Deck Building

Do I Need A Permit to Build a Deck?

The issue of permits is one that bothers a lot of people when it comes to deck building. The answer to this question is not definite and will vary from one person to the other.
To help you determine if a permit is necessary here is a guideline that talks about everything you need to know planning to build a deck.
Is it necessary to have a permit when building a deck?
Depending on your location, there are guidelines that one will follow when building a deck. In most of the places, however, you will need to have a permit when building a new deck. The only exception is when the new deck is detached and is less than 100 square feet.
You will require a permit if:

• The deck’s height is over 2 feet from the ground
• The deck will be attached to your house
• The weight of the deck is over 100 square feet
• You plan to change your deck’s footprint
• You will add a patio cover to the deck

Here are some instances when the deck permit is not a necessity

• If the size, height, or the location of your deck will remain the same
• If you will not add a patio cover
• If the handyman will not attach the deck to your house
• If your deck’s height is below 2 feet

When you contact the handyman who will install your deck, he’ll know if you will require a permit or not. It will also be his duty to go to the relevant authorities to get the permit on your behalf.
What if I had a permit to build the previous deck?
If the person who had constructed the previous deck had not acquired a permit, you will need to get a permit to carry out the renovations. If you fail to do this, the authorities have the power to pull down your deck.
There is also a possibility that the laws governing deck building when the deck was first constructed are now outdated. If this is the case, you’ll need to get a new permit as the new laws will apply if the deck is inspected.
What will I require to get the permit?
This is where your deck contractor comes in as he has more experience in handling such issues. You will provide some documents, drawings, and pay a predetermined fee.
These requirements will vary based on where you live. The deck contractor will know the easiest way to get the permit so that he can proceed with the construction.
Are there any limitations that may prevent me from getting a permit?

• Before you get the permit, you will have to prove that your deck construction is safe.
• You will also inform the authorities how close your deck is to your neighbors and the property line.
• The neighborhood’s aesthetic consistency will also be a consideration.

Whose responsibility is it to get the deck permit?
As the homeowner, it is your duty to get the deck building permit. Though the contractor will also incur penalties for carrying out the construction, you will legally liable for not getting the permit. The authorities may choose to either bring down your construction or penalize you for the error.
If you do not know how the process goes, you can ask the handyman to undertake the task on your behalf. You are responsible for any negligence if you don’t get a permit on time.
What happens if I do not get a permit?
If the authorities discover that you built your deck without getting a permit, you could pay a fine that will cost you a lot. In most cases, the fine is higher than the amount you’d have paid for the permit.
Here are some of the instances that will make the authorities know you do not have a permit:

• If a third party complains about your deck construction
• If you intend to sell your home, an inspection will most likely reveal that you had not received a permit to construct your deck.
• In case anything happens to your home and you approach the insurance company for compensation, lack of a permit may get you in trouble.

If you feel that the trouble of getting a permit is too much for you, ask your handyman to help. He has been building decks for years and the process is much easier for him. Though it is hard to find anyone searching for constructions that are going on without a permit, it is not worth taking the risk. You never know when this will happen and land you into serious trouble.
The final take…
The process of getting a permit for your deck construction may be complex and frustrating at times. you may also dislike the idea of spending more money getting a permit but considering the risks involved, you need to get one.
Some deck contractors may agree to build your deck without encouraging you to go for a permit. Most of these are only after the money they will gain from you. For a professional handyman, however, he will go to an extent of helping you to get a permit before he can proceed with the construction.
To be on the safe side, get a permit if the guidelines in your area demands that you need one before you can construct your deck.  it would cost you much less to get a permit that when have to pay a fine for non-compliance.
Unless your deck is below the height that requires a permit and is not attached to your house, you’ll need to get a permit. You will be safer if you comply and in any case, the inspectors are quite friendly and willing to offer help. Do not spoil the fun and the pride of owning a classy deck by not complying with the legal requirements.
The amount of money you’ll spend to buy the materials to build your deck and the cost of hiring a deck contractor is higher than the permit’s cost. If you were able to spend that much preparing to build your deck, why not take the initiative and get a deck building permit?

Majestic Handyman Ogden

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