First of all, building a deck or porch is a wise decision, not only for the enjoyment you'll receive from it, but financially as well. According to Remodeling Online, decks offer one of the highest returns of any home upgrade - on average 104% of the cost. So you'll actually make money while enjoying your new deck!
Find the right contractor
As far as contracting jobs go, building a deck is often a fairly standard job. Indeed, many homeowners with the time, skill, tools and desire tackle the project on their own. So when you're hiring a contractor to build your deck, your decision may come down to the contractor's experience, how comfortable you feel with the contractor - and price. You may also base your decisions on how helpful the contractor is when making recommendations for your project.
Of course, always check references to see if the contractor is reliable, make sure they are insured in case of accidents or property damage, and look at their previous work. rFollow the hiring tips on http://www.Contractors.com when hiring any contractor, and get references or check out reviews from homeowners who have used the services.
Do you need a permit?
In many municipalities you will require a building permit to build a deck or porch. Ask your contractor if you will need a permit, and what the specific requirements are, as they may vary from city to city and between states. In some cities, a rough sketch is enough to obtain a permit, but in others you may need a drawing approved by an engineer.
In any case, your plans will need to meet local zoning codes, which may restrict the height and size of your deck, as well as how close your deck can come to your side and rear property lines. Local building codes may affect things like railing and stair requirements, footing depth, and structural specifications.
Get a permit (if required)
The fee for a building permit is around $50, which includes a pre-construction review of your plan to ensure that your deck will be structurally sound and meet local codes. This minimal fee could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, by preventing problems during construction and avoiding future damage and repairs. It can also save you from purchasing unnecessary materials.
If a building permit is required in your municipality, be advised that not obtaining a permit could mean having to tear down the deck and start all over once a permit is obtained. That cost would well overshadow the fine (around $200) that could be levied against you. Also, your homeowner's insurance policy may not cover accidents if the construction doesn't meet local codes.
Call before you dig
Before the project begins, you will need to check with your local utility companies to determine the location of buried electric, telephone, gas, water and sewer lines. Also, be aware that once your project is underway, field inspections may be necessary to ensure that your contractor is building according to the plan and local code.
Your contractor should know which inspections are required and when to call for one. For example, if an inspection of footing depth is required, your contractor will need to arrange for an inspection at that stage, before the concrete is poured and the holes filled. The fees for these inspections are usually covered by the cost of the building permit.
Planning your deck
Consult your contractor when planning the size and shape of your deck or patio, as well as the decking materials to be used. Your contractor is a professional who has built many decks, and may have helpful suggestions that you'd never think of.
When planning your deck or porch, don't forget to consider the character of your home and yard, and where you have the best views and private spaces. To test potential deck dimensions, try laying out a length of garden hose in various configurations. This will give you a sense of how the deck will affect the rest of the yard. Add some deck furniture and try different layouts - and don't forget to allow room for seating, traffic paths, and plants or planters.
Other considerations
There are many other considerations for your deck which will largely depend on your personal taste, your budget and even the local climate. Things like the type of wood to be used - or whether to use synthetic materials or composites - type of footing, whether the deck will be freestanding or attached to the house, and the type of fasteners to be used.
In general, screws are more dependable and stronger than nails, and aren't prone to loosening and popping up. If it's not stated in your contract, your contractor will likely use nails because they'll get the job done faster. Whether you choose screws or nails, they should be electroplated, galvanized, and stainless steel or ceramic-coated to prevent rust stains. Then again, you might want to go with hidden-fastener systems... It's best to discuss all these options with your contractor. Good luck!
Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer. You can find more of his work at http://www.Contractors.com.
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