Most states have a set of regulations that homeowners are expected to comply with for their deck to be considered legal and above board. Although some of these rules differ from state to state, a few common guidelines Deck Builders need to focus on include:
Applying for a Permit
A majority of states around the country require homeowners to apply for a building permit before they can commence their decking project. Only after the provision of this permit is work allowed to legally take place. These permits are generally retrieved from the local building authorities and can take between two to four weeks depending on the region.
Installing Suitable Railing
All decks that are 30 inches or above the ground must have a railing installed with your extension. This safety precaution is non-negotiable and is a necessity in all states. In most cases, the railing should be at least 36 inches from the bottom of the decking surface to the top of the railing.
Free Areas of Egress
Another common deck-building regulation found in all states is the need to ensure that the extension doesn’t block any potential areas of egress with its introduction. This can include basement windows and trapdoors leading to the outside. Hiring a professional ensures that you comply with all decking regulations, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
