A Guide to Decking Materials: Which Is Right for Your Home?

There is something liberating about spending time outside on a deck. Whether you make it a private retreat shaded by vegetation or an energetic entertainment area complete with a built-in BBQ, this outdoor living space is often the most enjoyable area of a home. It also increases the value of your home. Most homeowners see a return on investment between 74% and 87% after adding or renovating a deck. Before you start building, however, you want to make sure that the material you choose matches the exterior of your home and fits your lifestyle. This quick guide on some of the most popular decking materials will help you decide which material best suits your needs.

Wood

Lifespan: 10–30 years
Maintenance: High

Wood decking is the most common choice for residential decks. Durable and strong, it also offers a classic look that complements traditional, craftsman, and virtually any other style of home. The smooth planks stay cool and feel good on bare feet, making wood a natural choice for building your outdoor oasis. Softer woods are fairly easy for a novice do-it-yourselfer to work with; hardwoods generally require a stronger skill set.

The price of wood varies greatly depending on the type you choose. Pressure-treated pine is the least expensive material, but it typically needs to be replaced after about 10 or 15 years. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, camber, or garapa look stunning and last for upward of 30 years. They also cost quite a bit more per lineal foot. Cedar and redwood are popular choices that fall in the middle of the price spectrum and have a lifespan of about 20 years. Professional installation will add to the price of the deck.

Regardless of the type of lumber you choose, it will require a fair amount of maintenance. Wood decks needs to be cleaned annually and restained and resealed every few years. You may also need to replace a board or two over the life of the deck. If not properly maintained, the wood will absorb stains—especially red wine or BBQ sauce—and will be more prone to cracking, rotting, and warping.

Composite

Average lifespan: 20+ years
Maintenance: Moderate

Composite is an environmentally friendly choice for those who love the look of wood but aren’t as enamored with the upkeep. Premium planks boast a textured surface that mimics the look of wood grain. Made from a combination of recycled plastic and waste wood fibers, composite is available in an array of colors and makes a stylish addition to most any home. Some types of composite also feature grooves in the edges of the planks to allow for hidden fasteners—no unsightly screws. Composite decks are relatively easy to install, but it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to allow enough room for heat expansion.

You can expect to pay more for composite decking than for wood boards. It can run two or three times as much as pine, but it usually costs less than exotic hardwoods. Extras, such as scratch-resistant features and UV coating, will up both the price and the life expectancy of the deck. Homeowners will likely recoup the additional costs though, since there is not as much maintenance involved over the life of the structure.

Composite materials need to be scrubbed annually with mild soap and water to prevent mildew. Aside from that, they require very little maintenance. The color often fades with prolonged exposure to the sun, so this may not be the ideal choice for a west- or south-facing location.

Plastic/PVC/polyethylene

Average lifespan: 30+ years
Maintenance: Low

Smooth and splinter-free, this lightweight material is strong enough to withstand the harshest elements of nature. It is impervious to stains and resistant to fading, making it a great choice for an outdoor dining area. Unlike other types of decking, plastic decks typically feature a nonslip coating that becomes less slippery when wet. Even with a faux-wood grain finish, this material does not look natural and may clash with homes that have wood or stone exteriors. The synthetic material also gets rather hot in direct sunlight and can burn bare feet.

Decking made from plastic is comparable in price to its composite counterpart. Certain brands are more prone to sagging than others, so it is a good idea to pay a little extra for a reliable brand. Plastic typically requires a more extensive support structure than lumber because it is not as rigid, which also increases the total cost of the project.

Plastic decking does not necessitate any sanding, staining, or painting. All it requires is seasonal cleaning to keep it looking fresh and new.

Aluminum

Lifespan: 50+ years
Maintenance: Low

Anodized aluminum decking offers a modern look that pairs well with contemporary-style homes. It is also a viable choice for destination decks near natural streams or manmade water features, because the textured finish boasts added traction. It also stays cool, making it barefoot-friendly even in sweltering temperatures.

Aluminum is one of the higher-priced types of decking material. Features such as a polyuria coating to reduce the sound of footfalls and tightly interlocking planks to prevent water from penetrating below will add to the price as well, but they are worth the investment—especially on second-story decks.

Like other synthetic decking materials, aluminum is virtually maintenance-free. It will not rust or rot and is resistant to mold and mildew. A quick sweep of the broom to keep it free of dirt and debris or an occasional hose-down to remove bird droppings or sap is all it requires.

The bottom line

These are four of the most popular types of materials used to construct residential decks. Even though wood is the most prevalent material, that doesn’t mean it is the right choice for your home. Take the time to consider the location of your deck, its intended use, and how much maintenance you are willing to take on before committing to a certain material. A well-designed deck built from the right material has the potential to become the best part of your home.

Reposted from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/guide-to-decking-materials/

Main Universal Design Improvements Every Home Needs

Whether you’re planning to spend your golden years in your home or put it up for sale, you may benefit from making some universal design improvements. Universal design can ensure the comfort of you and your family for years to come, and it can also appeal to buyers with special needs or a desire to spend the rest of their lives in the new home they purchase. Regardless of your age or long-term plans, the following may be sound investments:

Step-Free Entryways

Clear the access paths to your entryways -- including your front door, back door, garage and any others -- of steps, bumps or other hindrances. Homeowners, as they contemplate spending their advanced years in their homes, seek an accessible, level and open floor plan. The 2012 International Residential Code allows for garages to include a level entryway, so if any of your entryways have a step or a bump, consider installing a ramp or mat to address the issue.

Wide Doors and Halls

Doorways should be at least 36 inches wide to enable wheelchair, cane and walker access, as well as to allow multiple people to enter and exit rooms at any given time. Hallways should be at least 42 inches wide to allow for the same. Should you need to expand your doorways and hallways, consult with a remodeling professional to address any structural dangers ahead of time.

Single-Floor Home

Effortless access to every room in the house makes life easier for everyone. And while ramps and railings can make climbing stairs a little easier, stairs remain a hazard -- so a single-floor plan is preferred. Homes should also have a direct line of sight to the front door to ensure easy access in times of distress, as well as a clear view for paramedics or visitors who may be there to render assistance in times of need. Floor plans with many twists and turns like a maze won’t appeal to aging or special-needs populations.

Easy to Use Controls and Handles

People who use wheelchairs have a reach of up to about 42 to 48 inches, which means that controls, light switches and thermostats should be installed at or below that height. Similarly, electrical outlets should not be placed more than 24 inches off the floor. To make things especially simple, consider investing in a home-automation system -- whether it’s for programmed opening of the garage door, timed lights or a remote-controlled entertainment system.

Twist-and-turn door knobs and faucets should be replaced with levered handles for easier access. You should also replace as many kitchen and bathroom wall cabinets as possible with drawers and floor cabinets. Keep universal design height measurements in mind when installing drawers and cabinets (24 inches and 48 inches respectively). Make sure the handles you install on your drawers and cabinets are easy to use as well.

Universal Design Investment Benefits

How do you stand to benefit from investing in universal design home improvements? If you are a homeowner making improvements with the intention of growing old in your home, your efforts to plan for the future will bring you great returns. As you grow older in the home, your risk of physical danger will be minimized because your home will be equipped to accommodate any physical handicaps of yours that may present themselves. The investments you’ve made will yield returns through your safety. (For other improvements that add value to one's home, see article: "Home Improvements That Really Pay Off".)

If you are a homeowner making improvements with the intent to sell your home, it might seem harder to assess the actual financial benefits that are gained from creating a more universally appealing home. While there are no statistics available on the return on investment for universal home design, research shows the baby boomer generation is looking to settle in one place and stay for a long time -- and the baby boomer generation makes up a third of the population in the United States. Making these improvements will likely increase your home’s market appeal to anyone between the ages of 45 and 70. (For more about choices being made, and trends being set, by baby boomers, see article:"How Baby Boomers Will Change The Way Others Retire.")

The Bottom Line

Homeowners who make universal design improvements to their homes will likely find that the investment was worth it -- whether they spend the rest of their lives in those homes, or put them up for sale.  In the former case, such improvements will maximize the safety and comfort of a homeowner's surroundings as he or she ages. In the second scenario, in which a house is put up for sale, there will be a larger market for a house that is designed to accommodate those with special needs, as well as aging homebuyers.  (For related reading, see article: "Selling Your House? Avoid These Mistakes.")

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Reposted from:  http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120214/main-universal-design-improvements-every-home-needs.asp

Tools Every New Homeowner Should Have

A new house brings so much possibility—and so much responsibility.

There’s no landlord complaining about picture-hanging holes in the wall. But there’s also no super to call when the toilet breaks. That’s all on you now.

You likely got by in a rental just fine with a hammer and a screwdriver. Maybe you added a level or stashed away some pliers.

But if you’re buying a house, you’re going to face eventual repairs. Be ready for them by beefing up your old toolbox.

Here are a few items to consider adding:

Good drill. It doesn’t need to be expensive. “Contractors swear by [a $100 drill], but they’re using it every day,” says Sammy Tayeh, a manager at the Tarzian Hardware store in New York. A $40 model that you plug in to a wall (so you don’t go through batteries) is sufficient.

Selection of tape. Duct tape, electrical tape, packing tape—you never know when you might need to fix a wire you accidentally vacuumed over or rig a broken window until it can be replaced.

Picture hangers. Get ones that are appropriate for your walls. Your needs will likely change from what worked in your rental, depending on whether you have drywall or plaster, use historic picture rails or want to decorate a brick accent wall.

Variety of hardware. Nuts, bolts and nails in a range of sizes will always come in handy.

Screwdriver with interchangeable heads. Or better yet, a power screwdriver. It’s not fancy, but it makes everything from assembling furniture to tightening door hinges so much easier.

Tape measure. “I carry a tape measure in my purse, so when I’m out and about I can measure for the house,” says homeowner Susan Davoli of Syracuse, NY.

Pliers. A basic set can run about $20. You’ll find them handy for everything from pulling out old nails to installing a light fixture.

Utility knife. Save your kitchen knives (and your fingers) from potential damage.

Voltage tester. This handy gizmo will tell you whether a wire is live. Save yourself from a burn (or worse) for less than $20, especially if you want to do things like install dimmer switches or change out light fixtures or a doorbell.

Depending on the home, its age and how much work you plan to do, you might want to add a caulking gun, a pry bar and a putty knife to your list.

Collectively, these items might set you back $100 to $200. That’s far cheaper than constantly calling a handyman, and a lot easier than realizing you've got nothing around the house to deal with a middle-of-the-night emergency.

Reposted from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/tools-every-new-homeowner/