Pafford Construction

Your deck is an outdoor extension of your home and although your time spent using it may be significantly less than your kitchen or living room, that does not mean it should be neglected. On those warm sunny days when the weather is just right, you want that outdoor oasis that fits your specific style and needs. With the constant maintenance and upkeep needed to prolong the life of your home, you may be asking yourself: Why should my deck be a primary focus? Here are a few benefits of a new deck.

Safety:

The number one reason that you should upgrade your deck is safety. Now, this reason does not apply to every deck, but if yours is lacking in the safety department, then it is definitely time to make a change. If you are scared that your deck is unsafe to walk on, or that the railings may give way as you, your children or grandchildren are leaning on them, or that the stairs are about to fall as you walk down them, then a new deck should be a priority home improvement project. 

At Pafford Construction, one of our main priorities when building a new deck is ensuring it meets the requirements of the New Hampshire building code. Building codes began to become more stringent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are regularly updated to address emerging safety concerns, environmental considerations and advancements in construction materials and techniques.

Building Code:

The safety guidelines for building a deck starts at the footings. Decks must have properly sized and spaced footings that are designed to support the load of the deck. This means that footings must be at least 12 inches wide, to prevent the ground from being loaded with more than 2,000 pounds per square foot. In addition, the footings must also extend below the frost line which, in most cases, is at least 4 feet underground.

Once the footings are poured and set, the next order of business is Structural Support. Of course, no one wants to walk on a wobbly deck. Decks require adequate beams, joists and connections to ensure stability.

Guardrails and Handrails are required for decks more than 30 inches above the ground and must meet specific spacing and height specifications. Railings must be at least 36 inches in height and the balusters cannot be spaced more than 4 inches apart.

At each stage of the deck building process, inspections must be completed by local building inspectors and it is vital that these inspections are passed.

Personality:

Your home is like an extension of yourself and being that your deck is part of your home, it is a part of you as well. Your deck should be personalized to fit your style and needs so that it too feels like you. If you find yourself struggling to personalize your current deck due to its looks or layout, then it might be time for a new deck.

Nowadays, there is a large variety of materials that can be used to enhance the look of your deck. From decking material, to railings and baluster styles, the options are endless! If at any point you are feeling overwhelmed, we can work with you to create a deck that feels welcoming and relaxing.

Entertainment:

Of course entertainment has to be on this list! One of the main functions of a deck is entertainment. Whether it be a family cookout on the Fourth of July, having drinks with friends with a fire roaring in the fire-pit, or reading a book by yourself on a crisp early-fall morning, that extra entertainment space is a huge bonus. So why not make it a space that you can enjoy? If using your deck as an entertainment space is not an option due to size, or safety concerns, reach out and Pafford Construction can help!

Value:

A nice deck adds value to your home. But if your deck is outdated and falling apart, it may add little to no value at all. Whether you are looking to increase the resale value of your house, or increase the value of your forever home, a new deck is a good project to start with.