How Much Value Does a Roof Deck Add?

roof deck add value

A roof deck is a fantastic addition to a property in Florida, especially if your home has a spectacular view. Obviously, adding a decking area to a flat roof is a considerable investment. So, it’s logical to ask: How much value would a roof deck add to your home? The answer is that a rooftop deck can considerably increase your property’s value. By exactly how much? That depends on several factors. 

Adding a functional roof deck to an urban property allows you to enjoy the outdoors without the luxury of a yard. Creating a rooftop space with artificial turf, decking boards, and planters allows you to enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings. Then adding a kitchenette or wet bar allows you the chance to entertain friends on long, warm Florida evenings. 

Of course, there is more to installing a beautiful roof deck than putting a couple of lounge chairs on a flat roof. Most roofs in urban dwellings weren’t designed for people to walk on them. Additionally, installing decking on a roof is challenging if there are AC units, chimneys, or skylights to build around. And there is the question of planning permission. 

However, most homeowners find that the value a roof deck adds is undoubtedly worth the investment.  

This article examines what’s involved in installing a roof deck and how much return on investment you can expect to achieve. 

The Cost of Roof Deck Installation

To add a functional, safe, and enjoyable space to your roof requires careful planning, time, and money. Planning for a roof deck is an individual project. Therefore, getting a local qualified roofing contractor with expertise in installing rooftop decking areas is vital. 

Factors affecting a rooftop deck costs include decking materials, size, extra supports, and amenities. For example, roof decking materials can cost between $60 and $100 for a 32 square feet sheet of plywood. However, building a secure barrier and installing an outdoor kitchen will increase the price. Then there are logistical issues to resolve. 

According to most estimates, you would need to budget between $15,000 and $20,000 for a basic deck on the roof. However, this is just a ballpark figure. The final cost depends on the complexities of building the roof deck. 

Roof Deck — How Much Value Does It Add?

The most important question is: how much value would a roof deck add to your property? You could expect a roof deck to increase your property’s value by six to eight percent. For example, CNBC reported that spending up to $20,000 on a rooftop deck could generate revenues of between $20,000 and $30,000.

However, the value a roof deck adds to the home depends on several factors. For example, an outdoor living space with fantastic views over Tampa Bay or the city skyline will add more than a similar deck in a built-up downtown neighborhood on a noisy street.

Therefore, the actual increase in property value a roof deck adds depends on how the potential buyer plans to use the space. But in any case, you can assume that adding a roof deck will increase your property value significantly.

How to Plan a Roof Deck

Homeowners in Florida can expect a good return on investment from a roof deck. Planning with a professional roofing expert is crucial when investing in the roof space. An experienced architect or engineer must investigate if the roof can hold the additional weight of a deck, people, furniture, and installed amenities. 

In addition, hurricanes and tropical storms are common in Florida. Therefore, any structural additions to the property must be able to withstand windspeeds of 110 mph and more.

Here are a few things to discuss with a roofing professional when planning a rooftop living area:

  • The existing roof: A licensed inspector will have to make a thorough inspection before work starts. It’s crucial to resolve existing structural issues before starting rooftop deck construction.
  • How you plan to use the deck: It’s vital to discuss how you plan to use the deck. For example, is it just a place to relax in the Florida sun? Or will you entertain friends on the deck and require additional features like a kitchen and bar? How will you access the decking area — through a door, an exterior stairwell, or a hatch?
  • Zoning laws: Most roof decks require planning permission to ensure they meet zoning requirements. In some cases, getting the required building permit can be lengthy, especially in urban areas. 
  • Logistics: You can plan and budget for a spectacular roof deck. But is there adequate access to deliver construction materials? Are there AC units, chimneys, or building features to build around? And what about electricity, cable, gas, and plumbing? These issues need resolving before spending thousands of dollars on a deck.

It’s good to remember that a rooftop deck gets more exposure to the harsh weather conditions — intense sunshine, heavy rains, and strong winds. Therefore, you should budget for the best quality decking materials you can afford. 

The Benefits of Adding a Roof Deck

An outdoor space on a flat roof gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy time with friends, relax by yourself, or take in breathtaking views. Apart from adding tremendous value to your property, a roof deck has several additional benefits. Here are a few:

  • Additional living space can contribute to your well-being, especially for city dwellers living in urban environments. 
  • A roof deck is versatile and is not just for spending time with friends. You can use it for morning exercising as the sun rises, set up an outdoor workspace under a canopy, or enjoy sunset cocktails.
  • Get a unique view of your surroundings. 
  • Create a small vegetable patch or herb garden to grow your own food. 
  • Roof decks also have fewer flying bugs, and you can enjoy more refreshing breezes on warm Florida evenings.

Do you see the potential to add value to your home by installing a roof deck? If so, call us today at 813-373-9088 or complete this easy online form to get a free roof estimate for your project. 

Code Engineered Systems are Tampa Bay’s residential and commercial roofing experts. Our team is ready to advise you on what you’ll need to add a roof deck to your property. 

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