- 1). Decide on your final design. Look through deck design books and home shelter magazines for plans and ideas or search for companies that offer plans for sale that you can adapt to fit your yard.
- 2). Check with City Hall on any required permits and any restrictions - such as required setbacks from neighbors' property and minimum requirements for materials - which might affect your final plan. Check that your insurance covers any workers on the site.
- 3). Draw up working plans to scale. Include the surface and the substructure as well as any amenities such as planters, benches, overhangs, railings and steps. Be sure to note how the deck will be supported, whether it will be attached to an existing structure, and what type of wood you will use. For a simple deck, a detailed sketch will suffice. More complicated deck plans may require professional design.
- 4). Calculate your budget. Set aside 20 percent of your total budget for changes beyond your original plan. Factor in any fees for required permits, and add in the amount needed for professional work. After that you'll need to figure the cost of materials and any outside labor for items such as wiring and plumbing. The more complicated your design, the higher the total cost.
- 5). Consider how the cost of materials used will affect the budget. Traditional decking materials include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine, and prices may vary depending on where you live. Newer synthetic materials that resemble these products are also available. Bear in mind that local building codes may require that you use specific materials. Include all hardware and support materials in your budget as well.
- 6). Factor in such details as the amount of time it will take and the amount of physical labor involved.
- 7). Get two or three bids for any outside work. Your best source is friends and neighbors who've had work done by contractors they liked. Make sure the bid is as detailed as possible, covering the exact nature of the work to be done, the cost of all materials, and the construction schedule. Check all references before writing up a contract.
- 8). Obtain any permits.
- 9). Prepare the site for building by clearing the work area and removing or protecting any desired features, such as landscaping or other structures.
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