Small Deck Space: Large Potential

backyardThere are many different things you could do to spruce up a small backyard. Adding planters can create privacy with low-maintenance, a simple color palette can create a theme in which feels more organized, and the right ambiance from a small table top fountain or fire bowl can make a small sitting area feel cozier. These, and many other, suggestions can make a small seating in your backyard feel like a great living space, but why stop there? Having a small deck or patio installed could be just what your backyard needs to create that living space into the perfect addition to your home.

Creating a change in elevation to your backyard is a great way to create visual separation between spaces, making a tight space feel more open. Adding stairs also provides additional outdoor seating. While using materials such as Trex , you wouldn’t have to worry about rotting or splintering so there is less maintenance as well.

Covered decks and patios are great to have, but in a small space, it can be confining. Having an open awning can provide shade while still keeping a sense of spaciousness. Often times railings can make a deck or patio seem cramped, so built-in benches creates seating and added safety so you don’t have to worry about it sliding off. A built-in bench also makes for a good place to store any tools or materials needed for maintenance in the backyard.

Lighting is essential in any outdoor living space. When the sun isn’t shining through the opening awning, it’s important to have the right kind of fixtures to light up your living space at night. Low-voltage light fixtures provide a soft, indirect glow that creates the perfect atmosphere. Simple lights such as candles or torches are also great ways to give your backyard living area light without taking up too much space.

Wraparound decks are also possible in a smaller-sized backyard. Not only will you have a grander outdoor living area, but it adds depth to your house without changing the house itself. Distinctive Deck Designs offers Virginia remodeling services for decks, patios, landscaping and more. Call today at (703) 263-9634 for a free consultation! Our professionals with over 20 years of experience in constructing outdoor living areas will help you create the perfect deck for your small backyard.

Increasing the Value of Your Home

deckingThere are various projects you can do to improve the value of your home. While some projects are cheaper than others, having an outside addition to your home can increase the value greatly. Depending on the trending housing market, an outside addition has a remarkably high return for your expense. These returns can range from $2,000 to $20,000+ depending on the type of addition you choose to do. Distinctive Deck Designs offers several services that could benefit you and your home today.

A patio is a very affordable way to increase the value of your home by adding extra living space. Interior remodeling can be expensive, especially when you’re trying to add another room. That can cost you quite a bit when you’re considering insulation, wiring and roofing. A right-sized patio offers you, your family, friends, neighbors or additional home buyers a potential place to host events, barbecue or simply have a place to sit and enjoy a cool breeze.

In addition to a patio, many people have been following the growing trend of an outside kitchen. There is no set design for this project, so you don’t need acres of land to have one placed in your backyard. Depending on your budget, you could have:  running water for a sink, a built in grill, a refrigerator, and even a fireplace. And you can even run electrical wiring out to your patio for lighting or entertainment. Adding an additional bedroom can increase your home’s value, but having another kitchen and living room is a whole other story.

A deck, much like the patio, provides an additional living space for your home. Depending on the housing market, a deck has roughly a 70% to 90% return investment, even more so if your deck is made out of composite rather than wood. A deck gives you more options to use your imagination than a patio since you could have a muti-tiered design, also having the options of covering one or multiple levels.

Having your yards landscaped is also another great way to improve your home while getting a significant return on the expense. This is especially true when it comes to the front yard. A professionally landscaped front yard, while easy to maintain, enhances the property’s “sales appeal.” Depending on the neighborhood, you want to be careful. If you put too much into your yard and give it the appearance that it shouldn’t belong in the surrounding neighborhood, you could actually lose out on that return value.

A gazebo is a great place for privacy in your backyard and a really great investment. There are many gazebo kits out there that make it fairly cheap and easy to install a gazebo. However, what most people don’t know is if the gazebo is too big or just doesn’t suit the house, you could be looking at little to no return. A poorly placed gazebo can take up valuable yard space so it’s important to have a plan when installing these.

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home or just want to improve it, call Distinctive Deck Designs at (703) 263-9634 today for a free consultation. Our in home carpenters and patio masons are proud to offer outdoor remodeling services for the Virginia area at very competitive prices. Check out our website www.virginiadeckdesigns.com to learn more!

Caring for Your New Deck

deckYour deck isn’t just wood and nails, it’s the place that you and your family will make memories for years to come. Many life experiences happen while enjoying the outdoors on your deck, which is why it is so important to keep it clean and maintained so that you can use it for years to come. Here are some tips to use when maintaining your deck to keep it pristine so that you are able to use it for years to come!

Clean Your Deck Regularly

Many people think that nature is enough to keep their deck clean, however just relying on the wind and rain is not enough of a wash to protect your deck. Power washing your deck once a season will help to keep the color of your stain healthy, as well as wash away excess dirt and stones that can scratch your deck or hold moisture that can damage the wood.

Replace Damaged Wood

It is inevitable over time that some of the wood on your deck will go bad, whether due to rotting or simple wear and tear. Make sure to check your deck every time you wash it, looking for loose or weak boards. Keeping fresh and even boards on your deck will not only improve its look, but will also keep everyone safe!

Stain Your Deck

Staining your deck is one of the most important parts of maintaining your deck over time. Staining not only gives your deck an attractive hue, but protects the wood from moisture, insects, and weather. Make sure to re-stain your deck at least once a year to maintain its quality.

We hope these tips help you maintain your new deck so that it can facilitate all your needs for the life of your home. Are you looking to add a deck to your home? Call us at (703) 263-9634 today for a free consultation. Distinctive Deck Designs is a dynamic team of distinguished and proven professionals with over 20 years’ experience in home building and the construction of outdoor living areas. We will help design the perfect deck for your needs!

Best Pick Reports Awards Our Company!

Best Pick Reports, a trusted consumer reports guide by EBSCO Research has named our company, Distinctive Deck Designs by Mark Shriner Contracting, a “Best Pick” Honorable Mention in Fairfax County! After years of service to people in the Northern Virginia area, our customers spoke for our high quality of work and excellence in the field of Deck Building and Maintenance.

We are proud to have been included in this years research findings, and are overwhelmed by the support of our customers.

Here are a few reviews from previous customers:

“I thought they were fantastic. Every deck company I had come out wanted to build the deck they wanted to build, and Distinctive offered me any material, basically, that I wanted. They let me design my own concept, came out a couple of times to measure, and the proposal, bidding, and pricing were consistent throughout. I thought they were awesome.”

“The work was really fast. The workers were extremely friendly. They did everything that we asked them to do. We’ll use them again. They deserve an A.”

“We’re very happy with Distinctive Deck Designs. They were very responsive and did what they said they were going to do. They even did a little bit more. They went above and beyond.”

If you would like to read more reviews or see information on our award, please visit the Best Pick Reports website (http://www.bestpickreports.com/deck-building-and-maintenance/northern-virginia/fairfax-county/distinctive-deck-designs).

Thank you to all of our past customers for your loyal and continued support.