IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2020 | Page 52

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE EXTRA SPACE IS ON DECK One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your home is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having a great outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house. It can be enjoyed by the whole family, or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the Zen of outdoor living. If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must. Guests can spill out onto the patio, extending your home to allow more freedom for guests to mingle, both inside and out. Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. A patio is generally constructed of stone pavers, tile or a simple concrete foundation that sits squarely on the ground. Decks are usually made of wood, PVC (also called vinyl) or composite, which has wood content that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap. Decks can either be ground level or elevated. When considering which option is best for you, you’ll want to look at the costs and also which one works well with the style of your home. The good news is that regardless of the option you choose, you’ll get a positive return on your investment, somewhere between 30% and 75%. For a wood frame house, wooden, composite or PVC decks can match the trim of your existing home. Since wood can be painted, a wooden deck offers the most color options; however it will also require frequent repainting. Both PVC and composite decks are available in a wide range of earth tones to match your home’s style. PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long run. Although wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square foot, they do require more maintenance and will have to be resealed every few years to give them maximum life. Both PVC and composite decks will run an average of $8 - $9 per square foot. They will require power-washing for cleaning, with frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to trees and shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame and washing is required to keep it looking sharp. House Washing Before After RECEIVE UP TO A $1,600 REBATE WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE LENNOX ULTIMATE COMFORT SYSTEM* $15 OFF A SPRING AIR CONDITIONER CHECK 412-583-4704 50 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com 412-781-7026 Glenshaw, PA 15116 MayHeating.com Lic. #: PA030368 PA030368 Offer expires 6/12/2020. *Rebate requires purchase of qualifying items between February 24, 2020 through June 12, 202. Qualifying items must be installed by June 19, 2020. Rebate claims (with proof of purchase) must be submitted (with proof of purchase) to www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than July 3, 2020. Rebate is paid in the form of a Lennox Visa ® prepaid debit card. Card is subject to terms and conditions found or referenced on card and expires 12 months after issuance. Conditions apply. See www.Lennox.com/terms-and-conditions for complete terms and conditions. © 2019 Lennox Industries Inc. Lennox Dealers are independently owned and operated businesses. A90360-86939.387886