Should You DIY Your Patio Deck? Everything You Need To Know
With all the resources available on the Internet, Americans now are keener on going the DIY route for their home projects to save on costs. But it can be a double-edged sword. You will end up spending more down the line to hire a contractor if your project ends in disaster and needs to be salvaged.
Any type of home renovation is never easy. You spend time and resources without any 100% guarantee of success, especially if you have no experience in the matter. At the outset, if you plan on building the patio yourself, there are numerous instructional videos and a step-by-step guide online.
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The best way is to handle some parts of the project yourself and the critical components to the contractor. For instance, your deck roof should be installed by a contractor, such as City Seamless Roofing, to make sure it is done right the first time.
According to a survey, between 2015 and 2017, there were about 43 million home improvement projects in the United States. However, more than three in ten of DIY projects ended poorly. People in that group had no choice but to bring in a contractor to correct their mistakes.
In the end, they spend more since the contractor may take down the deck, they built to erect an entirely new one. Now, their expenses on materials have doubled, without even factoring the professional labor into the overall costs.
Patio pavers are easier to do, so it means you can get away with DIY-ing the project.
But if you genuinely intent on building your patio deck, here are some tips to start your project:
Attached or Freestanding Deck?
A freestanding patio deck will need stronger foundations compared to a structure attached to your house. Your local building office has the minimum requirements on how deep you bury the posts on freestanding decks. They usually take into account the weather conditions for optimum safety.
Materials For Your Deck
Next is to decide which materials you will use for your outdoor living space. When you watch all those YouTube videos or HGTV shows, they make home improvements so easy. Of course, it is not surprising since they are professional contractors. When you go DIY, you have to commit to the project. Check out some materials:
Do Not Forget the Landscape Fabric
The landscape fabric is crucial to make sure that weeds will not grow through your pavers. It will also help prevent your pavers from becoming uneven as the ground shifts due to the elements.
Apply For Permit
Do not forget to apply for a renovation permit from your city. Most porches, patios, pergolas, and decks require a building permit, especially if they exceed the minimum size. You will pay a fine, or the structure will become torn down if you violate the regulations.
DIY home renovation is a great way to bond with your kids or partner, and there is no better feeling than seeing it all together after doing a good job. You can also go to https://www.globosurfer.com/best-patio-heaters/ to find out some patio heaters.
However, you also have to take precautions when doing your project. The last thing you need is spending your days at the hospital, instead.
