Ask the Architect

A new deck, Part 2

Posted

Q. Our deck was built 30 years ago. Now we’re getting ready to sell, and changed the handrails and replaced some boards, but an inspector showed up and gave us a “notice of violation.” We didn’t know a deck needs a permit . . .

A. Continuing from last week: “Shouldn’t my contractor know all this?” — regarding deck construction and building codes. You’d think the answer would be a resounding yes. It should be comforting to know that the people who build simple projects in your home and yard are experts and professionals. And I know they want to think they are, too. They must follow the state and any local derivations of the building code, the national plumbing code, the national electric code and any other relevant regulations, as well as the construction plans. But that’s not the case with more than 75 percent of the projects my allied professionals and building inspectors see. Yes, certain basics are consistent, but any inspector will tell you there are too many instances when something isn’t being built to the building, zoning, plumbing, electric or energy code.

Just last week I looked at some of the projects I’ve designed that are now under construction. Not one of the construction people had consistently been calling for either the architect or the building inspector on any of these jobs. This means that at the end of the job, the project can’t be signed off on for final certification without letters and other documentation, which may not happen. Imagine, after waiting for the project to finally end, consistently holding up your end of the agreement by paying large sums of money, no inspections were done, and there will be no sign-off so that your family can legally occupy your home.

Page 1 / 2