One of the biggest reasons that perfectly good homes sit on the market is that the perceived living space is too small. Families may have plenty of room for themselves in your living room, but if there’s not that extra bit of space for entertaining, spreading out, and growing, potential buyers often move on. At the same time, however, adding more living space to your home is an expensive undertaking.

That is why adding a deck is the number one way that we know of to add instant value to your home. It immediately increases the livable space at a much more affordable cost. Although prices can vary depending on the style and materials used for a deck, most estimates from across North America suggest that adding a wood deck costs more than $50 per square foot less than adding indoor space. Add up all the square footage you’ll be adding and that’s a hefty portion of the bill – usually much more than half again what the deck costs per square foot in the first place.

Why Decks Add Value

There are several reasons why adding a deck to your home can add value:

A deck increases the living space of the home. Not only do buyers perceive more space, but you can advertise more space as well.
Decks create a popular gathering spot for celebrations. Potential buyers can easily picture themselves throwing birthday parties, having summer hang outs, inviting over guests, and more, when they step on to a comfortable, spacious deck.
Decks increase the curb appeal of a home. A well-constructed deck in a beautiful natural wood, which has been styled nicely with patio furniture, plants, and other items, makes a home look inviting and comfortable.
Decks are very common in many types of neighborhoods. Anywhere where families will live, especially, you will see that a large majority of homes have decks. When buyers show up and compare your home to the homes around yours, lacking a deck makes your property appear less than those surrounding it.

Keep in Mind Context

One important thing to consider when you want to add a deck to your home is the context. Decks are outdoor living spaces. If you live in an area with a temperate climate, or at least an area that has a warm summer season, you’ll see more value added to your home when you add outdoor living space. However, if your area has a longer winter season that includes harsh weather, a deck is likely to add less value to your home. It may still be worth your while, but it’s an important caveat to consider. You may instead decide that a screened-in porch would make more sense for your area.

Also, keep in mind that the ROI (return on investment) is higher when you keep costs low – but there’s a balance between keeping your investment low, and investing enough to make your deck valuable. For most homeowners who are trying to sell, adding a lot of pricey accessories, such as built-in storage for their grill, makes no sense. Your grill may not match the new homeowners. But using a beautiful natural wood, brick, or stone, on the other hand, can make a deck more valuable to new owners, who will be gaining a durable living space that will last for years.

Let ONEWAY Construction Help You Sell

If you’re ready to make changes to your home to get it off the market, ONEWAY Construction can help you increase your living space with a beautiful new deck. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

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