Do you want to add usable space to your yard, so you can host parties and barbecues? Build a deck.
Do you want to improve your home's value with something big and splashy, making it easier to sell? Build a deck.
Do you want to have a more enjoyable summer with more outdoor living space? Build a deck.
Deck addition is one of the leading springtime home improvement projects for Connecticut homeowners. If you're thinking about building a deck on your home in 2025, this guide can help you from start to finish.
Knowing what to expect and how to kick off your project can make the whole experience a success. In this article, we'll discuss Deck Building 101. This article will include the planning process, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to choose a contractor for this project. Here's what you need to know.
Planning
No construction project can be successful without careful planning and budgeting. Get together with your household members to talk about your deck project. Discuss answers to questions such as: what will we use the deck for? How many people will use the deck at one time? What decking material is right for our project?
Some tips for planning your deck:
- Start early. Good contractors book up fast, and the best contractors will be booked many months out. If you're hoping to build a deck and use it in the coming summer, start vetting contractors as soon as possible.
- Make a budget. How much can you afford to spend on a deck addition? If you're getting a loan, work with a reputable lender to decide how much money to borrow for your project. Know the payment terms and how much you'll be expected to pay per month, and cap the limit at an amount you can afford.
- Know your goals. Write a list of goals for your deck. Know whether you'll use the space for grilling, parties, outdoor dining, sunbathing. Having these goals in mind will be important as you work with a contractor to design the space, and can help you choose features that will make your deck more useful.
Vetting Contractors
Vet multiple contractors before choosing the right contractor for your project. If possible, meet with three contractors before making your final decision. If you know someone who recently built a deck on their home, ask them if they would recommend the contractor they hired.
When you meet with contractors, have a list of questions to ask. Some examples:
- When would you start?
- How long would it take?
- Have you handled projects like this before?
- Do you have recommendations for this project?
- Can you produce a design or drawing that I can look at?
- How much would it cost? What would you charge up front?
- Can you give me references and show me pictures of similar work you've done in the past?
Once you get a contract, read it thoroughly before signing. The contract should include information such as:
- Timeline (start and estimated end date)
- Contractor name, address, license information
- Your name, job site address
- Projected cost and payment terms
- Change order information
- Material information
- Scope of work
If you have questions about the contract, get clarity before signing. Don't hire a contractor that doesn't require a contract for this type of work: contracts protect both parties and are important tools for preventing disputes.
Costs
Decks are high-value items. Typical composite decks can easily cost $25,000, and often much more. The size of the project as well as the quality of the work performed will impact the cost. Watch out for contractors that bid much lower than the competition. Plan to pay a fair price for the work. A good contractor may charge more, but quality makes a big difference. Reputable contractors can build decks that look better and last longer.
Mistakes to Avoid
The number one mistake that many homeowners make when adding a deck is choosing low-quality materials to save money. High quality composite decking isn't cheap, but there are many off-brands available at a significantly lower cost. While these materials may look like a good deal, they don't last. Low quality composite decking can fade, stain, and warp over time. These materials may look good when first installed, but they don't last.
High-end composite decking material lasts for years and can continue to look beautiful with the occasional cleaning. It won't stain, it never needs refinishing, and shouldn't need regular repairs or touch-ups.
As a contractor that frequently installs decks in Connecticut homes, we frequently meet with homeowners who used poor quality composite decking for their first deck, and later regretted it. Spending more up front can mean savings down the road.
Repair Vs. Replacement
Old wooden decks that were properly installed can be refinished to look new and attractive. However, older decks that need significant repairs are often better off replaced. Building codes have changed over the years, and if repairs are required for your older deck, you may need to spend extra money bringing your older deck up to code. For many people, this makes deck repair more expensive than its worth. If you're not sure whether your old deck needs refinishing, repair, or replacement, talk to a contractor.
What to Expect
After you sign the contract, the contractor will put your deck installation on the schedule and tell you when the addition will take place. They'll also order the materials and get the permitting process started, so they're ready to begin when the day comes. Deck installation often takes a couple of weeks from start to finish.
Deck building starts with excavation and construction of the piers, then ends with building the structure itself.
Want to Know More? Download Our Free Guide
Litchfield Builders has created a free guide to hiring a residential contractor in Connecticut. See our free guide to get started with this project, or contact us to schedule a consultation.
