According to the 2009 annual Los Angeles cost versus value report the average wood deck will return over 80% of value at the time of resale. Why a wood deck and not a patio? Perhaps the ground is uneven and needs to be leveled prior to a concrete patio being poured.

Although, a balcony may add value, I don’t believe that wood decks do. Instead of wood, I recommend either a “vinyl” wood deck/patio or a treated material.   As a Los Angeles real estate agent , I want to remind you that wood attracts both termites and dry rot.  When I sell a home with wood decks or patios, most require termite or dry rot repairs.

Related Posts: When should you contact a termite company  
Free termite inspection for many Los Angeles homeowners  
More Tree Trouble