Need some good opinions - HomeModders.com

Konstruction · 08-19-2007, 04:27 PM

When we bought this house almost 2 years ago , we got a pretty good deal on it. The maintance of the house was not up-kept. So there are a few things around the house in need of up fixing and most have been fixed. Just some big projects left.

I got this deck that goes around 3 sides of the house. 1004 sq ft. The inside of the house is only 1960 sq ft. Why someone built it that huge . I'll never get it. But I want to do something with it. IMO its a lil oversized for the house, I would like to see it cut off 2 sides and just leave a small wrap around the back side of the house.

Wanting to know that I should tear it all down and starting fresh, would be more cost effective than re-facing the deck as the way it is ? I have priced composite decking, rod iron design railing, & vinyl railings are all prob out of the buget w/ a deck this size.

Heres some pics of the deck. If you got any opinions on what you think would look the best to match the house. I would apprecaite it.

James · 08-19-2007, 04:57 PM

After watching my brother try to resurface, stain, and then try to paint his deck and it all just come right back up again and again. I would just re-do it.

It looks like quite a big deck, hell it's almost as big as my garage.

Konstruction · 08-19-2007, 05:04 PM

I have been thinking, it might be costing the same amount of money to replace all the decking and railings with pressure treated, as it would tearing it all off. Then replacing the 6x6 post, all new 2x10 joist, new decking, and railings. But would only be about 550-700 sq ft. Maybe even less.

if the deck was smaller then I guess just run a small flower bed around close to the house.

James · 08-19-2007, 05:08 PM

I'm assuming by 'we' you mean you and your wife, so my question is; was the presence of such a large deck a major or a minor part of the selling point in your eyes? If not, then I don't see why not tear it down to a more managable size. Most decks around here aren't nearly that large. The one part that heads upward is that a pool or a hottub? I would be happy with the rear section coming off the house and leading to that with just enough for a table and a few chairs for outdoor get togethers.

Of course it's hard to really tell without seeing the entire thing. Do you have any drawings or overall pictures I can look at?

Konstruction · 08-19-2007, 05:16 PM

Yes, we as in my wife and I.

No the selling point more stood along the lines of a profit being made off the house, and getting something bigger. I got a great deal on it and plan on selling in another 2-3 years. So I am more looking for what should match and look good with the house. Not just for our comfort. Maybe something that would help it sell quicker when the time comes.

No, not a pool or hot tub . Just seems like another pointless section that was added on , I guess for the swing set. Ill take some better pics.

James · 08-19-2007, 05:19 PM

Gotcha. I wonder if it was added on with the intentions of leading to a pool or tub.

Konstruction · 08-19-2007, 05:32 PM

these are a full outside view of the deck.

James · 08-19-2007, 05:45 PM

I would take half of that deck off of there. A simple step off the backside where the wood pile is from the door would suffice for me. That'd be a great section for a garden or flowerbed.

Rip down that raised portion that just goes nowhere. lol

Konstruction · 08-19-2007, 05:54 PM

Yeah I am most likely going to tear it all off and start over .

I am just assuming that the previous owner checked the plot plans and didnt build on top of anything . but I will check them anyway and design something up .

Man its going to take a while to tear that thing apart.

briansol · 08-19-2007, 06:08 PM

My dad and i just tore down the deck he had around his above ground pool (he took it down cuz it was leaking and they never used it). it really wasn't that bad. after a couple key pieces were taken out, it pretty much collapsed on itself

As for your deck, i like it how it is. wrap around FTW. thats a huge selling point.

i'd get tird of that 'ramp' and the swing though... that just looks, odd.

08-19-2007, 04:27 PM	#1
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	Need some good opinions When we bought this house almost 2 years ago , we got a pretty good deal on it. The maintance of the house was not up-kept. So there are a few things around the house in need of up fixing and most have been fixed. Just some big projects left. I got this deck that goes around 3 sides of the house. 1004 sq ft. The inside of the house is only 1960 sq ft. Why someone built it that huge . I'll never get it. But I want to do something with it. IMO its a lil oversized for the house, I would like to see it cut off 2 sides and just leave a small wrap around the back side of the house. Wanting to know that I should tear it all down and starting fresh, would be more cost effective than re-facing the deck as the way it is ? I have priced composite decking, rod iron design railing, & vinyl railings are all prob out of the buget w/ a deck this size. Heres some pics of the deck. If you got any opinions on what you think would look the best to match the house. I would apprecaite it. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Konstruction; 08-19-2007 at 04:35 PM.

08-19-2007, 04:57 PM	#2
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	After watching my brother try to resurface, stain, and then try to paint his deck and it all just come right back up again and again. I would just re-do it. It looks like quite a big deck, hell it's almost as big as my garage. __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-19-2007, 05:08 PM	#4
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	I'm assuming by 'we' you mean you and your wife, so my question is; was the presence of such a large deck a major or a minor part of the selling point in your eyes? If not, then I don't see why not tear it down to a more managable size. Most decks around here aren't nearly that large. The one part that heads upward is that a pool or a hottub? I would be happy with the rear section coming off the house and leading to that with just enough for a table and a few chairs for outdoor get togethers. Of course it's hard to really tell without seeing the entire thing. Do you have any drawings or overall pictures I can look at? __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-19-2007, 05:19 PM	#6
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	Gotcha. I wonder if it was added on with the intentions of leading to a pool or tub. __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-19-2007, 05:32 PM	#7
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	these are a full outside view of the deck. Attached Thumbnails

08-19-2007, 05:04 PM	#3
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	I have been thinking, it might be costing the same amount of money to replace all the decking and railings with pressure treated, as it would tearing it all off. Then replacing the 6x6 post, all new 2x10 joist, new decking, and railings. But would only be about 550-700 sq ft. Maybe even less. if the deck was smaller then I guess just run a small flower bed around close to the house.

08-19-2007, 05:16 PM	#5
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	Yes, we as in my wife and I. No the selling point more stood along the lines of a profit being made off the house, and getting something bigger. I got a great deal on it and plan on selling in another 2-3 years. So I am more looking for what should match and look good with the house. Not just for our comfort. Maybe something that would help it sell quicker when the time comes. No, not a pool or hot tub . Just seems like another pointless section that was added on , I guess for the swing set. Ill take some better pics.

08-19-2007, 05:45 PM	#8
James Slacking off in the house Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In IN Posts: 217 Rep Power: 2	I would take half of that deck off of there. A simple step off the backside where the wood pile is from the door would suffice for me. That'd be a great section for a garden or flowerbed. Rip down that raised portion that just goes nowhere. lol __________________ 1927 2200 sq feet 3 story renovation project. Done Washing Machine - 10.27.07 Windows Install - 02.13.08 (New) Gas Oven - 11.22.08 Needs to be Done Put in the (new) dryer Uh... Alot more.

08-19-2007, 05:54 PM	#9
Konstruction General Contractor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 25 Posts: 230 Rep Power: 2	Yeah I am most likely going to tear it all off and start over . I am just assuming that the previous owner checked the plot plans and didnt build on top of anything . but I will check them anyway and design something up . Man its going to take a while to tear that thing apart.

08-19-2007, 06:08 PM	#10
briansol Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central CT Age: 28 Posts: 432 Rep Power: 10	My dad and i just tore down the deck he had around his above ground pool (he took it down cuz it was leaking and they never used it). it really wasn't that bad. after a couple key pieces were taken out, it pretty much collapsed on itself As for your deck, i like it how it is. wrap around FTW. thats a huge selling point. i'd get tird of that 'ramp' and the swing though... that just looks, odd.