Are you planning to increase the value of your property? If so, you should consider installing a new concrete driveway. Aside from increasing your property’s value, it also helps boost safety.
However, you might feel overwhelmed by the things you have to consider when it comes to investing in a new driveway. You might think that you’re wasting money. Well, that is not the case at all.
Is a concrete driveway a cost-effective investment? The simple answer is yes. This is particularly true if you work with a professional concrete Kingston contractor.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?
The cost of installing a concrete driveway typically ranges from $4 to $15 for every square foot. The cost, on average, is around $6 per square foot. Decorative aspects, location, slab reinforcement, size, and whether or not a driveway removal is required can all affect the cost. The following are some other cost-drivers that are often overlooked:
Heating
Stamping
Staining
The building of a concrete driveway is still a cost-effective solution to renovate a home. A simple slab is still reasonably priced and provides a reasonable return on investment. While small extras increase the upfront cost, they provide long-term benefits.
Reasons to Invest in a Concrete Driveway
The installation of a concrete driveway is still the most common among homeowners. When completed by a professional concrete driveway constructor, the slabs can readily withstand high traffic.
The dilemma for property owners isn’t whether or not a concrete driveway is useful; it’s whether or not you should invest your hard-earned money in one. There are numerous reasons why installing a concrete driveway is a wise investment. These are some of the reasons:
Resale
Concrete driveways enhance the appearance of a home. Buyers prefer clean lines and the assurance that they won’t have to make regular maintenance, which a concrete driveway provides.
Maintenance
Concrete’s substantial weight-bearing capability and reduced expansion and contraction make it suitable for homeowners who don’t want to add to their yearly responsibilities. This low-maintenance alternative can be used for decades without the need for continuing maintenance.
Weather
Concrete’s capacity to handle sunlight, cold, and heat is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Seasonal temperatures cause materials like asphalt to expand and contract dramatically, resulting in fissures. Concrete is becoming increasingly solid, and it also reflects sunlight to keep the temperature consistent.
Longevity
With proper upkeep, a solid concrete driveway would last up to 50 years. Asphalt driveways often last 50 to 60 percent longer.
The installation of a concrete driveway also has a positive return on investment. A concrete driveway can increase the value of a home by as much as 10%. According to other estimates, resurfacing a formerly crushed stone driveway will yield a return on investment of 50 to 75 percent.
However, you should keep in mind that you can only get these benefits if you work with a professional concrete contractor. Thus, make sure you hire a professional concrete contractor to help you install your concrete driveway.
Decks aren’t simply about laying down floorboards and calling it a day. If you want to make a well-built deck, you need to consider a lot of various details.
Whenever you are building a new deck, there is a lot of decision-making and planning that takes place. One of the biggest things you have to think about is how you will make your deck unique and special.
Fortunately for you, we are here to help. Before you choose to hire professional deck builders Kingston, here are a couple of things you need to consider:
Décor and Furniture
You’ll want to consider how you’ll furnish your deck once it’s finished. Remember that the finer points are crucial. Install water-resistant furnishings on your new deck that you’ll like. Incorporate bursts of bright décor, plants, and other eye-catching elements to complement your deck’s focus points. The correct furnishings and design can help to make your deck truly one-of-a-kind.
Custom Built-Ins
You can also choose from a number of built-in functions. Built-in sofas, heaters, hot tubs, and other features are all possible! Simply inquire about your possibilities with your deck builder. These characteristics will enhance the enjoyment, value, and aesthetic appeal of your deck.
Lighting
How will you be able to see things on your newly-built deck? You don’t want the party to end when the sun sets. That is why deck lighting is so important to homeowners. There are numerous options for lighting your deck, including:
Rail lighting
Sconces and wall lights
Post lights
String lights
Built-in lights
Deck lighting not only keeps the party going after the sun goes down, but also helps set the tone for every one of your deck activities.
Railing
Railings are required on every deck. There are numerous alternatives to choose from. You have the option of matching your railings to your deck’s floors or incorporating unique railings. The following are some of the most frequent deck railing materials:
Composite
Wood
Glass
Cable
Aluminum
Your deck builder will go through your options with you and advise you on the ideal railing material for the deck when you meet and talk with them.
Material
It’s important to choose the right material for your deck. Will you go for a traditional wooden deck or will you update your deck by employing composite material? You can make a one-of-a-kind deck out of whatever material you desire. You’ll be able to adjust the size, color, and shape of the material.
Decking Colors and Patterns
Though you will have to consider the shape of your deck, you should also consider the patterns and colors of your deck. If you want to make your deck more visually appealing, consider going beyond one-color options.
Some patterns you can consider include picture-framed, sunburst, V-shaped, hexagonal, herringbone, and a lot more. A professional deck builder can also recommend other elements.
Even if you use a basic shape for your deck, you can still make it great if you install an interesting or unexpected pattern. Make sure you consider this when building your wooden deck.
During the summer months, decks are the go-to gathering spot for most people. That is why if you have a deck on your property, it’s vital to tackle problems before the summer season arrives.
Some of the most common deck issues include fading colors, rotting, and water damage. These problems usually occur with wooden decks.
Fortunately for you, there are a couple of things you can do to help fix your deck if they experience these common issues. Aside from hiring professional deck builders Belleville, here are other tips to consider:
Fading Color
Wood will lose its color inevitably due to various reasons. This includes debris, natural aging, use, and weather exposure.
You can use a wood cleaner to restore some of the original colors of your deck. Another thing you can do is stain or paint your deck with your preferred color.
It does not matter what method you’ll use. You have to reseal your deck again to protect it against water damage and other problems.
Board Gaps
If you hire an amateur deck builder to build your deck, there’s a possibility that they’ve installed fresh-cut wood. Unfortunately, this type of wood board isn’t fully dried. Thus, they will still have moisture in them.
Over time, these boards will shrink as the moisture inside dries out. This can result in gaps in your deck. If the gap is bigger than 1-inch, you will have to replace them since they can be a tripping and falling hazard.
If you don’t want to experience this problem, you have to make sure the boards you’re going to install for your deck are completely dried.
Wood Rot
You will know a part of your deck is rotting if you notice tiny bits of wood falling apart, either from the posts or the edges of the boards.
Rot is a common issue for wooden decks. They usually happen around stairs, railings, and corners.
If you want to fix rot issues, here are a couple of steps you can do:
Check the area around the deck. This includes railings, staircases, beams, joists, posts, and boards.
Recognize the damaged area and potential causes. You might often discover a gutter problem or an issue with a sprinkler system or fixture spraying water onto a specific part of your deck.
Fix any affected beams, posts, or boards to guarantee your deck stays stable.
Seal to avoid rotting in the future.
Water Damage
A lot of wood decks suffer water damage because of the high collection of moisture on the surface.
If you notice water damage on your deck, the best thing you can do is to completely replace the damaged boards. After that, you will have to seal the boards using a water-resistant formula.
If you don’t seal your wood deck, they will be prone to water damage. Fortunately, a professional deck builder can help you seal your wooden deck to avoid damage in the future. You can also choose to seal the deck on your own to save money.
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