Does Adding a Deck Increase Your Home’s Value?

A deck can be a stunning feature in any back yard. For sure, it enhances your lifestyle, giving you more space for relaxing and entertaining. But does a deck add value to your home?

In summary, yes, a deck can increase your home’s worth. However, to understand how it adds value, it’s important to consider several factors.

In this post, we’re going to answer the questions do decks add value to a home, as well as how much value does a deck add to your home.

We’ll look at how a deck adds value to your home, how to work out the return on investment (ROI) associated with adding a deck, and factors that influence deck value.

Once you’ve reached the end of the article, you’ll be in a good position to consider whether to add a deck to your home.

If that’s what you decide, we’ll also give you tips on finding the best deck installation company in Massachusetts and New England! Read on to know more.

How much value does a deck add?

Of course, the value a deck can add to your home will depend on factors like size, material and quality of workmanship.

The average ROI for adding a deck is 83%. This translates as an extra $3,620 to $10,450 in resale value.

But it’s worth bearing in mind that this figure can vary a lot, depending on the factors we mentioned above.

For example, if you opt for a more affordable material like pressure-treated wood, your average increase in home value will be around $3,350 to $9,950.

Meanwhile, a more costly material, such as attractive and hardwearing Brazilian ipe (also known as Brazilian walnut), can yield a boost of $9,950 to $15,950 to your property’s value.

Does adding a deck add value?

To accurately answer the question does adding a deck add value to your home, we’ll also need to uncover the cost of building a deck and compare it to what you might get in return.

The average deck building cost comes in at $4,341 to $12,592, with the cost per square foot coming in at $15 to $60.

While it’s hard to know precisely how much value a deck adds, you can get a fair idea of whether it adds to the overall potential sale price of your home, once you’ve factored in the total cost.

You can do this by calculating the cost of building a deck and comparing it to the likely return:

• Work out the total cost of building your deck – this includes labor, materials and permits.
• Find out how much your property is worth without a deck – you can do this by getting estimates from local realtors.
• Research the value of similar properties in your neighborhood with a deck. The difference in value compared to properties without a deck will help you calculate the net profit you’ll gain.
• To get to the ROI, divide the net profit by the cost of building a deck and times the figure by 100.

In most cases, you’ll get a decent ROI – as we’ve seen in the section above, that’s likely to be around 83%. So, while you may not recoup the entire cost of your deck, you’ll get most of it back.

What’s slightly more challenging to estimate is your home’s “curb appeal” – this is the impression potential buyers get of your property by quickly assessing outstanding features like landscaping or signs of improvements and additions.

The National Association of Realtor’s 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features report drills down on “curb appeal”. It recorded that a new wood deck achieved a “joy score” of 9.8 out of 10. It arrived at this figure by looking at the difference a new deck made to property owners:

• 74% of consumers said they had a greater desire to be home since completing the project.
• 71% said they had an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home.
• 66% said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when they think of the project.
• 57% said the deck gave their property better functionality and liveability.

The “joy score” is a good indicator of curb appeal. It serves two purposes, showing you how much pleasure you can get from an addition such as a deck and demonstrating how effectively this feature is likely to attract potential buyers.

Does replacing a deck add value to your home?

Fixing up an old or worn deck can also add value to your home. In fact, it all comes back to our old friend, curb appeal.

Doing any repairs or touch-ups to your property can make it more attractive to buyers at first glance. This, in turn, means that they’re more likely to take a look around your property and consider making a purchase.

Since they’re exposed to the elements, decks tend to need regular maintenance to keep them looking attractive and in good structural condition.

If you don’t look after your deck, buyers may assume that it reflects the state of your property in general – unloved, run down and in need of costly repairs.

By the way, 58% of homeowners said that poorly maintained exteriors put them off a potential property. A huge 98% of homeowners felt that having a property with elevated curb appeal was important.

Buyers will up their offer on a property by an average of $9,195 for fantastic curb appeal. The most popular exterior features include landscaping and gardening. And the factor that was most likely to put buyers off was a dirty exterior.

This goes to show that it’s worth replacing your old deck for a new one – and then sticking to a maintenance schedule.

If you’re wondering where to start, give us a call at Plum ProExteriors. We’re one of the top home improvement companies operating throughout Massachusetts and New England, offering both deck building and deck replacement.

We can help add curb appeal – and value – to your home by replacing your old deck with a beautiful, professionally constructed new structure. Here’s how we work:

• We start by inspecting your existing deck and identifying areas of damage or decay for repair, according to strict safety regulations.
• Then we dismantle and remove your old deck and dispose of the old materials and any other debris generated during the process.
• Next up comes the installation of your new deck in the material of your choice, whether that’s composite, wood or Brazilian ipe.
• We also replace any old or damaged rails to ensure that your new deck is safe and looks good too!

The end result is a beautiful new deck, a space for you to relax and enjoy time with loved ones – which will also add value to your home.

Do decks add value to a home?

We’ve already seen that adding or replacing a deck most definitely adds value. And it’s not just about increasing the value of your property – a deck will also boost the enjoyment you get from your home.

Here are some of the many different ways a deck can enhance your home, by:

• Offering extra space for entertaining and relaxing – it’s a great place to relax with a coffee, host family and friends or just chill out.
• Allowing you to enjoy your backyard to the fullest – a new deck will transform the look and feel of your garden.
• Extending your property’s square footage – a deck is a multi-functional area that can be included in your property’s useable space.
• Showing that your house is cared-for – a new or well-maintained older deck creates a stunning first impression to potential buyers.
• Increasing your property’s value, as we’ve seen earlier on in our article.

Factors that influence deck value

Of course, not all decks are the same. Their value can vary according to a variety of factors. Let’s take a closer look.

Size and proportion

If your property is relatively large, then your deck should be in proportion – a small deck simply won’t add as much value as a bigger one that suits the dimensions of your home. However, a deck that’s too big for your backyard will restrict the other uses of your garden. Get advice from the experts at Plum ProExteriors if you’re not sure what size deck to get for your home.

Climate

What’s it like where you live? If you’re in a climate that’s pleasant in the spring or summer, then it’s more likely that you’ll use a deck. As a result, you’ll get more use out of it and it will be more of a selling point to potential buyers. Also, bear in mind that if you don’t have a deck, then buyers may not consider your home as their ability to enjoy the backyard could be limited.

Material

As a rule of thumb, the more you invest in your decking material, the greater return you’ll get. Check out our guide to decking materials, where we assess the cost of three of the top choices for decks.

Aesthetic appeal

The pattern you choose for your deck can influence its value. Choose a classic design that will endure over time and appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, should you decide to sell your property. You could consider a traditional design, where boards are placed horizontally, or even a herringbone pattern to add a stylish touch to your outdoors.

Professional or DIY

Even if you’re an experienced DIY-er, it’s worth calling in the professionals to build your new deck. A well-crafted, safe and aesthetically pleasing deck is likely to last longer, attract more potential buyers to your property and overall offer a better experience for you and future owners of your home.

Does a deck add value to your home: The verdict!

A deck is an attractive and useful feature in its own right. It certainly makes your home a better place by offering additional space where you can relax, entertain and enjoy your property.

But do decks add value to a home? The answer is a simple yes! As well as offering a decent ROI, they can add up to around $10,000 to the value of your property. They also increase curb appeal, making your home more visible and attractive to buyers.

If you’ve been thinking about uplifting your home’s appeal and value with a deck, reach out to the team here at Plum ProExteriors, one of Massachusetts and New England’s premier deck builders. We’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote and advise you on the best deck for your property.

Call us today – we’re here to help you get the most out of your home!