Q: I'm thinking of adding a deck to my house, but I was wondering, is it worth the investment? We're thinking of moving in a few years.
--Erica and Rodrigo, Pasadena
A: Erica and Rodrigo, what can I say? To paraphrase a very wise man, I like big decks and I cannot lie. The answer is a resounding yes--adding a deck is a spectacular investment, especially here in Sunny Southern California, where you can enjoy outside time like 360 days a year.
ROI--return on investment--on a deck (not too small--at least 3 or 4 feet) is HUGE. A deck adds visual square footage, which is great for smaller Eastside homes, and precious entertainment space.
But not all decks are created equal! If you're looking for something with good resale value, spend the extra money and invest in quality wood. Redwood is a favorite of mine: it's durable, stands the test of time, and is generally rot- and termite-proof. Or, try reclaimed wood. Home buyers on our side of town are generally eco-friendly and LOVE that reclaimed wood has a "save the Earth" vibe about it. You're making the old new again, which is cool. Plus, reclaimed wood has an incredibly unique patina that can't be replicated--it looks great and has tremendous resale value in trendy areas like ours.
Get crackin', Erica and Rodrigo, so you can have some great times on your new deck this summer! If you need the number of a good contractor, let me know. Good luck!
Got a real estate/neighborhood question? Email me at askjo@theokeygroup.com. Interested in seeing homes currently on the market in NELA/on the eastside? Check here: http://www.jorealestate.com/idx/search/
See you next week!
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?