A brand-new deck can significantly boost your home’s value, making it a smart investment. Whether you desire an outdoor retreat or want to enhance your property before selling, you may be wondering: “How long does it take to build a deck?”
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to this question. The duration of the deck-building process varies due to numerous factors that can cause delays. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to help you manage your expectations when adding a deck to your home.
Table of Contents
The Planning Phase
Before purchasing materials and swinging hammers, you must first design your deck. If you’re not keen on creating blueprints, you can entrust this step entirely to a contractor.
Designing your deck, selecting the appropriate wood, and double-checking the details typically takes about a week or two. While the process may not consume this entire duration, it’s advisable to allocate enough time to ensure everything is done correctly.
Hiring an Experienced Contractor
If you haven’t already hired a contractor, you’ll need to find one in your area. To obtain the best price and services, it’s wise to request quotes from multiple companies.
Researching and contacting these contractors could take up to a week or two. If you’re eager to expedite the process, you can start searching for a contractor in advance so that they’re readily available when you need them.
Additionally, consider that contractors may have busy schedules. You may need to exercise patience as it may take some time to secure a trustworthy contractor for your project.
Acquiring the Necessary Permits
Your contractor must evaluate your property and review local zoning laws. Depending on your location, you may be required to apply for a building permit before commencing construction. Filling out the application typically takes approximately an hour, but the wait time for permit approval can range from days to weeks, or even months.
The Construction Phase
The construction phase itself is generally the quickest aspect of deck building. However, accurately estimating its duration is challenging due to several influencing factors, including:
- Size: The larger the deck, the more time the construction will require.
- Design: Opting for a custom design over a basic one may result in a few days or more of additional construction time.
- Additional Features: Incorporating elements such as built-in benches, stairs, rails, or hot tubs will extend the construction period.
- Accessibility: If your property has numerous plants or obstacles, the contractor may face difficulties, thus slowing down the process.
- Building Site: Depending on the condition of your yard, the contractor may need to clear or level the ground before commencing construction.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider wood ordering and delivery. This can take several days or even weeks, especially if you’re purchasing unique or uncommon wood variants like Ipe or Tigerwood. Furthermore, certain types of wood require acclimation to the local climate, necessitating a few days of outdoor storage before construction can begin. Neglecting this step could result in premature deck damage.
Weather Considerations
Deck construction is an outdoor project, making it susceptible to weather conditions. If inclement weather strikes, progress may be hindered. Always anticipate potential weather-related delays, even if the forecast doesn’t predict rain.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck? Timelines for Expedited Results
In an ideal scenario with a straightforward design and smooth execution, the entire deck-building process could be completed within one to three weeks. However, it’s important to note that significant delays are common. Waiting for permits and incorporating additional features can extend the duration, potentially stretching the timeline to several months.
To avoid disappointment, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Hiring a reliable contractor will minimize delays, but unexpected hiccups may still arise. Allocate an extra week or two to account for any unforeseen circumstances, ensuring you remain prepared for potential schedule shifts.
Ready to embark on your deck-building journey?
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