.
- Longevity: Ensure that the materials and installation methods are such that your deck will hold up to the fall and winter weather and not need to be replaced again in 5 years. If in doubt, consult an expert.
