Decks and Real Estate Instability

Posted by Kelly Smith Jan 17, 2008

Well, part 2 in the Deck Building article series is now available for reading. This one is about the types of materials needed (pressure treated lumber, hardware and fasteners, and concrete) and basic deck framing.

A deck is a mighty fine thing to have in the backyard for family gathering, entertaining, and rolling out the barbeque pit. It also makes for less grass to mow! But on a more practical level, it makes good financial sense – your home is your biggest investment and installing a deck is a great way to increase equity in your property.

But I Mentioned Real Estate Instability

Yes, unless you live under a rock, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by news of the housing market imploding. Hopefully you’re not the owner of one of those sub-prime loans. It’s obviously not a good time to be selling a home. And it’s a shame that some folks are going to lose their homes. But too many people bought into bad borrowing advice and easy money; even when the buzz for the past year has been about the impending collapse of the real estate bubble.

• Mortgage Trivia – The word mortgage comes from the old French and means death pledge. Chilling isn’t it?

So, if you’re like me and have a nice stable home and monthly note (not the dreaded adjustable rate mortgage), it’s a great time to invest in your property with a dose of home improvement. And we’ll be getting that juicy income tax refund soon.

Good Home Improvement Projects to Tackle

These are some I’ve done in 2007 –

• A new roof
• Install ceramic tile in the living room
• Install laminate flooring in the bedrooms
• Wall painting
• Fascia board repair

Whew! It never stops!