Do I need a permit to build a deck? It’s a question piquing many people’s interest. Regardless of old or new homes, any homeowner has come across this dilemma. Moreover, what if you try building a deck without a permit?
Constructing a deck without a permit may remove it entirely, possibly back property taxes or penalties. However, the requirements may mildly vary in different states in bylaws and rules for Building Construction. Therefore, you’d better research thoroughly before making your deck. Now we will go deep into this issue; follow us!
Do I Need A Permit To Build A Deck?
The answer is YES. In most cases, building a deck will require a permit. More often than not, making building regulations and codes may vary mildly from one city to another, yet obtaining a construction projects’ permit is essential.
Give a top priority to check your local municipality to find out what is required. Then, based on your research, you can decide to hire deck contractors or try a DIY deck-building weekend.
What Is Required To Get A Deck Permit?
After having the exact answer for ‘’Do I need a permit to build a deck?’’ go on learning the requirements for getting a permit.
In most cities, one or two copies of to-scale drawings of deck plans are required once you want to get a permit. The overhead view is a priority to have these drawings done, yet sometimes they’ll need a drawing from the structure’s front or side.
Typically, a deck builder will have their computer software create and check these drawings. This will enable you to have a great idea of how a new deck looks in the yards and the entire house’s structures.
Each submitted plan requires sizes of your frost footings, spacing, locations, beams, and joists available. The inspectors are in charge of making sure the deck plan responds to local structural building code requirements.
Occasionally, they could ask you for other details, such as stairs, railings, ledger board, and other deck’s structural components for safety.
What Happens If You Build a Deck Without a Permit?
One of the best benefits of getting a permit and following protocol is that an inspector can come to your site and check out the whole construction. Then, they identify if any safety risk occurs and how to fix it.
On the other hand, building a deck without a permit will put yourself and others at risk as your deck could be built incorrectly. A drop deck could get someone injured intentionally. If this case is yours, you may run into several issues:
- Your deck will be compulsorily torn down. It means that all your time and money spent making up your desk will lose as it didn’t meet the code and ensure the safety requirements.
- Let’s say you did construct your deck properly yet did not get a permit. You might have to pay the hefty property tax. This case can take place whenever local authorities discover a new deck-building with a permit.
- You have to pay a big punishment.
- What should you do if your insurance company denies covering you when something wrong happens? You could not blame them as you did not get a permit. So you have to pay all the rising expenses alone.
- Without a permit also makes you stuck in selling your home. You can get hurt at the bargaining table financially. Besides, the home’s sale could be held up, so it’s tricky to complete the sale procedures.
Should I Hire A Deck Builder Or DIY?
Once you know the answer to “Do I need a permit to build a deck?”, you might continue to wonder “Should I hire a deck builder or DIY?”. Of course, there are pros and cons to both options. Let’s catch a glimpse of these evaluations:
DIY could be better for saving your money. Notably, if you have decent construction skills and high-end toolsets, tackling this project by yourself is straightforward. You don’t need to pay for labor and renovation costs.
In contrast, building a deck is somewhat tricky if you lack experience and good tools and may have risks. You have to get everything done alone.
If you hire a professional builder, you can rest assured as they will cover all steps for you, including creating the deck design, resolving hassles regarding the permit, caring about your deck, and completing rapidly.
Besides, a fully-equipped pro will help you purchase high-end materials and ensure a better and safe construction. However, this approach may cost you a lot.
Do I Need A Permit To Build A Deck: Last Few Words
You already had the terminal answer for “ Do I need a permit to build a deck? ‘’ Whether you attempt to DIY or hire experienced deck builders, getting a permit to build a deck is necessary. Yet you’d better research the local authorities’ regulations on that issue in advance.
Conventional wisdom recommends you have a reputable deck builder design and permit plans for you. They offer you the best service regarding unique design and correct drawings to obtain the permit. But, eventually, it takes lots of headaches out of a major DIY project.
