Installing a new deck in your backyard is an exciting home improvement project that can add value and beauty to your property. But before you begin the build, there are a few things you should do to make sure your yard is ready. Here’s how to prep your yard for a new deck:

Measure Your Yard

Before you purchase materials or hire professionals to help with the build, it’s important to measure the size of your yard accurately so you know exactly how big of a deck you can fit. Be sure to consider factors such as slope, obstructions, and any other existing structures that may be in the way.

Clear Out Old Structures & Debris

Make sure that any old decks, furniture, or debris is cleared out of the way before starting construction on the new one. This will ensure there’s plenty of room for construction as well as help minimize potential issues later on down the line. If you’re unsure how to safely demolish your old deck or existing structures you may have, we recommend reaching out to a local demolition contractor! Hiring professionals that are licensed and insured to demo structures takes the risk and stress out of this step.

Check for Utility Lines

It’s always important to double-check for gas, electrical, or water lines in your yard before building anything – especially if you are planning on digging deep foundations into the ground. Contacting your local utility companies will ensure they flag any hazardous lines in the area and keep both you and your workers safe during construction. This will also be an important aspect to consider if you’re going to be covering any utility access points with your decking. You will want to make sure that anything that may need to be accessed in the future will still be accessible after your project is complete.

Grade The Area For Drainage

Before starting construction on your new deck, it’s important to grade around it correctly so that water can easily drain away from the structure. If this isn’t done properly, it could lead to major problems such as rotting wood or foundation issues down the line – which can be costly!

Prepare The Ground For Construction

Preparing the ground correctly is key when building a new deck – this involves clearing away grass and weeds, removing rocks, and leveling out dirt where necessary. If you have uneven concrete or pavers already installed in the area you will be building, we recommend that it be removed and leveled also. This is another project that a demolition contractor would be happy to do for you!

Check Local Building Codes & Permits

Before beginning anything related to deck building, make sure that all relevant permits have been acquired and building codes followed according to local regulations. Getting these in order early will save potential headaches later on when it comes time for inspections! If you hire a contractor for this project, they should take care of this for you to ensure that your new deck is done properly!

Preparing your yard for a new deck is an important step to take before beginning the build. Measure your yard, clear away old structures, and debris, check for utility lines, grade the area around it for drainage, prepare the ground, and make sure you have all of the necessary permits. Doing these things in advance will ensure that when you’re ready to start building, you can do so without any issues. We hope that this guide helped explain how to prep for your new deck. Good luck and have fun with your project!

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