B4 • Friday, October 13, 2023
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
To-dos for a successful spring deck build COURTESY OF BRANDPOINT As temperatures turn cooler, it might seem premature to think about springtime outdoor projects, but when it comes to planning a spring deck build, now is actually the perfect time to start. The fall and winter months provide an ideal window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful and stress-free spring deck construction project. Here are some key steps and considerations to ensure your new deck will be ready to enjoy when the flowers start to bloom.
price range for your project. Research materials
The choice of materials for your deck is crucial as it directly impacts both the aesthetics and longevity of your outdoor space. Fall is an ideal time to research the range of available options. Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements and sustainability when making your decision. Trex composite decking, for instance, is made from 95 percent recycled and reclaimed materials and never needs to be sealed or refinished like wood. The brand’s latest innovation, Trex Transcend Define your vision Lineage, even features Every successful deck heat-mitigating technology project begins with a clear that keeps the boards vision. Spend some time cooler under the sun than this fall and winter envisionother composite offerings. Many above-ground decks ing your ideal deck. Conrequire railing, so be sure to sider its purpose — will it COURTESY OF BRANDPOINT take that into account as be a space for outdoor dinwell. Railing options are ing, relaxation or entertainWith careful planning and attention to detail, your dream deck will soon become a reality, providing you myriad and the costs vary ment? Think about the with a beautiful and functional outdoor space to enjoy for years to come. widely, so planning ahead deck’s size, shape and deensures you have time to book out months in adpermits and approvals. This mits, substructure sign elements. Gather inspi- Lock in labor One of the first things make the choices that are process can be time-conmaterials, decking, railing ration from home vance. Securing a contracyou’ll need to decide is and any additional features right for your project and improvement magazines, tor in fall ensures you’ll suming, so getting a head your budget. or amenities you might social media platforms and whether you plan to build have a skilled professional start will ensure that you Planning ahead for a want to include, such as websites like Decks.com to the deck yourself or hire a ready to begin work in the don’t face any unexpected professional. If you have the spring. spring deck build during the lighting, an outdoor sound help refine your vision. delays come spring. skills to DIY, take advantage fall and winter months is a system or an under-deck Then, utilize online tools, Plan for permits Set your budget of online resources, like drainage system. Online re- wise decision that can save like those offered by the Trex Academy, for expert you time, money, and stress outdoor living experts at Deck construction often Setting a budget early sources like the Trex Cost in the long run. By following Trex, to bring your vision to tips and step-by-step inrequires permits, dependgives you time to make any Calculator can help to enthese steps, you’ll be life. Digital tools, such as necessary adjustments and sure your vision is finanstructions to help get the ing on your local building well-prepared to embark on their AR Visualizer and ensures you won’t be job done. If you plan to codes and neighborhood cially feasible. Simply your deck construction Deck Designer, can help to caught off guard by unexwork with a contractor, fall associations, if applicable. answer a few questions project when the warmer further define details. You is an excellent time to start Take advantage of the fall about your space, like the pected costs once installaweather arrives. For more can also find a wide array of the vetting process. Quality and winter months to retion begins. Be realistic and material you plan to use deck plans online that offer deck builders are often in and the deck dimensions, to outdoor living inspiration, search local building codes consider all potential exvisit Trex.com. ideas and inspiration. high demand and tend to and obtain any necessary penses, including labor, per- determine an estimated
Long-term U.S. mortgage rate surges to 7.57 percent ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Home loan borrowing costs rose for the fifth straight week, keeping the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate at its highest level in more than two decades and taking another bite out of prospective homebuyers’ purchasing power. The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.57 percent from 7.49 percent last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.92 percent. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loan, also increased. The average rate rose to 6.89 percent from 6.78 percent last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.09 percent, Freddie Mac said. High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already out of reach for many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in rock-bottom rates two years ago from selling. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is now more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 3.05 percent. The average rate on a 30-year home loan climbed above 6 percent in September 2022 and has remained above that threshold since. This marks the first 12-month period that the benchmark mortgage rate has been at 6 percent or higher since the early 2000s. It’s now at the highest level since Dec. 1, 2000, when it averaged 7.65 percent.