Home Improvements That Make Sense

Provided by: ARA

(ARA) - Thinking of purchasing a new home sometime soon, or improving your existing one? Many savvy homeowners are making smarter home improvement decisions -- choosing projects that yield the highest return on investment. So which projects will add the most value to your home?

According to the latest annual survey by Remodeling Magazine, a professionally built deck provides the best financial return on investment to the home. On average, homeowners can recoup 104 percent of a deck's construction cost when it comes time to sell the home -- higher than most other home improvement projects.

Today's decks are a far cry from the rectangular slabs of yesterday; there's no limit to the kinds of imaginative options to make your deck extraordinary. In developing ideas for your new backyard deck, consider the following:

Decking materials

While a number of imitation wood products have hit the market in recent years, all-natural Western Red Cedar remains a popular choice due to its exceptional beauty, versatility and durability. Cedar brings an all-natural warmth and character to both outdoor and indoor spaces that will last for years to come. Composite or plastic materials just can't compete when compared to the beauty and feel of all-natural cedar.

Layout

In addition to the different decking material options, consider different sizes and layout packages. Decks with different levels nicely divide what might otherwise be blank, similar spaces. A few steps up or down give the appearance of expansiveness and privacy, not to mention quaint spots for guests to soak up views from different angles.

Additionally, there's no limit to the size of your new deck. The average-size deck is 300 to 400 square feet, and the more levels you add to take advantage of the outdoor experience, the larger deck required.

Built-in Decorating

Built-in seating is an invitation to lounge. Why not build a cedar bench along a stretch of deck with an unobstructed view? This allows you to invite the warmth of the deck into your furniture. Since cedar is naturally durable and safe for both the environment and people, creating a unified look between your indoor space and the outdoor surroundings is easy and practical. If you're looking for ideas, www.cedar-outdoor.org has a wealth of outdoor project ideas.

A distinctive and practical decoration method is to change the deck board direction; an angle change or unique board pattern provides a subtle beautification. Lately, many homebuyers are requesting distinctive board designs like an octagon inlay underneath a cedar table -- so unique, people often mistake it for a decorative rug.

Additionally, incorporate nature into the decking area by adding a cedar planter box at select locations. These stylish boxes are simple to build and can dress up the outdoor living space when filled with colorful flowers, herbs, vegetables, etc.

Visit the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association Web site at: www.realcedar.org for information about designing decking areas. To order a brochure or a designers' handbook packet, call (866) 778-9096.

Courtesy of ARA Content