Building a Deck in Spokane – A Big Decision
Picture this: You’re standing in your backyard, imagining the perfect deck experience—a beautifully designed space where you can enjoy Spokane’s sunny summers, host BBQs, or relax in total comfort. The idea of building it yourself might feel exciting. After all, how hard can it be? But as you think more about the time, tools, and know-how involved, doubts start creeping in. Should you go the DIY route or hire a professional deck builder? It’s a tough call, and you’re not alone in wrestling with it.
We understand the challenge because we’ve helped Spokane homeowners make this decision countless times. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of DIY and hiring a pro, offer Spokane-specific insights, and help you figure out what’s best for your situation. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and feel confident taking the next step toward your dream deck.
DIY Deck Building: Pros and Cons for Spokane Homeowners
Advantages of DIY Deck Building
- Cost Savings: One of the biggest reasons people choose to build their own deck is to save money. By cutting out labor costs, you can keep your budget focused on quality materials.
- For example, if a contractor charges $30,000 for a deck, you might be able to do it yourself for $16,000 by purchasing the materials, handling the labor and purchasing your own tools.
- Full Control Over Design and Timeline: When you’re the builder, you’re in charge of every detail, from the size and shape of the deck to the finishing touches. You also decide when and how quickly the project gets done.
A Rewarding Hands-On Experience: There’s a sense of pride in saying, “I built this with my own two hands.” For many, the process is as enjoyable as the final product.
Challenges of DIY Deck Building
- Lack of Expertise: If you’ve never built a deck before, it’s easy to make mistakes that could compromise the safety, longevity, and quality of your deck. From structural miscalculations to improperly securing fasteners, inexperience can lead to costly errors.
- Potential for Costly Mistakes: Saving money upfront is great, but mistakes can add up quickly. For instance, cutting a board incorrectly or choosing the wrong materials might mean extra trips to the hardware store—and extra expenses.
Spokane’s Unique Climate Considerations: Spokane’s weather can be tough on decks. Without proper sealing and material selection, your DIY project might not hold up to the snow, rain, and intense summer sun.
Why Hire a Professional Deck Builder in Spokane?
Expertise and Experience
- Navigating Local Building Codes and Permits: Spokane has specific building regulations, and professionals know how to comply with them. This saves you the headache of navigating permits and ensures your deck is up to code.
- Professional Tools and Techniques: Pros bring specialized tools and skills to the job, ensuring precision and durability. They’ve likely built hundreds of decks and can anticipate issues before they arise.
Time and Efficiency
- Faster Completion Times: With a team of experts, a project that might take you months to complete can be finished in weeks—or even days.
- Handling Unexpected Issues: Professionals are adept at dealing with challenges like uneven ground, tricky layouts, or unforeseen structural problems, keeping your project on track.
Guaranteed Quality
Warranties and Long-Term Value: Most professional builders offer warranties, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. The workmanship also tends to result in a longer-lasting deck with higher quality builds.
DIY vs. Professional Deck Building: Cost Comparison
For a deeper dive into deck building costs and what to expect when working with a professional, check out our blog post How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?. If you’re curious about the step-by-step process of building a deck, take a look at our guide How to Build a Deck.
Materials Costs
For both DIY and professional builds, materials can be a significant expense. However, professionals often have access to wholesale prices and may help you save on high-quality materials.
Tools and Equipment Costs
Building a deck requires more than just wood and screws. As a DIYer, you’ll need tools like a circular saw, power drill, and level, which can add up if you don’t already own them.
Labor vs. Your Time Value
Labor costs are a big part of hiring a pro, but DIYers should consider the value of their time. If you spend weekends over several months building a deck, the trade-off might not feel worth it—especially if you’re missing family time or other priorities.
Key Spokane Factors to Consider When Building a Deck
Weather Challenges: Snow, Rain, and Sun
Spokane’s climate requires materials that can withstand moisture, freezing temperatures, and UV exposure. For more insights into choosing the right materials, read our blog post on Why Use Pressure-Treated Lumber?. But it’s not just the materials that matter—how they are installed can make the biggest difference in the safety, longevity, and quality of your deck. Professionals can guide you toward the best options and ensure proper installation, while DIYers must do thorough research to avoid selecting materials or techniques that won’t last.
Site Preparation: Soil and Grading Issues
Many Spokane properties have sloped or uneven yards, requiring careful grading and foundation work. Professionals are equipped to handle these challenges, whereas DIYers might struggle without the right tools or experience. Additionally, these conditions can make the building process unsafe if not approached with proper safety measures and techniques..
Local Building Codes and Permits
Building a deck in Spokane often requires permits to ensure compliance with local regulations. As highlighted in our detailed guide Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?, obtaining a permit is crucial not only for avoiding fines but also for protecting your investment and increasing the value of your home. Permits ensure your deck is safe, built to code, and adds lasting value to your property. While professionals usually handle this process seamlessly, DIY builders should be prepared to navigate these requirements carefully to avoid delays or costly mistakes.
Building codes in Spokane can be tricky. Hiring a pro ensures compliance, whereas DIY builders risk fines or having to redo parts of the project.
Combining DIY Efforts with Professional Deck Builders
DIY Prep Work and Professional Finishing
A hybrid approach can save money and ensure quality. For example, you could handle demolition, site preparation, or staining, then hire a pro to frame the deck to code while you complete the rest of the project. We offer this service to Spokane homeowners who want to tackle most of the build themselves but need expert assistance for critical steps. Contact us here to discuss how we can help with your deck project.
Splitting the Project Based on Complexity
If you’re confident in your ability to handle simpler tasks like installing railings or decking boards, but not structural work, splitting responsibilities can be a smart compromise.
How to Choose Between DIY and Professional Deck Building in Spokane
- What’s Your Budget?
- Can you afford professional help, or will DIY save you enough to justify the extra effort?
- Do You Have the Necessary Skills and Tools?
- Are you confident in your ability to build a safe, durable deck, and do you have access to the right equipment?
- How Much Time Can You Commit?
- Do you have the weekends and evenings free to complete the project, or is hiring a pro more realistic?
- What’s the Long-Term Goal for Your Deck?
- Is this a short-term solution or a lasting investment in your property’s value?
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Spokane Deck
Building a deck is a big project, and the decision between DIY and hiring a professional comes down to your specific needs, skills, and budget. Spokane’s climate and terrain add unique challenges that require careful planning. Whether you choose to go it alone, hire a pro, or combine both approaches, the most important thing is to create a deck you’ll love for years to come.
If you’re ready to start your project and need professional guidance, contact us here to discuss your vision and get a quote. Together, we can create the perfect deck for your Spokane home.
FAQs: DIY Deck Building vs. Hiring a Pro
1. Is building a deck yourself cheaper than hiring a professional?
DIY deck building can save money on labor costs, but you’ll need to consider the cost of tools, materials, and potential mistakes. Additionally, it’s important to think about the opportunity cost—the value of the time you’ll spend on this project instead of other priorities like work, family, or leisure. Hiring a professional ensures quality and may save money in the long run with fewer repairs.
2. How long does it take to build a deck in Spokane?
For a DIYer, it can take several weekends or even months, depending on your skill level and availability. Professionals can often complete a deck in 1-4 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the deck project.
3. What tools are necessary for DIY deck building?
Essential tools include a circular saw, power drill, level, measuring tape, and safety equipment. These are just the very basic tools—there are many more required to build a high-quality deck project that meets professional standards.
4. Do I need a permit to build a deck in Spokane?
Yes, most deck projects in Spokane require permits to ensure they meet local building codes. Professionals are experienced in handling permits, which often includes submitting detailed plans for the deck to the city or county. This process requires in-depth knowledge of span charts, footing sizes, hardware, and other technical specifications, while DIYers need to research requirements thoroughly.
5. Can I do part of the work myself and hire a professional for the rest?
Absolutely. Many homeowners choose to handle tasks like demolition, staining, or painting the fascia while leaving structural work to professionals. This approach can save money and ensure safety.
6. What materials work best for Spokane’s climate?
Weather-resistant materials like composite decking, pressure-treated wood, or cedar are excellent choices to withstand Spokane’s snow, rain, and sun exposure.
