Designing a Custom Pool Deck with a General Contractor
Need a push in the right direction to jumpstart your new landscaping? Don’t feel bad if you’re stuck or drawing a blank when it comes to your outdoor living space. Many homeowners fumble and stall when they try to plan something new. If you’re considering a new pool then you’re heading in the right direction because a new pool and pool deck combo make the ideal centerpiece for additional landscaping down the road.
While we most often think about wood when we imagine a deck – even around a pool area – there are a variety of materials that can be used. This is especially true if you have an in ground pool; Pavers, concrete, stone tile. Each is based on preference and style but you should consider other things like durability, overall cost, maintenance and of course the ability to displace water (important since your building a pool deck).
Before you jump on a specific design for your pool deck, understand that not all deck projects are created equal. There are a few things you should consider first:
Number one; think about the overall use of space. While a design might look fantastic in that DIY magazine at the doc’s office, it might actually take up so much oblong space in your backyard that you lose green area to your deck or patio. Settle on a deck design that makes sense for your pool and your property.
Second: Keep style in mind when you’re looking at designs and not just from a material standpoint. While it’s important to keep texture, color and pattern in mind for your pool deck you also want designs that match the architecture of your home. For example, if you have an older Victorian home you may not like the way a modern deck contrasts with the style once it’s complete.
The most challenging decision for any homeowner when they’re designing their new pool deck is the materials that will be used. While a general contractor can help you zero in on the best choices, the final decision is ultimately up to you as the homeowner. What creates this challenge is the fact that most homeowners are more familiar with indoor remodeling and don’t commonly work with outdoor materials for construction and landscaping. You may paint a dozen times or more in your life but how often do you build a pool deck?
For homeowners working with a general contractor, they can simplify the process by helping you matching designs with the layout of your property and your home. Most importantly, they’ll help you find a custom deck system that will increase the value of your home – something that’s hard to do when you build a custom pool deck on your own. A well designed outdoor space or pool deck, whether above or below ground, can return its value to the homeowner when the property is sold making it a sound investment every time.
A pool deck is largely a matter of preference. Whether you are having one installed to enjoy what the aesthetic design adds to your backyard or you want something fully functional for entertaining, grilling and more there is a lot of versatility. A general contractor can help pull the design from your mind and put it to blueprint – giving you the opportunity to make your home stand out above the others in your neighborhood.
