For a 1.2M project, what’s a 68K deck?

Depends to a large degree on the needed structure, plus how you would finish the deck. For example, are you thinking about tempered or laminated glass "railings", or?

You'll need to provide more details about site, materials of construction, design (e.g., cantilevered or not), area of the country, etc. So far you've asked something equivalent to: "How much does a new car cost?"

We custom built 19 years ago. Our architect designed a deck off of the master bedroom sitting room. We nixed it. Did not think we would ever use it and in 19 years have never wished we had built one. There would have been no views off of that deck except woods. In our beach house we have ocean views and breezes off of our master deck but it is still rarely used as it is not public space. The middle deck off the main living area is used constantly.

@Virgil - Great questions. I don't see us building a fancy deck, just something that matches the house (beach style with hip roof, hardy board siding). Where could I do some research on building materials?

For option 1, I would imagine a deck like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/32nd-street-craftsman-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~209718[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/32nd-street-craftsman-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~209718).

For option 2, I would imagine a deck like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/630-b-beach-style-exterior-san-diego-phvw-vp~90504781[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/630-b-beach-style-exterior-san-diego-phvw-vp~90504781).

For option 3, I would imagine a no-deck-look like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/incredibly-green-home-of-chevy-chase-craftsman-exterior-seattle-phvw-vp~360047[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/incredibly-green-home-of-chevy-chase-craftsman-exterior-seattle-phvw-vp~360047).

@kudzu9 - I live in San Diego (yes, I know, expensive). I wish it was like asking, "How much does a new car cost?" because I could go online and figure that out in 10 minutes. And I'd know that I'd never have to pay more than the sticker price!

@Sophie - Thankfully, you're not the CFO of my company. ;) $68k is a trip around the world with my family.

I'd forget it. You have no views. It's not *private*. It doesn't lead TO anything. Decks steal light from whatever is beneath them; do you need shade there?

Remember when houses had 'sleeping porches'?

You may be months from obtaining bids, but you should be talking to real local builders now to consult while the design is being formed.

Exterior covered decks typically cost as much or more per foot vs interior carpeted rooms. You're adding two exterior doors that require lighting, railings and waterproofing both at deck level and the roof above if covered.

I think you’re out of touch with construction costs if you think 68K for a large second floor composite deck with two egress points and glass railings in a HCOL isn’t realistic.

If you have any views towards the ocean, my vote is to build it.

If you build it similar to your first choice, where there would already be a covered lower porch, $20-35K cost impact to an existing project depending on local costs... Florida vs LA beach areas. Your photos showed some pretty high end "beach" dwellings. The smaller version might not save you as much as you expect.

Glass railings are double iron.

I like the comment regarding $XX is a trip around the world. Often I see people spend "an extra BMW" on items.

IFF that deck would be the best/only place to catch that cool ocean breeze, and the deck will be shaded from late morning through the evening, and your climate is hot enough where you are often longing to be cooled down, any deck there would earn its keep IMO. Would this be a 2nd floor deck? Shading & darkening of the 1st floor is definitely a big factor....perhaps you could design around that.

My friend has a deck off the master bedroom which is not used.

However, the deck is the roof of a portion of the patio below so it is dual function. Since the home is located in Southern California the roofed portion of the patio is completely functional.

Whether you want to spend money on something that is purely a design element is a different question. Also, it will block light from the windows it overhangs on the lower level. Again, not an issue in my friend's layout since this is sunny California and some form of shade from direct sunlight is desirable for many people as a form of natural ventilation.

I am not a construction expert but I do know it needed to be maintained a few years ago (it is 1949 vintage construction), waterproofing had to be done properly so that is always a consideration when you add to the exterior of a house.

we love our deck off of the master bedroom BUT 1. we are empty nesters 2. it gives us a view of the pool and the sunset 3. its on the back of the house with 100% total privacy 4. its an awesome place to have coffee in the morning in summer in our jammies or less. 5. its a great place to sit and look at the stars at night.

if it was on the street side of the house we'd never have built it. not even sliders... who wants everyone to have that much view of their bedroom going by. solid low wall type rail might make more sense.

if you go ahead, you need at least 8' deep for a couple of comfy chairs with ottomans and be able to walk by.

adding... no stairs to the ground is a great security benefit, we can leave our sliders open while we go out or overnight and not feel the least bit weirded out. stairs also take up space. our contractor was surprised we didnt want to be able to go straight down to the pool but to us wasnt worth it.