Building a deck can take a lot of work; building a deck can be estimated depending on the size and complexity of the design and the unforeseen weather. However, there are specific primary deck installation sequences that you should follow. The series includes: preparing the site; installing the foundation; building the structural system; adding decking, railings, and stairs; and finishing the job with protective sealers, stains, or paints. The process is straightforward but depends on the builder as to how they go about it. If you want your deck-building process to go smoothly and efficiently, then as a homeowner, you must be aware of the necessary decisions to make. Follow these steps to make the right decision and anticipate all types of problems.
OBTAINING BUILDING PERMITS
If you plan to attach a particular structure to the outdoor of your house, you need a building permit first before the constructions begin. A member from the local building or planning department reviews your deck plan and takes note of safety and structural integrity. Once the inspection is complete, you will then get a building permit. If hiring an architect is too much on your pocket pinch, then you can consider taking help from a registered structural engineer before submitting them to a building department. A professional architect or an engineer has the proper knowledge that helps to address your deck-building challenges.
Your property is yours, but it has to follow the specific guideline set by the local authorities. There are setback requirements that determine the distance of the new construction from property lines. Your deck building should have a purpose. Construct your deck based on compelling reasons, such as the construction of a wheelchair ramp. Only then will your application be considered.
Also, the inspection will inform you of the right of ways that allow utility companies or neighbors legal access through parts of your property. You will not be able to build your deck in right-of-way areas.
INSPECTION
You can expect visits from your local building inspector during the deck construction. An inspector examines your property thoroughly to ensure safety and check if they meet the local codes. Try to be available on-site so that you can answer all of their required questions.
Do not fear the idea of building inspection. Inspectors are there only to help you with their proper knowledge. Their primary concern is to verify your deck building plan and check if your deck building is on schedule.
SITE PREPARATION
Once you get permits from the local inspector, you can begin with your installations. There are shrubs and small plants that work as an obstruction; sometimes, you should get rid of them. Further, change the gradation of the soil away from the house. There is unwanted vegetation underneath your deck; try to cover it with landscaping fabric. You can do landscaping fabric by adding a layer of coarse sand for drainage first, and then you can include the sand with the landscaping fabric. Before you move forward with landscaping fabric, finish all the footings first.
FOUNDATION WORK
A ledger is a large beam that connects your deck to the house, do install the ledger keeping in mind to level it. Now that ledger is installed, you need to build square foot frames that you can do by installing joists. Use the right equipment to ensure that your posts are perfectly squared. A wooden deck needs extra care and caution. It would help if you inspected wooden floorboards for imperfections like knots and curves. This can be done using a more consistent quality than wood, such as composite. You then have to select a fastener which you can do based on the look you wish to achieve. Just remember to check that your pin is for exterior use. Lastly, the weather impacts your wooden floors; they tend to expand, so do leave a little gap while installing them. If you are using products that do not require stain or seal, you can skip this step, but if you need it, make sure to apply paint and seal wherever necessary. It is wise to leave your decking installation up to a professional as it is a lot of work.