Decks & Gazebos

More people are turning to do-it-yourself projects to complete additions and renovations to their homes because labor and material costs are rising. A deck or gazebo significantly increases the value of your property. This web site will enable you to find the perfect deck or gazebo. Should you ever decide to sell your home, a deck or gazebo will add to your home's resale value.

• Build Your Own Deck/Gazebo

• Plan Your Deck/Gazebo Project

• Local Building Requirements

• Deed Restrictions for Your Deck/Gazebo Project

• Climatic Factors for Your Deck/Gazebo Location

• Deck/Gazebo Functions

• Your Deck/Gazebo Budget

• Deck/Gazebo Material Source

• Deck/Gazebo Placement

• Deck/Gazebo Site Plan

• Search for Deck & Gazebo Plans

Build Your Own Deck/Gazebo

By doing the planning and all or part of the work yourself, you can have the deck you might not otherwise be able to afford. Supplying the labor and buying materials yourself can significantly cut costs. Framing it out is not difficult. Standardized materials and construction techniques make it relatively easy if you take time to plan and work carefully.

Plan Your Deck/Gazebo Project After beginning construction, it is costly and time-consuming to correct errors in placement, construction, or selection of materials. Once you decide to purchase a plan from this web site, determine what work you can handle alone and where an expert might be needed for the job. You can learn many construction basics by studying existing decks/gazebos.

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Here is a checklist of information you must gather before you begin construction:

• Local Building Requirements - Visit your local building department and determine how local building codes and zoning ordinances influence your project. Be prepared to apply for a building permit once you purchase your plan.

• Deed Restrictions for Your Deck/Gazebo Project - Are there conditions in your property deed that restrict the type and location of your deck/gazebo? Are you planning to place it over a right-of-way or utility access easement?

• Climatic Factors for Your Deck/Gazebo Location - Evaluate the microclimate of your intended location. Microclimate includes the shading effects of trees and shrubs, the angle of the sun in relation to nearby landscaping during different seasons, soil drainage conditions, and prevailing wind and temperature conditions.

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• Deck/Gazebo Functions - What do you want your deck/gazebo to do? Will it serve as an extension of a room in your home? Is it a social gathering spot or as a place of seclusion from your neighbors? Do you want it to contain a built-in barbecue or portable spa or hot tub?

• Your Deck/Gazebo Budget- You must determine the estimated dollar amount you plan to spend. Are you constructing the project yourself or will you subcontract with a professional to build it after you purchase materials? Perhaps you want a contractor to complete your project in its entirety. It is helpful to set upper and lower spending limits so you can consider material options. If you decide to finance your project, include interest in the total cost.

• Deck/Gazebo Material Source - Remember a helpful lumber dealer or home center is an invaluable resource for the successful completion of your project. Consult with your dealer to see if they stock the materials you require, and what needs to be special ordered and lead times. Check with the dealer about delivering materials to your site.

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• Deck/Gazebo Placement - Before you place your deck/gazebo on your property, study traffic patterns and how often you will use it. Create a site plan of your property and draw arrows to illustrate the basic movements to and from your home. If attached to your home, you must carefully evaluate the use of door and window openings to integrate it with your home.

• Deck/Gazebo Site Plan - When creating a site plan, remember it is essential to locate exterior doors and windows on your plan. Try to include all exterior structures and landscaping in your plan. While a scale drawing is not essential, you can create a site plan to scale with a ruler and pencil. Grid paper with ¼" grids is perfect for drawing your preliminary site plan on a ¼"=1'-0" scale.

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