Determining the final cost of your Kansas City area deck, porch, or combination project is not all up to the size of the project.
Though size is the very first consideration many of our clients undertake, and it does weigh in the final number, it is not the be all and end all factor. Did you know that much of the final cost of your outdoor living project could depend on where you live – both the municipality and the actual lot your home is on? Here are four crucial criteria that lead us to final cost.
Factor One in Final Cost: Site Conditions
There are a couple of reasons that site conditions play a role in the final cost of your Kansas City area porch or deck. Firstly, a sloping and rocky landscape can require extensive site preparation, including grading, filling, and leveling. In addition to that, a sloping lot requires stairs and railings, more cost will be incurred for your project. Ideally for lower cost, a lot will be low-to-grade, allowing a ground-level deck to be built, which does not require a large stair or any type of railings.
DID YOU KNOW: A single deck stair with landing can cost the same amount as a 12-ft. x 12-ft. deck?
Factor Two in Final Cost: Materials
When it comes to building outdoor spaces, like decks and porches, materials play a big role in determining the price tag on the project. As with any good or commodity, a higher price tag can determine the quality and longevity of the outdoor structure that you are building. For instance, composite decking companies offer various lines of materials that range from entry-level pricing all the way to premium. As such, the quality and guaranteed longevity will match the price tag. If you are not planning to remain in your home for life, it might be smarter to invest in a mid-range composite material versus materials that are warrantied for 50 years or for a lifetime.
DID YOU KNOW: Mid-range composite materials typically provide higher ROI than the top-of-range materials. If you plan to sell your home, it is recommended to invest wisely in products that will offer a return on investment.
Natural materials can add up quickly also! Most of our clients inquire about a photo they have seen that uses premium materials, such as IPE hardwood or cedar. For instance, 4” x 6” cedar porch posts cost more than $200 each. Those types of materials can add up very quickly. If you do not want the cost of these materials, your porch or deck will not look exactly like the more elaborate photos you have used for design inspiration.
Factor Three in Final Cost: Size Does Matter
Now is where the size of your project comes into play. Obviously a large screened in porch, composite deck, or outdoor living combination will be costlier than a cozier size. If you have the money to invest, we can help you create a small or expansive outdoor living design. Yours will be unlike any other project we have ever completed. Which leads us to the final consideration.
Factor Four in Final Cost: You – It’s Really Up to You
Your wants. Your needs. Your expectations. Whether you want to build an open-air deck, covered deck, or screened-in porch – all these things carry different costs – due to the three factors stated before now. Every decision you make for your project will carry with it more or less cost. But don’t worry! Our highly experienced team of Design Consultants will help guide you through the right choices for your project, which will satisfy your wants and needs, including your budget. This includes not only size and building materials, but also upgrades, like an outdoor fireplace, premium ceiling finishes, installed lighting, heating, additional outlets, and more.
If you choose Archadeck to be your Kansas City area deck contractor, you will be working with people who always aim for your complete satisfaction. We want you to love your new outdoor space and will work tirelessly to help you achieve it.
The team at Archadeck is ready to help you design and build your ideal Kansas City area outdoor living space. Get in touch with our award-winning Design Consultants for a complimentary consultation at (913) 704-6240.
