Whether you are rehabbing a home to sell for profit or are simply looking to optimize your current living situation, installing a deck is one of the most worthwhile home improvement projects. It wasn’t long ago that Remodeling Magazine proclaimed deck additions as one of the best ways to recoup the initial costs of a project. Accordingly, a wooden deck addition returns an average of 80.5 percent of the original investment.
Of course, returns vary by region. In the West, where construction costs are generally higher, decks are more expensive to construct. However, the return on investment is also higher than other regions. Due largely in part to the temperate weather, West Coast homes enjoy outdoor living virtually year-round, making the addition of a deck that much more valuable.
One of the reasons that a deck is such a good investment is because they increase living area at a minimal cost per square foot. On the other hand, those numbers change dramatically depending on who actually installs the deck. If you are handy with a hammer, you might be able to do it yourself. However, most would be inclined to leave the dirty work to a professional. Which approach is for you? The following infographic should help make your decision a little bit easier:
