Renovating your deck is one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your home. In this article we’ll go over the best types of deck remodels, and other easy ways to increase the value of your outdoor living space. Whether you’re looking to sell or stay, a deck renovation will add value and curb appeal to your property.

You may have already considered kitchen upgrades, adding a basement suite, and/or bathroom renovations. While these are all good home reno projects, studies show Canadians increasingly care more about their outdoor living space.
 
In Vancouver, homeowners’ attention has shifted from kitchen and bathroom reno’s to creating inviting outdoor living spaces, perfect for entertaining. It used to be that adding outdoor lighting, a new door, and/or some landscaping would be enough to upgrade your house exterior, especially before listing for sale. But recent studies show that prospective buyers are looking for quality outdoor spaces. And sales reports show that investing in a deck provides a greater return on investment (ROI) than kitchen or bathroom upgrades.

Deck Remodels: What Home Buyers Want

An enticing outdoor space is high on the must-have list for those looking to buy. In fact, more than half of prospective home buyers find outdoor living spaces the most attractive quality in their perfect home. Having a great outdoor area is more important to them than an open floor plan or curb appeal.
 
It’s no surprise that sundecks are becoming an excellent investment project. For sellers wanting to add value to their home, building or renovating a deck is a smart thing to do. Renovating your outdoor space will help keep more money in your pocket, and help your home sell faster.
 
Warning: You might love your Citywide deck so much that you decide to stay!

Deck Remodels ROI

Remodeling magazine produced a Cost vs. Value report for 2018 It compared the average cost of 21 remodeling projects in 149 markets with the value those projects retained at resale. According to the study, adding a wood deck to your home was the fifth most cost-effective remodeling project in the Pacific region, with an 88.9% return on investment.

The study also showed that adding a composite deck gave an encouraging 72.8% return on investment. Interestingly, the ROI on a stone patio installation proved to be a less-impressive 51.9%.
 
Although vinyl decking was not in the study, the relative cost to install a vinyl deck is similar to a wood deck. Vinyl decking is superior to wood in durability, and is easier to care for, making it the perfect material for the rainy west coast. Canadian homeowners prefer a low-maintenance deck, making vinyl a better choice for deck remodels.
 
When you use Duradek vinyl, their 10-year warranty is transferable to the new homeowner. This is an excellent selling point to get the maximum ROI from the sale of your home!

Best Deck Renovation Features

Remodelling an existing deck is a smart way to improve your livable square footage without the high cost of a building a new one. To maximize the livability of your sundeck, the following should be considered:

A patio cover to make your deck usable year-round.

Patio covers protect your deck and reduce maintenance costs. To make the most of a patio in the rainy lower mainland climate, a patio cover is essential.

A maintenance-free material to reduce maintenance time and cost.

Choosing vinyl or composite means low-to-no maintenance costs. Both options include attractive warranties. Which material you choose is up to your design preference, and the intended use of your deck. When you work with a Citywide decking expert, we can help you decide which material is best for you and your home.

Privacy walls to keep your space intimate and desirable.

There is nothing worse than loving your deck and hating the view from it. A customized privacy wall is a lasting solution. In some cases, a simple trellis or row of quick growing plants can provide all the privacy needed.

Suitable landscaping to make your space as inviting as possible.

From privacy plants to potted or hanging plants, landscaping plays an important role in your deck. By working with a professional landscaper, your deck will have a competitive edge. It’s these small differences that lead to a higher selling price!

Glass railings to make your deck feel larger and keep views unobstructed.

If your deck has a great view, you’ll want to enjoy it as much as possible as well as bring attention to it during the sale of your home.

Built-in lighting to add ambiance and safety.

Lighting defines the different areas of your outdoor space. For a smaller space, consider deck or stair lights. If you have a larger sundeck, try string lights or a fire pit to create the ultimate space for entertaining!

Outdoor speakers for the ultimate BBQ party.

The most important thing to consider when adding speakers, is having a solid plan. By working with a tech consultant, you’ll be able to determine what type of speakers you need for your space. Sometimes you’re better off installing the speakers just inside your house. Working with a technology professional will help you get the best speakers for your home and money.

Building A Sundeck That Sells

Showing a home with a well-maintained deck can dramatically increase the sale price. This is why it’s so important to fix a rotting, worn out deck and upgrade it to a safe, beautiful outdoor space.
 
A great deck is a competitive selling feature that will help you get more for your home. If you need to sell quickly, it will help entice buyers to make quick offers.

Ready to remodel your deck, and add thousands of dollars in value to your home? Fill out the form below or call 604-786-3325 for a free consultation and quote.