Cost VS Value: Deck Addition
Outdoor living spaces are in high demand among homeowners as well as those who are in the market to buy. Decks are one way to create a fantastic addition to your home, especially in Menlo Park and other Silicon Valley cities, and their cost to value ratio definitely makes them worth the investment.
Once again, we will compare midrange and upscale projects along with the cost and the return on investment of each in both the San Jose and San Francisco metro areas.
Midrange Deck Additions
Wood Deck:
This project includes construction of a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts that are securely anchored to concrete piers. Installation of pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern along with a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material and stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.
Composite Deck:
For this midrange deck, the same size deck is constructed with the same support structure, stairs, built-in components, etc. but using composite decking material rather than wood.
Composite decking is less likely to split and tends to be more resistant to water, stains and mold. It also never needs painting, making the overall maintenance less than that of a wood deck. Because of these factors, it also is generally more expensive.
Upscale Deck Addition
Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. At one corner, add a second, 10-foot-diameter six-sided platform one step down from the main deck. Include stairs on the smaller deck, assuming three steps to grade. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Trim the perimeter joists and wrap the 4×4 posts with composite materials to match the decking. Create a built-in bench and planter along one 16-foot side using the same decking material. On the remaining perimeter, construct railings using composite material of contrasting or complementary colors that includes decorative balusters, post caps, and lighting. Railing and trim should allow for overall curb appeal to the outdoor living space by incorporating the deck with the home’s color and architecture to ensure a seamless, custom appearance.
Cost to Value Comparison
In San Jose, the midrange wood deck costs $12,505 while the composite version runs $18,773. The ROI for the wood deck is 114.5% while the composite version recoups 84.7% of its initial cost outlay. The upscale composite deck costs $41,621 and recoups 78.2% of its preliminary cost.
Looking at San Francisco, the midrange wood deck costs $13,424 to construct and while the composite is $19,289. The cost to value ratio in this metro far exceeds San Jose, with the wood deck bringing in an ROI of 147.1% and the composite deck 114.4%. The upscale deck space is $5,219 to build and offers a 103.7% return.
The bottom line is, if you’re looking to expand or create an outdoor space, the midrange wood deck will definitely reap its rewards, both for your family as well as when you sell your home. In the San Francisco metro, any deck addition will return more than the original investment.
