We think that many of these are helpful, but that you should first evaluate if you’re remodeling solely for re-sale or if you’re remodeling to make your current home more liveable for you. The latter is a lot more common these days, as we all decide to ride out the housing market and stay in our homes until values rise.

We’ve included some links below to remodeling ROI articles, but here’s our summary:

-Top ranked remodel projects for ROI are: Siding, new Windows, Kitchens, Bathrooms (esp. if your home only has 1 bathroom or if you have a floor of the house without a bathroom) and Decks.

-Most remodeling projects do not pay off 100% immediately, but you can usually get a complete return or make money off your remodel, within a few years.

ROI remodeling series from About.com

Reliable Remodeler article on ROI

Lowe’s Repair and Restoration ROI

While these are great figures to know, it’s also important that you gain some value and enjoyment from your remodel. If you love entertaining outdoors, a deck is going to have a greater ROI for you over a few years, because you’ll have enjoyment plus increased home value when you sell. If you need a quiet place to read, adding a front porch will benefit you more than a larger kitchen. Bottom line: Choose a remodeling project for both long term resale benefits and short term enjoyment benefits.

Constructive Builders can complete all types of remodeling projects: from completely new kitchens and baths, to additions, pop-tops, decks, siding and more.

With more of us entertaining at home to save money, it’s time to take a look at your backyard and consider adding on a deck! Decks are one of our favorite things to build, and are a great investment for homeowners, for a few reasons:

1. Decks are a fast and relatively affordable way to add usable space to your home. And the investment is enjoyable almost year-round in Colorado.
2. According to Remodeling magazine, decks place fourth in remodeling ROI, and boast an 86.7% return on investment while adding usable space to your home. They’re especially attractive off of a dining area, as they can easily create an indoor-outdoor dining and entertaining space.
3. We enjoy working outside and ensuring that quality framing and footings are used so that your deck lasts for the long haul.

Here’s a useful site for calculating the cost of adding a deck.

Ready for a BBQ?

In terms of materials, our favorite composite decking company is Timber Tech. Their composite decking looks, in our opinion, the most like regular wood. They are a little more expensive than some others, but the look is superior if you’re really seeking a natural looking deck.

Some environmental advocates question how eco-friendly these composite decking products actually are, given the energy required to recycle and press the products together. We like the composite products for their environmental qualities and because they’re easier to care for, but another good choice are Sustainably Harvested woods, such as cedar or ipe. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies wood so you can trust that it was harvested properly.

Here’s a good article from The Daily Green on picking sustainable wood.

So, to sum it up: Adding a deck is a relatively low cost way to increase your home’s value and increasing your quality of life this summer. And, if you pick the right materials, you can do it without too much harm on our planet.

Contact us for a bid on building your deck this spring!