| Many municipalities consider that a deck is a | | | | Step #3: In the event that approval has been |
| permanent addition to a home. Therefore there | | | | given to your project, pay for and obtain |
| are rules that set out the depth of footings, | | | | your deck permit. Once construction begins |
| prescribe choices in terms of materials and | | | | make sure that the municipal inspection |
| clearly indicate dimensional aspects involved | | | | personnel are notified when you have reached |
| with building a structure such as a deck. | | | | the various stages for construction |
| Thus it is a wise decision to visit your | | | | inspection. Ensure that the work done is of a |
| local municipal building department prior to | | | | high quality to clearly demonstrate that you |
| the start of a deck building project. | | | | are closely following the apporoved plan and |
| Individual homeowners who plan to construct a | | | | completing all construction work in the |
| deck for themselves share the same | | | | correct manner. Unfortunately, failure to |
| responsibilities of following the local | | | | comply with local building codes can in |
| building codes as professional contractors | | | | extreme situations result in a stop work |
| and carpenters. | | | | order and/or demolition of what has been |
| | | | built. |
| Local municipalities create these building | | | | |
| codes to establish building standards for | | | | In addition to building codes there are 2 |
| safety purposes, for aesthetic reasons and to | | | | other very important factors that homeowners |
| ensure that what is constructed will last for | | | | must be aware of and comply with in the deck |
| extended periods of time. "Working to code" | | | | planning and construction process. |
| means becoming acquainted with and | | | | |
| understanding local building codes and making | | | | Zoning ordinances govern property uses as |
| use of them during the construction process. | | | | well as the location of structures within its |
| | | | boundaries. They can set minimum setbacks |
| Step #1: | | | | from property lines and regulate the size of |
| | | | a deck. Some municipalities choose to follow |
| Do your homework ahead of time. Get as much | | | | deed restrictions to regulate the value of |
| information as possible in advance about | | | | properties or architectural choices. These |
| local construction requirements and | | | | controls may limit the style of a deck or the |
| incorporate it into your deck planning | | | | material choices used in its construction. |
| process. Municipalities often have pamphlets, | | | | |
| brochures and deck building bylaw guidelines | | | | Easements and rights of way are also factors |
| for this purpose that homeowners can easily | | | | to consider in the deck building process. |
| access by visiting the local municipal | | | | They guarantee for example utilities access |
| building department. And they're free! If you | | | | to their lines and may affect the specific |
| have questions phone or make an appointment | | | | location of a deck. Generally, utility |
| to speak with staff members at the building | | | | companies welcome the opportunity to locate |
| department. They can readily answer your | | | | the path of underground lines through a |
| questions and clear up any misconceptions on | | | | property and will do it for no charge. |
| your part. | | | | |
| | | | Building codes and the permit process are |
| Step #2: Draw up your deck plan indicating | | | | established to be safeguards for the proper |
| its placement on your property in relation to | | | | construction of structures within the |
| your home, its dimensions and material types. | | | | community. Following these building code |
| Make sure that the different elevations are | | | | standards will ensure that your deck will not |
| clearly drawn and labelled. Include a copy | | | | only look aesthetically pleasing to those who |
| of your property site plan for reference if | | | | use it but will last for many years and |
| required or possible. Be prepared for changes | | | | provide a seafe environment for the present |
| to be made to your deck plan. | | | | and future owners. |
| | | | |