Even though February has the fewest days, it can feel like the longest month in Pacific Northwest thanks to the wind, rain, and threat of snow or ice. But don’t despair — summer will be here before you know it! That’s why it’s time to get a jump start on your outdoor living area improvement plans.
By now, most people have heard the news: Home renovation projects have been wildly popular throughout the pandemic, and outdoor projects don’t look to be going away any time soon.
It makes sense — after spending so much time at home, many homeowners are anxious to find fun and functional ways to use their yard space more efficiently and to enhance their outdoor living experience.
In fact, homeowners invested about 25 percent more on patios, terraces, and decks in 2021 than they did in 2020! What’s driving the increased demand? Whether it’s a desire to create a personal sanctuary to get away from it all or opting to improve an existing home given low housing market inventory, homeowners everywhere are making their outdoor area a priority.
Good news … your dream of an affordable, functional, multi-use, multi-season outdoor area space is attainable! Though at this point in the pandemic, delays and shortages mean you need a little bit of foresight to get your project done right and on time.
Does your project require a permit? In Portland, for example, permits are taking longer — especially for deck and cover installs. In fact, some permits can take up to eight months! If you’re unsure whether a permit is needed, contact your City Planning office for the rules. Not getting a permit can be a costly and inconvenient mistake, as you could be forced to tear out your project or make expensive repairs when you go to sell or refinance your home.
Many contractors and installers are still booked out from a busy 2021. By starting your projects now, you’ll be more likely to complete your summer project before the summer is over! Home renovation projects have been going wild during the pandemic. After spending so much time at home, many homeowners wanted to enhance their outdoor living experience. Whether dining, entertaining, or working outside, there are many fun and functional ways to use yard space efficiently. Plus, while many homeowners would like to move, the housing market’s low inventory has many deciding to stay put in lieu of dealing with the hassle and the competition. Instead, homeowners have opted to make their existing homes work better for them, and that includes adding more functional outdoor spaces. Outdoor projects have been incredibly popular and it’s not looking like they’re going away any time soon. Homeowners invested approximately 25 percent more on patios, terraces, and decks in 2021 than they did in 2020.
Although custom items like covers and deck railings were easy to acquire pre-pandemic, they are currently still behind in production. These supply shortages mean that certain products might not be available at all going forward, or that available designs and products could change unexpectedly. While not ideal, these shortages can be overcome with a little creativity! You’d be surprised, but we’ve found that thinking outside the box often leads to the best outcome. (Hint: If you allow your project enough time, you won’t have to fear a change in plans!)
Ok, we’re not promising this is accurate, but the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a drier than normal February and a warmer spring with normal precipitation. To us, that sounds like perfect weather for planning your upcoming fencing project, adding a deck to your home’s exterior, or building a cover for your patio!
Typically, you’ll recoup up to 75% of home improvement expenses when you sell your home. But with housing costs sky-high and home sales extremely competitive, homeowners are seeing that value recouped at a much higher rate. If you’re considering selling your house in the next few years, then the odds are good that you’ll get a solid return on your investment. Patios and decks are a highly sought-after amenity — especially here in the Pacific Northwest.
Learn more about our fencing, decking, and cover options. If you’re ready to get started on your summer outdoor project, then contact us today for a Free Design Consultation. At Rick’s, we take pride in our ability to serve our customers effectively while maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Our customers love our quality work, personalized service, and efficient operations. Don’t take our word for it – read our customer reviews!
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Robyn S.
Rick’s built us a brand new 6 ft cedar picture frame fence and gate and we couldn’t be happier with the whole experience. Kevin Miller was our estimator and was…
Maggie C. M.
We love our new Pergola! Rick’s built us a custom cedar pergola and it exceeds our expectations. The craftsmanship is outstanding. The wood is beautiful and it’s super sturdy. It’s…
Carter & Rachel W.
I would like to let the owners/supervisors from Rick’s Custom Fencing that we are delighted and pleased about the custom gate construction and installation that we received today from our…
Morgyne L.
We had a custom picture frame fence installed with the addition of two new gates. Previously there was a chain link fence on one side and a falling over wooden…
