Design Tips
Read these 6 Design Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about House tips and hundreds of other topics.
Spring and Summer Decks
Decks can be very versatile. Deck designs for spring and summer can be open, covered, or partially enclosed. These options would greatly depend on the climate and your personal preferences. For colder climates you might choose a partially enclosed deck and for warmer climates a partially covered deck. These two options would make almost any person comfortable on the deck.
Plan Square Footage
When looking at house plans, consider looking at plans that are smaller and larger then what you want. People often make changes to a plan and changes will often increase or decrease the size of the plan.
Personalizing plans
When looking at house plans the exterior is easy to change. Pay more attention to the floor plan and then modifiy the outside to suit your tastes. It is harder to change the floor plan then it is to change the exterior.
Locating House Plans
There are a lot of inexpensive outlets for locating and the House plans for you. Of course, if you are designing your own house, you need to locate an Architect. For ready made plans that have multiple options, there are many magazines and online sites to choose from. Check out my personal favorites in my Magazines and Links under Construction and Design.
Choosing a design
When choosing a design for your deck you must take into consideration the purpose. Ask yourself these questions: How much room do I have for the deck? (this one is pretty easy) In the climate I live in, what will be the season I will use it most in? (Spring & Summer - might warrant a partly shaded and partly open deck for sun worshipers, Fall & Winter - might warrant an partly enclosed deck) How much maintenance am I willing to do to keep it in good condition? (Single level decks are easier to clean than a multi-level one). Once these questions are answered you can choose the design that fits those answers.
Decks - Fall and Winter
Choosing a deck design to serve the winter months can be difficult. If you are in a snow area and you want an enclosed deck, make sure that your roof can handle the weight of the average snow load. If you are in a rainy area, make sure you have good drainage away from your deck. For an enclosed deck you might want to look into a wood stove and for an open winter deck you could add a fire pit for some outdoor warmth. Be imaginative.
