Home Improvement Centers at the Closing Bell Part 2: How this could work for you

So in my last blog post - regarding The Home Depot closing some of their stores - I made the comment, " ...it wouldn't surprise me if Lowe's announced something similar."

I hoped not. But today they did.

Now if you just look at the numbers, and think of nothing else, it indeed seems scary. Lowe's reported an 18% drop in fiscal first quarter profit... ouch... net sales dropped 1.3% despite adding 150 new stores in the last twelve months... ouch again.

"Many consumers remain hesitant to begin big-ticket projects," said the Lowe's Chairman and CEO Robert Niblock.

Which brings to mind a question to those of you thinking of building a deck around your above ground swimming pool.

Just how "big ticket" is planning and building your own pool deck?

Now, I'm not there to look at your backyard and I won't guess as to what design you're considering. So I'm not going to give you a definite cost analysis. But as to what your deck budget could be, ask yourself some questions.

• How much does it cost to plan your pool deck?
  

The answer is not much, if you plan it yourself. For this, your biggest expense will be time. That said, this can be done relatively quickly... like on a Saturday afternoon lets say... and it can be fun, something you do with friends or family or by yourself with a pencil and sketch paper.

Several of our opt-in newsletters offer tips on how to plan effectively and efficiently. And we posted a basic step-by-step guide regarding above ground pool deck blueprints.

But, if you want deck planning software this can be had for up to only $40 USD. Some are less than that. This is certainly reasonable if you're serious about building a pool deck.

• How much are the tools and supplies?
  

How much do you already have? Look through your garage or tool shed. I bet you'll be surprised by how much you already have available. And I bet you'll be very pleased to learn that you won't need an arsenal of tools to complete the project.

If you're not sure of what tools are really necessary and you visit a home improvement center admitting your lack of knowledge, you're immediately at the mercy of a salesperson.

Do you really need to buy that super deluxe power saw? Can you just rent one? Or do you already have an older one that works just fine, or is there one you can borrow?

Yes, your salesperson could be a good guy or gal who won't insist on loading you up with tools or supplies you really don't need. Then again, wouldn't it be better to know some things before hand?

As for supplies, like fasteners for instance, you'll know what's necessary once you plan and you can budget accordingly. I don't recommend being too much of a bargain shopper here, since I'll assume you'll want your pool deck to be safe and hold together.

• How much will lumber run me?
  

Well, Lowe's also reported they were having difficulty passing along price increases to consumers... for things like lumber. But that may only last for so long. As the economy starts to improve they will eventually pass along prices.

So the contrarian in me thinks now may be a good time for you to find high quality lumber at good prices. There may even be some sales.

Also, if you learn how to spot defects in lumber you'll only get the best quality lumber available.

Knowing this ahead of time will save you money, and time, because your lumber will be strong enough to last and you won't need to discard weak lumber you've already acquired while you're building your deck.

With that all said, let me just remind you of something important...

Since home values are declining in many areas, now is actually a very good time for you to build an above ground pool deck. As I'm sure you know, anything that is up to code and adds value to your home is always a good thing... especially during times like this.

Also, according to the National Association of Home Builders you can recover up to 75% of the cost of your deck construction when you sell your home.

So if you're seriously thinking of building a pool deck... and if you already have the resources, plus you discover ways to build it efficiently so you don't have to make a huge investment... then my suggestion is you ignore the latest reports from places like Lowe's and just build it.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

P.S. - Learn more about how to build a pool deck efficiently.

Building a Deck Like a Pro

I've been asked by people, "how do I build a pool deck like a pro?".

My response is usually something along the lines of, "that's a weighted question because while there is a generally accepted building technique each pro likely has their own methods moving through that process... especially during planning."

But that is the one unique thing about professionals, they always plan their above ground pool decks. And you should too.

My mother remarked to me recently that, "most DIY'ers don't want a lot of instruction and they don't want to spend more than necessary. They would rather do it all themselves - and if they get it wrong - so be it. At least you did it yourself."

I'm not sure where she got this general stereotype from... perhaps my DIY cousins in Virginia who very much represent her conclusion. But I don't completely buy it.

Yes, there is very much a "can do" and "on my terms" spirit to being a person who builds your own home improvements.

But with that said, why wouldn't you want to do it yourself and get it right? Now that would give you an even greater sense of accomplishment.

So, back to the question "how do I go about building a deck like a pro?"

The biggest advantage a pro has over the average do it yourself enthusiast is experience. This means they can build a pool deck up to code much faster than you. And they likely have the technical process licked.

Unless you already have a lot of experience and skill with home improvement projects or contracting, it's unlikely you will be able to match the speed of a professional construction.

That said, you can absolutely make your finished above ground pool deck look just as good!

How? With one key element before you begin construction. And that's planning your pool deck.

It sounds simple doesn't it? But you would be surprised how many people overlook this key step in the process.

Here's how you'll benefit from planning your pool deck, so you can then build a deck like a pro:

• It gives your the opportunity to envision and sketch at least several different design ideas, so you can mix and match the best elements into one master plan... or find the one plan that really works for you and will best match your swim lifestyle.

• You practically ensure that your plans and deck will be up to local building codes. This means a safe and secure pool deck, and one that can boost your property value if you ever choose to sell your home.
  

• You'll know ahead of time precisely what materials and tools you'll really need, plus if you need to hire out some parts of the job. This is an obvious money and time saver for you.
  

• You can schedule your building days and know in advance how much time you'll need for each step in the deck construction process. This saves you time by making sure you don't start building... then realize you forgot something, so you have to double back... and so on.
  

Other than good planning, you'll need a good step-by-step guide on how to actually build a pool deck like a pro.

Also, know that since a pool deck is built in sections and the contracting principles are generally the same... you can use just about any design example for your own step-by-step process. The most common is a wraparound design with a floating foundation, and that's the example I use in my eBook.

Remember, people can only give you a helpful guide and the best information possible on how to build a deck like a pro. Ultimately, it's up to you to study those resources and then apply the information towards your own project.

As always, to your success and enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com