One of the most popular options available in the home improvement market when it comes to exterior renovations is deck installations. This venture is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your home, transforming its entire appearance and instilling an elegant facade with the entryway. Erecting this fixture, however, isn’t as straightforward as some people might think. A fixed deck represents a part of the house, and as such is subject to building codes and regulations designed to ensure the safety of the structure.
One of the primary requirements involved with constructing a deck is the acquisition of a building permit. Homeowners are required to apply for a decking permit before Deck Builders can commence construction. This is a major prerequisite in most states when it comes to fixed decks (i.e. decks that are directly connected to a residence), and is crucial when looking to enhance the return on investment (ROI) enjoyed from the addition.
When Do You Need a Permit for Your Decking Project?
It’s safe to assume that all fixed decks require a building permit to construct in a majority of regions across the country. There are some instances when an individual might not need to apply for a permit. If the deck is below 30 inches off the ground, isn’t directly connected to the house, and is less than 200 square feet, you might not need a permit. It should be noted that if your deck doesn’t meet all of these attributes, there’s a likelihood that it might still require a permit, even if it falls within the criteria of the remaining factors. Contacting a professional to confirm whether one needs a permit or not is advisable if one isn’t too sure about where they stand. The general rule of thumb stands that one should always assume they need a permit for their project unless they’re sure that they don’t. If your deck is 30 inches or more above the ground and is connected to the house, you definitely need a permit.
How to Apply for a Permit
Luckily, applying for a permit is a simple process that can be completed in under an hour if one has all of the necessary documents ready. Individuals can also have their Deck Builders apply for the permit on their behalf, with professionals generally having better luck with approval because of their experience. During the application process, individuals will be required to submit copies of their site plan, deck blueprints, and in some cases, elevation plans. The drawings submitted should be up to scale and adhere to all the guidelines and regulations related to building residential decks. It’s worth noting that even minimal mistakes will stand as grounds for the rejection of your request. The applicant will also be required to fill out a form with details related to the request and pay an application with the submission of the form and their documents. Depending on the region involved, the waiting time can take between one week to a month when waiting for a response.
We offer a wide variety of high-quality decking solutions and handle all permit requirements for our clients, so call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor!
