More proof comes from a U.S. News & World Report which lists the “The 5 Best—and 5 Worst—Home Improvement Projects for Your Money.”  The article explains that a wood deck is the third best home project to spend your money on.  It does a better job articulating the reasons than I do, so the link you just passed will take you there.  The report doesn’t rate PVC or composite decks.  Nor does it mention treated or tropical hardwood decks.  However, I guarantee that just about all types of decks, if properly constructed and of quality craftsmanship, will meet, if not exceed, this type of performance.  Especially if a deck is made from a reputable composite brand such as Evergrain or a top notch material like Azek or a gorgeous, durable product similar to an Ipe or Mangaris tropical hardwood.

Just remember to do your research.  Find a decking that flows with your home and is ideal for your regional environment.  And as always, hire a reputable, professional deck builder.  One who’s built with that exact material more than once.  Trust me, not all deck products are installed the same.  Incorrect installation is not only wearisome and extremely costly; it may even void your warranty.  And what’s the point in that?

For more proof why decks are a sound investment, I’ve attached some of my previous posts:

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

With the sudden collapse of our housing market came a major trend shift in consumer spending on home improvements. Decks are no exception. Since the fall of 2008, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the demand for screened porches, sun rooms, and outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. We still build some smaller, plain old decks. However, most of our schedule gets devoured by bigger decks, porches and three season rooms.

People are now investing more in their current houses than ever. Rather than upgrading to a new homes, consumers are improving the ones they’re in. The reason deck renovations, replacements, and expansions have become so popular is simple. A deck can add significant living space to a home for a lot less money than say a room addition, and you can generally use a deck in Kansas City year round unless it’s snowing or bitterly cold. This winter may be the exception for most of the country!

I don’t believe the deck industry transformation is bounded to the Kansas City area. It seems that homeowners everywhere are also now trading some of their vacation budget to buy more deck space in order to enhance their home life.

Adding a deck or other living space outside is “another flavor of the ‘staycation,’” said Jim Curtis, the owner of building firm SpaceCrafters. “Instead of putting that $10,000 into going to Rome for a week or two, you’re putting it in the backyard to enjoy it for years.” (charlotteobserver.com – Decked out: homeowners adding decks and outdoor rooms to enhance living spaces)

This really is a historic recession. The impact is so powerful that it’s not only changing the way Americans spend money but even how they recreate. Decks in Kansas City aren’t just keeping pace with economic recovery expectations, they’re exceeding them. This is great news and a great time for Kansas City deck builders and contractors alike. Hopefully it continues, expands and helps bring the entire United States back to prosperity. I’m sure it will!

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford

DW Elite Decks (Kansas City deck builder)

Most decks REQUIRE permits by law. If your deck builder doesn’t want to pull a permit, get another builder. If the builder is caught mid-construction working on an non-permitted deck, YOU may be required to tear it down and start over. If you are building your own deck and are caught mid-construction, you may be required to tear it down. More importantly, if someone is injured on a deck that you knowingly built or had built without permits, your insurance may not cover it. Worse yet, you can certainly be found legally liable.

Make sure your deck builder passes all inspections that are required. Many jurisdictions mandate pier and structural inspections in order to satisfy the final inspection. There is a trend being noticed on decks in Johnson County, Kansas. Many builders are only pulling permits on decks, screened porches and pergolas in order to perform the work without interruption. They have no intention of ever completing the permit.

Pulling a deck permit is the easy part and simply allows the work to begin. Passing a permit is more important because it oversees that a structure(s) is built safely and follows up to date building codes.

Any permit is worthless without completion of an approved final inspection and/or a Certificate of Occupancy. Most permits are null and void after 180 days of inactivity or failure to close properly. A satisfactorily completed permit is the only way to ensure your deck is built safely and to current building codes. It’s also required to release a homeowner’s liability for personal injury or death.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy or status of your building permit, simply call your local Community Development Department. That would be the city if within limit boundaries and your county if residing on unincorporated land.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford

DW Elite Decks (Kansas City deck builder)

Professional deck builders see a wide variety of potential customers.  Some desire an intricate design combined with ornate accessories and features which coincide with the architecture of their home.  Yet others just need a basic layout constructed with simple, durable and low maintenance materials.  And there is an infinite range of desires within this spectrum.  No matter what the consumer requests, there’s always a common thread.  Everyone wishes to achieve functionality while obtaining the best structure for their money.  Therefore, here are a few tips to utilize that valued deck space to its fullest.Know your numbers.  Lumber, composite, PVC, and just about all building materials are sold in even increments.  A deck builder can usually obtain even numbered dimensional lumber from eight to twenty foot lengths without special ordering.  Composite and PVC deck products are more explicitly produced.  Synthetic decking is usually manufactured in twelve, sixteen, and twenty foot sections while railing components are generally offered in twelve and sixteen foot increments.  What this means for the deck builder and buyer alike is paying for the shortest possible lengths to fit their deck dimensions.  Planning your design around the material availability can save both deck builders and homeowners a substantial amount of money.  It can also help create a more practical space.

Visualize the deck’s footprint and how it will be utilized.  Decide where to place tables, chairs, a BBQ grill, planters, etc.  This helps ensure you don’t have any major regrets about the deck’s size or configuration.

Keep stairs towards the corners of the deck.  Stairs in the middle of a side withhold usable room in order to preserve trouble-free entries and exits.  They also break up guard rails and add extra railing posts.  Don’t just consider the cost of materials.  Experienced deck builders are sensible enough to figure in their labor for such additional work.  Also, keep staircases close and adjacent to the deck frame.  Longer staircases may require descents to turn a corner or switch back with a split level landing.  This concept not only saves valuable yard realty, it’s much safer in case of an inescapable fall.

These are just a handful of suggestions to assist builders and homeowners with conception.  No matter what the objective for a deck, screened porch, pergola or other construction project, thorough planning is sure to enhance the outcome and the tweak the aim.  Similar to much of life, diligent preparation is the key to success in quality construction.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford

DW Elite Decks (Kansas City deck builder)

The About page which details our history and method of operations is also easily accessible.  Our Digital Catalog is a state of the art photo gallery which presents pictures of our work in a clear, organized platform.  Please check it out! We think you will really enjoy it!

Please give the site map time to develop an create itself as it get crawled by the search engine robots.  Once up and running, it can be used as a simple tool for visitors to quickly navigate to a secific page, post, tag, or category they wish.

If you are in the market for an outdoor living project and wish to receive an estimate from our company, please fill out our contact form and a representative will be in touch with you very shortly.  We know you have many options when it comes to hiring a contractor for your deck, and we do not take our opportunity for granted!

We welcome you taking the time to visit our site and greatly appreciate your consideration!

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford

DW Elite Decks (Kansas City deck builder)

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For some consumers, the “out of site, out of  mind” philosophy is their way of life.  The thought of a deck, screened porch or pergola would never cross their mind with sub zero temps and a foot of snow on the ground.  For others who’ve dealt with major construction purchases, they know that it often takes weeks if not months for a concept to come to fruition.

A well planned deck needs to be designed and configured based on space, existing home structure, codes and materials.  Deck builders need to be interviewed, picked through and eventually hired for the job.  Permits are usually always required and must be pulled prior to breaking ground.   Just the permit issuance can sometimes take a couple of weeks depending on the municipality and type of construction.

It’s easy to see how an initial thought in early February may not get completed until early July.  And since most people enjoy their outdoor living space during the milder Spring and Fall months, now may just be the perfect time to get started if you’re considering enlarging, improving or enhancing your backyard in 2011.

In the market for a deck, screened porch, pergola, stamped concrete or masonry project this Spring ?  Looking for an award winning, well established and reputable deck builder?

Feel free to fill out our contact form and a representative will be in touch shortly to set up your free design consult and estimate.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford

DW Elite Decks (Kansas City deck builder)