Financial experts in the past were quick to point out the favorable aspects of home improvement projects to the value of the home. That is, by adding a project to your home, you could recoop a large percentage back when going to sell, etc. But in this recession, those estimates have changed. I found a recent article on the subject which quotes Remodeling Magazine. Here's the link:

http://www.housingwatch.com/2009/12/31/think-twice-before-you-start-that-home-improvement-project

A couple of interesting distinctions I discovered were:

– Wood decks continue to hold a very significant portion towards the value of the home, and,

– Wood decks held 10% more value than composite decks

It's something your friendly decking contractor (me) has been preaching for years! 🙂