When customers consider adding a deck to their homes, they frequently have many questions for contractors. The question “how much will it cost?” is among the most frequently asked. It’s a great question and obviously very important, but there are a lot of factors that affect how much it will cost to build a new deck.
Why?
The cost of building anything can vary drastically from contractor to contractor and city to city. While it’s easy enough to Google the question, it’s unlikely that it will provide a accurate answer. Most of the prices that can be seen online are outdated or based on different materials or locations, and uncertainty of what that cost includes. Therefore, it’s impossible to truly have an idea of the cost of the project until a customer speaks directly to a contractor.
Even then, a wide range of factors may have an effect on their pricing. As a result, Crystal Lake, Illinois homeowners won’t be able to receive an quote until they’ve given more details regarding the size and layout of their project. To find out more about the elements that can affect the price of a new deck build, keep reading.
Main Factors Impacting the Cost of Building a New Deck
There are several different items that help determine the overall cost of building a new deck in Crystal Lake, IL. From the materials a homeowner chooses to the railing and features, the list goes on. However, the following are just some of the main factors that influence the pricing for new deck builds.
The Elevation of the Deck
Most people realize that the size of their deck is one of the larger factors in the overall cost. However, it’s about more than just the square footage that it takes up. The height of the deck is also factored into the size of the deck. The higher a deck is off the ground, the more it will cost.
This should come as no surprise, as building a taller deck requires additional stairs, more materials and labor.
It’s also important to note that different municipalities have different safety requirements and building codes. In general, a tall deck requires railing, so this is something that will also impact a deck build quote.
Railing and Stair Additions/Layouts
Even if railing isn’t added for safety, it is still one of those significant factors that impact the total cost of building a new deck. Along with that comes the added cost of stairs. In order to understand how much a deck addition will cost, a homeowner must know how many staircases they will add and their height—even the width of the individual stairs matters! For example, wide platform stairs will cost more than a standard staircase.
While it might seem like a small addition, there are circumstances where stairs and railing can nearly double the total cost. This is especially true for customers who want a walk-out deck staircase.
Choice of Decking Materials
The type of decking material used in a project is another huge factor impacting the cost. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options, so customers can easily choose something that they love while still staying within budget. Wood, composite, and PVC are just a few of the more popular options that homeowners can choose from. From there, you can also pay more for different colors, styles, and designs. Manufacturers may even offer different quality products ranging from more affordable to higher-end alternatives.
It’s important to keep in mind the added cost after the new deck is built. Some materials require more maintenance than others, and the type of maintenance varies. For example, wood will require regular sanding, staining, and painting to keep it in optimal condition. Even though composite decking material might cost more upfront, it doesn’t require as much maintenance, so you won’t have as many extra expenses down the road.
Other Deck Options
While the previously mentioned items are some of the bigger influences in a deck’s price, there are many more where those came from. As customers add on other elements and design ideas, the price goes up. The following are just a few of the more popular additions that can significantly increase the cost:
- Pergolas and Other Coverings
- Built-in Lighting
- Privacy Screens
- Deck Skirting
- Additional Seating
Breakdown of Costs for a Deck Build/Remodel
While many different factors influence the cost, the amount of influence varies greatly. It’s essential to understand how the typical cost of a new deck build can be broken down. The cost breakdown chart can help customers get a better picture of how different decisions can impact their quotes.
As the image shows, labor is one of the biggest influences, so it’s important to choose a contractor that is experienced to get the job done right. It’s equally important to find professionals who are upfront with their pricing so that there are no surprises.
Contact Decked Out Builders to Learn More About the Cost of Building a Deck in Crystal Lake, IL
Homeowners can easily find out the cost of their new deck build when they contact Decked Out Builders. Our online contact form is simple and easy to fill out, so they can get answers to all their questions about your deck project.
