Monster deck - How much value it will add and where to buy cheap lumber?

[scuba steve]

Pretty much, but I'd go as far as to say that one that's not added correctly will detract from a house's value. Major work like that requires major rework to get it set straight if it's not built well to begin with. That's no small expense.

[wCat]

Originally Posted by RGJ

I pretty much agree with what's been posted with the exception that it won't add any value to your home. Cheap materials and poor construction would not add any value. And it's true, you should build a deck for your own enjoyment and not necessaritly as an investment, it will add some value to your house if it's done right. The added value will vary greatly depending on the value of your house, and the neighborhood.

It really does not add value. At least appraised value. The appraised value at BCAD is only space that is heated and air conditioned. As far as a price point value that a realtor may suggest, a luxurious deck would add price points vs an equivalent house without a deck...but it would be marginal. The value is that your house would probably sell faster than the other. That saves you money in mortgage payments etc. (Kev...am I explaining this correctly?)

[RGJ]

Wrong. A properly constructed deck adds some value. Just like a swimming pool, detached qtrs, sheds. BCAD will calculate it all. Here's a sample print out of a property from BCAD with a pool, deck and shed.
Improvement #2:ResidentialState Code:A1Living Area:sqftValue:$15,250 TypeDescriptionClass CDExterior WallYear BuiltSQFT RSWSwimming PoolA420.0Improvement #3:ResidentialState Code:A1Living Area:sqftValue:$1,730 TypeDescriptionClass CDExterior WallYear BuiltSQFT WDDDetached Wood DeckA400.0Improvement #4:ResidentialState Code:A1Living Area:sqftValue:$520 TypeDescriptionClass CDExterior WallYear BuiltSQFT PTODetached PatioA200.0Improvement #5:ResidentialState Code:A1Living Area:sqftValue:$1,580 TypeDescriptionClass CDExterior WallYear BuiltSQFT RSHShedA280.0

BCAD looks at everything on your property and any good real estate appraiser will do the same. It all depends on the value of a home and the neighborhood as to how much value it adds. A 400 sq ft properly built deck will return more of its' original cost in a 500k house/neighborhod as opposed to a 50k house/neighborhood.

[txlnghrn]

A well-constructed and thought-out deck will add value when you go to sell your home. How much it adds is quite subjective, as your ROI is going to vary significantly based on materials, labor costs, and neighborhood norms and of course, market conditions. If all the comparable sales in your neighborhood have big beautiful decks and yours does not, you can expect to garner a lower sales price for your home, all other things equal. The reverse is true as well. An appraiser makes adjustments for lots of factors, and site improvements (decks, patios, landscaping, pools, etc) definitely can impact the value.

In general, decks are one of the top "value-add" projects a homeowner can do, provided of course that they are done correctly and to code.

[austindoxie1972]

I have a detached, open carport-like shed on my property (400 sq ft) and BCAD notes it on my appraisal. Same thing with my mom's little 5 x 8 shed in her backyard. It adds "value" and we both pay taxes.

But the point is that if you're going to build a deck (especially a deck), you need to additionally secure building permits to ensure the deck is to code.

[txlnghrn]

Originally Posted by wCat

It really does not add value. At least appraised value. The appraised value at BCAD is only space that is heated and air conditioned. As far as a price point value that a realtor may suggest, a luxurious deck would add price points vs an equivalent house without a deck...but it would be marginal. The value is that your house would probably sell faster than the other. That saves you money in mortgage payments etc. (Kev...am I explaining this correctly?)

From a tax perspective, this is false. BCAD does indeed attribute value to non-conditioned space such as garages, porches, decks, pools, etc. They may not always do it effectively (such is the world of mass appraisal), but it is a component.

When you pull the permit for the deck, you must provide the cost and dimensions of the project. BCAD uses this to adjust your property taxes accordingly. I know first hand, as I made the mistake of being truthful about the cost of my deck project and saw my property taxes increase as a result the following year.

[winst0n]

i just contracted a deck builder to do a 180 sqft covered patio and deck for my house. i would like to believe its gonna add value to my house and at the same time make it more sellable in the future. i mean come on, texas weather is so hot you need shade outdoor to make use of the outdoor living space.

[naxxan]

Dont forget to check with your home owners assoc. if you have one. Even if your neighbor has a deck they might not allow you to have one like you want it. Everyone is right about pulling the proper permits too, if it looks paper trail wise like it was done on the sly it could become a liability down the road for resale.