Mineola West Sturdy Deck, Balcony and Stairs

DECKS

Looks can be deceiving

When the nails get pounded into the wood and the deck starts to take shape, it sure looks good. But looks can be deceiving. There is more to building a deck than just pounding together the 2x4s. If you are making an investment to build a deck the first thing to do is apply for a permit.

Over the years I have heard a number of people express their opinions regarding permits for deck building. It is true that a deck permit will cost you money. A deck permit will give you peace of mind because your deck builder is forced to follow the Ontario Building Code when constructing your deck. If you think permits are a pain because of the cost and perhaps a hassle to obtain, they are worth the effort and every penny. Deck builders, in general, are not big fans of them because it means they have to take extra steps to make sure things are safe. This can mean eating into their profits. A building inspector will think about safety and will look after your best interest. The last thing you want is to have your foot fall through the floor or fall off the deck if you lean on the railing. Things we take for granted have a code attached to them like the minimum height of your railing or the spacing between the pickets and the correct construction of the stair case. Recently, I had to call a deck builders bluff on the construction of a deck. The local building inspector was educating the deck builder on the Ontario Building Code and where this deck was falling short. For instance, the deficiencies in fasteners used, joist support and stair construction. At the end of the day, we felt safer knowing the deck had been remedied before it was paid for and the contractor long gone and no where to be found.

It doesn’t take much to have deck plans approved from the City, drop them off on a Monday and they will work on them for pick up on Friday. Then you or your contractor can start building that deck on the weekend.

Give us a call if you need help with your plans, dealing with the city or construction.