Ask the Architect

‘Why is this so complicated?’

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Q. I went to my building department because I want to build a deck in my backyard. They told me I could make a sketch and turn it in with papers they gave me to sign, but when I did, they rejected everything, saying I needed an architect because they would know what to do and I had done it wrong. No offense, but it costs a lot more to get an architect, and I wanted to get the deck built this summer. They made it sound simple, but now it’s starting to get complicated, and I’m ready to just build the deck and take my chances. Why is this so complicated?
A. Because everything else is complicated. Why should a deck be the exception? You put your shoes on before leaving the house, right? Simple enough. But then you realize it looks like rain and you don’t want to ruin these shoes, so you go back inside and put on a different pair. Simple enough. Then you notice that they hurt a little — something in the heel or the tongue is twisted. So you’ve lost a couple of minutes getting it right. And that’s just your shoes.
When it comes to buildings, even decks, there are rules. Why? Because of problems that need to be avoided. In whatever you do in life, if you imagine what can go wrong you have a better chance of making it go right. Simple enough. People regularly build decks without any rules, and when someone who knows there are rules looks at the deck and says you have to do it again, at added expense, to make it right — like making it legal with a building permit — then you realize you only made it more complicated.
As for being led to believe it’s so simple, please understand that the person who guided you also gets plans for multi-story buildings and shopping malls crossing the same desk, making your proposed deck seem quite simple, to them and to you. For someone like an architect, who knows there are rules and helps you follow them, the process can be made simpler, but only if you let them do the right job and then follow the plans. Reducing the chances of wind uplift in severe weather, sagging and collapse during a party, children falling through railings, etc., is why there are rules.
Many people treat building plans as if they’re a suggestion of what can be done. The moment you deviate, especially without communicating your intentions to the architect, that’s the moment you just complicate things. If the construction doesn’t match the plans, the building inspector (who is trying to protect you by doing his or her job) will question the work and insist that it be done to plan or that the plans be redrawn with changes and resubmitted to the building department, at more cost and more time; another complication. Pick a professional to trust and guide you. Simple. Good luck!

© 2018 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.