Can a deck add value?

My Brisbane IP is on the main road in Camp Hill. I think about selling it by next year to reduce debt. Now I am planning for renovation before selling.

The IP does have a very old deck but there is no direct access from the lounge or dining room. The house is highset but deck is on the ground. It is too old to use anyway.

I think about remove the old deck and add a new deck which can directly access from the lounge rear, and access to the yard rear by stairs. Its size can be 3 x 7 meter.

Surrounding area is renting houses but they have decks.

Do you think deck will add value?

 

There are some very good long-term selling Agents in that area,maybe give them a ring first and ask the question will a deck add value or leave it for the next in line..

 

People buying a PPOR are buying a dream. If they see themselves entertaining and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle then that would be a good selling point. Whether you get more or less for the dollars invested I have no idea.

 

Just tacking on to this thread as I'm contemplating adding a deck to one of my IPs . What would be the minimum width for a deck....3m excluding any steps?

 

Thanks. This is a potential future PPOR, so knowing what we're like, more likely to plonk a comfortable L shaped couch there vs table and chairs. Inspo below.

Am guessing based on photo it'll require a minimum of 3.5 - 4m as we won't back the couch against the house (has sliding doors)....so need a 80cm-1m gap as well for smooth access.

 

If the deck is in good condition but just looks old and weathered you can sand & reapply a new finish. Will save you alot of money.

 

Hi @Lacrim, I love decks, verandahs, shade sails ... and had them installed at all my IPs. They probably enhanced the valuation of the IPs [yet to verify ..], and my tenants enjoyed the added outdoor living. However, apart from the usual wear & tear & repairs, the IPs' maintenance costs have increased because these timber decks require annual cleaning/oiling/staining. My carpenter recommended merbau timber decking which was supposed to last longer. Just wondering if there are cheaper options with lower maintenance costs ?

 

I'm not sure myself...I think Treated Pine is at the bottom of the food chain, then Merbau then the hardwoods like Spotted Gum, etc and then at the top is Composite Decking. Personally find the colour tone of Merbau too dark/red.

And I've also been told Composite decking doesn't last. Would love to hear from others which kind of decking they recommend for longevity/look.

 

I think merbu is one of the cheaper ones. I recall using it years ago on my first reno project and that would have been a cost choice (had no money at the time!).

 

Depends on the size of one’s deck.

In Brissie, I believe it is a must have.

That comes from someone whose PPOR has 5 x decks .

 

What are your decks made of?

 

Front door deck is made out of wood for appearance.

The other four on side and rear of house are made with tiles for practicality reasons, no maintenance, hard wearing and easy to clean.

 

Can you add a pic of one of the tiled decks? I am trying to picture it.

 

@Gockie think of my home - I was tempted to take a photo of our outdoor space and post it here but bragging about our ten metre deck might be too much for my friend @kierank

 

@kierank , how much more expensive are tiles decks as compared to wood deck ? This would reduce my long term maintenance costs.

 

Pls post a photo....really. Am starting a deck build in a couple of weeks.

 

@wylie , which type of wood did you use for your decks ?