What are the main considerations when planning to add a deck?

Exteriors Decks
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I am thinking of adding a deck to my home, but I’m not quite sure what I should be thinking about. Size and materials, certainly, but what else?

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Think of access from the house to the deck and from the deck to the grounds. Would the deck be blocking any windows below it, mechanical equipment & vents. Natural light / sun exposure if applicable. Find out what is under the footings of the deck, some times leaching fields or septic tank / pump. Trees & shrubs can be relocated, as for trees that is for you to decide.

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Do you need a permit or not, is normally the first worry. Then how wet is your yard are you going to cement the post or use cement tile and fasteners then how are you going to fasten the deck to the house. Then what he said what height x length x width. Whats in the way that you might be blocking and are there any pipes, conduit, septic tank underground where your going to build after all that then you are ready to build

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When I get a call to potentially build a deck the first questions I ask is “What is your budget”? and “What are planning to have on it”? I.E. tables, chairs, grill etc. for size consideration. Next consideration is how close will it be to the property line as some jurisdictions have a maximum footage. For example, in my jurisdiction you cannot go any closer than 10’ of the property line. Another factor to consider is the type of deck. Is it going to be free standing or attached to your home. Is there plans for a roof to be added later for a screened in porch? If so foundation preparations have to be made. How much weight is going to be on the deck as I have built decks where a client wanted to place a hot tub on it. If you live in a subdivision what is the homeowners association guidelines? Where is the septic tank and how far will it be from the deck? Will there be varing heights or single level?

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Most people regret going small when they see that a table with chairs and grill take up most or all of the deck. If you are going to go to the expense of creating an outdoor living area make sure you have enough room to enjoy it.

Whether you choose wood or composite spend the extra money for hidden fasteners to install the deck boards. The deck looks 100% better without thousands of holes in it. It will also last longer because water gets in those holes and freezes and thaws and makes the wood splinter

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  1. What State are you in, different States have different codes. !!!
  2. Check with the Zoning dept.–see if you can build—need to have survey.
  3. Check with local building dept. if permit is needed, ( Example:small deck of high elevation- would need a permit, ground elevation, probably not.)