Current deck

Our current deck is 10' x 10'. We're looking to extend it along the house and out, in 3 tiers with the bottom tier housing a spa. If possible, we'd like a balcony that goes out from our second story as well. Having a nice outdoor living space will take advantage of our hill country view, our sloped yard, and will create a space conducive of creativity and entertaining.

Secondary reasons to build a new deck are to keep up with the housing market here from a real estate/resale viewpoint. The two new houses on both sides of ours are significantly larger in square footage (and waaaay more expensive) -- both have first and second story decks. We've got the advantage of having more land, though. But we would also like to do this project sooner than later so that we can actually enjoy it.

Deck considerations

- build out for spa (lower deck?)

- access on both sides (steps to yard)

- build around the oak tree -- extend deck along house and out

- multi-tiered - 3 tiers -- steps that span across entire deck to lower tiers
+ top tier - house level
+ lower tier access is through middle tier

- ask how to incorporate water heater

- 2nd story balcony if possible plus access from upstairs (doors)

- if 2nd story balcony not possible --> covering over part of 1st story deck

- grill near door for easy inside access

- electrical outlets on deck

- consider built in benches

- built in lighting