The cost of building a rooftop deck garage can vary greatly depending on what exactly you need and which contractors you hire to do the work.
Whether you’re building the detached garage with a rooftop deck yourself or hiring someone else, you must know how much you can expect to pay to create a budget and stay within your means.
Here are some typical costs typically involved in the process and ways to save money on them.
The cost of a rooftop deck varies considerably based on its size, materials used, and location. Do-it-yourself home projects can cost less than hiring contractors, but even those can cost thousands of dollars depending on the labor charges in your area. This process can be complicated, so ensure you do it right to avoid consequences later, like leaks.
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Rooftop Deck?
A typical cost of building a rooftop deck addition project starts at $25,000 for materials and approximately $35 an hour for labor.
When building a roof deck, the cost varies by region and contractor, but you should expect to pay between $25,000 and $50,000.
When it comes to roofing companies that have added roof decks as a sideline or part of their primary business, some will only charge hourly and include all materials.
Keep in mind that some contractors will give you a rough estimate based on your square footage, but they won’t be able to tell you a firm price until they get onto your roof and do an assessment.
It is okay if you have time, but make sure you know what you’re involved in ahead of time.
To give yourself a ballpark idea of how much a rooftop deck costs, consider how big your project will be.
It is especially true if you’re building a much bigger structure on your roof that could require extensive foundation work. Keep in mind, however, that these prices are just averages.
Sometimes you can get cheaper quotes, and sometimes you can pay more; it depends on how much of a handmade job you want and what kind of materials you want to use.
When we talk about the cost of building a rooftop deck, we’re only talking about material costs and labor.
You’ll need some essential tools at any local hardware store, like safety glasses, gloves, a jigsaw, and a drill machine.
Once you have your materials in hand, you can probably do most of the work yourself or with a friend or family member.
However, if you want to get a more exact idea of how much it costs to build a rooftop deck garage, there are two things you can do. First, find out what similar projects in your area have cost.
Search for rooftop decks or roof additions and see what projects look like when finished. You should be able to find photographs and even videos online.
Second, talk to a few different contractors and ask them for quotes. Some may have estimates already in mind, but others will need to come out and do an assessment before giving you a firm quote.
You will get a better idea of what you should expect for your area and a ballpark estimate for materials and labor costs.
Once you know how much your project will cost, you can decide if it’s something you want to pursue. Even if it’s a bit more than you had anticipated, a rooftop deck installation could be just what you need.
It will also add extra value when you decide to sell your home in the future.
Materials Used in Building a Rooftop Deck
It will help determine which materials you want to use in your structure and if you wish to select wood or other materials based on cost, durability, and maintenance.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the different options for building a rooftop deck:
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic
- Cork
#1. Wood
Natural wood is one of the most common material choices for building rooftop decks with low maintenance costs.
It does require sanding every year or two before staining; moisture also might damage it if your region tends to be humid.
Wood is a good insulator, but it’s also heavy. It tends to be more expensive than other options.
#2. Metal
Steel and aluminum are two popular choices for building rooftop decks because they’re both sturdy and easy to maintain.
They also have low-maintenance costs, so you won’t need regular paint jobs like you might if you use wood or cedar.
Paint is unnecessary on most metal surfaces unless they become scratched or damaged by outside elements like rain or ice.
However, these materials tend to be heavier than wood and can cost more upfront.
#3. Plastic
If you want a lightweight material that won’t crack or rot over time, plastic may be your best bet.
However, plastic isn’t very durable in high winds; strong gusts can cause cracks in plastic roofing panels and ultimately destroy them. Due to their low cost, plastic panels are a popular choice for DIY projects.
#4. Cork
If you want an eco-friendly material that’s naturally beautiful, look into the cork. It comes from renewable resources and is naturally resistant to mold or decay.
However, cork is a soft material, so it requires significant support underneath; when used in building rooftop decks, it can also be quite expensive if you build a large structure.
When deciding which materials to use in your rooftop deck garage, you should consider other factors, including cost, aesthetic preference, and local building codes.
Be sure you understand how much work you need to do on your own before building to plan your budget accordingly.
For example, if you want a wood structure and need to purchase lumber and stain it before installing it on your house, be sure you know how much time that will take to factor those hours into the total price of your project.
Read More: Fiberglass Deck Coating Cost
Conclusion
In summary, building a garage with a rooftop deck varies on different factors such as materials, location, and labor cost.
Before building the rooftop deck garage, ensure you check with the local building authorities to know if it’s acceptable and if the contractors have an estimated price that fits your budget according to the materials listed above.
