Why You Should Hire a Deck Designer

Claudia Parrott
October 30, 2023

Thinking of adding a deck to your home? You might be tempted to dive headfirst into the project with your own two hands. After all, with the plethora of DIY videos and tutorials available online, how hard can it be? but sometimes it’s better to leave it to the experts. Here’s a simple breakdown of why hiring a deck designer makes sense.

The Real Time Cost of DIY

At first glance, DIY seems like a great way to save some money. There are tons of tutorials online, and all you need are some tools and materials, right? But let’s break it down:

Research Phase: Sifting through countless videos to find the most reliable and relevant ones can take days, if not weeks.
Learning Curve: Watching a video and executing the steps flawlessly are two very different things. Mistakes can happen, leading to backtracking and more time spent rectifying errors.
Learning to Use Tools: Even if you have the required tools, mastering them takes time. Every hour spent learning is an hour not spent building.

What’s Your Time Worth?

Time is precious. The hours you spend on a DIY project could be hours you spend baking a chocolate cake, kitesurfing, or binging the latest show. If you put a price tag on your time, the DIY route might end up costing you more than you initially thought.

Visualizing Your Dream Deck

One of the significant advantages of hiring a deck designer is the ability to visualize the finished project before a single nail is driven.

3D Visualization: Modern deck designers use advanced software to create lifelike 3D visuals of your future deck. These aren’t just flat drawings; they’re immersive models that let you “walk around” and view the deck from every angle.
Customizable Elements: Unsure of how a specific railing type or deck material will look? A deck designer can swap out elements, allowing you to compare and contrast different styles and materials. Whether it’s experimenting with various railing types, floor patterns, or even lighting fixtures, you can see them all in action.
Integrated Landscape: Designers don’t just focus on the deck. They can incorporate surrounding elements, like trees, your house, or gardens into the visualization.
Alterations are Easier: Changes on a digital model are simpler and cheaper than alterations after construction begins. If you’re uncertain about an aspect of the design, it can be modified in the design phase rather than during construction. Possibly saving your hundreds.

Smart Deck Design Saves You Money

Hiring a deck designer might seem like an additional expense, but it’s truly an investment in the long-term success and cost-efficiency of your project. A smartly designed deck leads to savings in various ways:

Efficient Use of Materials: A thorough design process will consider the best use of materials, ensuring minimal waste. This means you only buy what you need, leading to direct cost savings.
Reduced Construction Time: A well-thought-out design can streamline the construction process. Workers can follow a clear plan, reducing the time spent figuring out details on the fly or correcting mistakes. Time saved is money saved.
Longevity and Durability: A deck that’s been professionally designed will consider factors like weight distribution, weather resistance, and material longevity. This results in a deck that not only looks great but stands the test of time, reducing maintenance and repair costs in the long run.

Blueprints for Construction Permits

Building a deck isn’t just about choosing the right wood or planning a great design; it’s also about navigating the often complex world of construction permits.

Knowledge of Local Regulations: Deck designers are familiar with local building codes and regulations. This expertise means they can create designs that are compliant from the get-go, reducing the risk of permit application rejections.
Complete Documentation: Obtaining a permit often requires detailed plans, from structural drawings to material lists. Designers know exactly what to provide, ensuring the application is comprehensive and accurate.
Problem-solving Skill: If there are issues or concerns raised by the permit office, a deck designer can quickly address and amend plans, speeding up the approval process.
Peace of Mind: Instead of navigating the intricacies of permit applications yourself, a designer handles the heavy lifting. This means less stress for you and more assurance that everything is in order.

Conclusion

While there’s an upfront cost associated with hiring a deck designer, it’s essential to view it as an investment in the future enjoyment and functionality of your deck. By ensuring the design is perfect from the start, you’ll save money during construction, enjoy a longer-lasting deck, and have a space that truly aligns with your vision.