DIY Network

Decked Out, Pt. 4: Value Boosts and Final Tally Home improvement goes outside in this project with a deck, pergola and water feature. Check out more value-enhancing home projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-210

The Cassaday's 800 square foot deck, pergola and water feature came at a price. A whopping $46,400, and $10,000 of that went to a Jacuzzi. But they selected materials like composite decking and a high quality pond pump that will give them lasting value and by doing most of the work themselves they saved half of what the deck would cost had they hired a crew.

Below is a final tally and equity-enhancement breakdown for this Sweat Equity project, as well as some value-building tips.

Before

After

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Adding Back Deck: Value Tips

• Often new houses, like the Cassaday's, include front yards but not backyards. In their case, landscaping could only add value. But, by making the deck as comfortable as any another room in their home, with furniture, a hot tub and lighting, they're essentially increasing the square footage of their home as well as the value (figure A).

• While installing a natural wood deck might save you money now, at about half as much as composite decking, you will be refinishing the deck every year, costing you more in the long run. Composite decking is virtually maintenence free and with a large deck like the Cassaday's, a composite deck was the clear choice (figure B).

• A water feature is a great looking addition to a yard but it can be a little intimidating to a future homebuyer. By getting a quality pond kit, you can keep you water feature relatively maintenance free. Plants like marsh grass and animals like fish and turtles help keep the algae and mosquitoes away (figure C).

	Before
	After

Final tally:

lumber = $4,000
deck and rail = $9,800
pond = $3,700
hot tub = $10,000
masonry = $2,200
landscape = $8,430
lighting = $3,400
misc. = $4,970

TOTAL = $46,400

realtor's estimated value increase = $40,000
total cost of material = $46,400

Net LOSS on investment = ($6,400)

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 210:

contractor: Eldon Linker

hot tub — Jacuzzi Hot Tubs
Website: www.jacuzzihotttubs.com

pond materials — Savio
Website: www.savio.cc

lighting — Unique Lighting
Website: www.uniquelighting.com