Decking Planning and Local Building Codes
Decking Planning and Local Building Codes
Careful planning is required when building a deck. In order to create a structure pleasing to the eye which also fits your house, materials, structural elements and aesthetics must be given some thought. Here are some tips to help you tackle design issues.
A realistic budget
We all have to consider our budget before we begin any project. We have to take into account the cost of the materials, of the tools and of the accessories but we also have to carefully choose the area in which the deck will be built. If the budget doesn’t allow you to carry out your plan about building the deck you desire, you can always divide the task into phases. The benefits of this approach may come in the form of new ideas regarding expansions over the course of time. The best part is that you can take it slowly and you don’t have to buy all the materials at the beginning of the project.
Include your whole property into your plans
Aside from the practical purposes, you also have to take into consideration the visual line of the house and garden or the space under the deck. Your deck will influence your surroundings depending on what type it is. If it is a raised deck, there will be cooler temperatures inside and deeper shade below. It’s up to you to manage that space.
Sense of proportion
Proportion is also an important factor. A deck on a grand scale only fits a large home and plenty of land and it is out of place when built on a small house. It’s the same thing in the case of a small deckb built on a large house. The best solution is to build a deck that fulfills both its practical and aesthetic purposes.
Practical shape
The best decks have a familiar geometric shape such as: rectangle, square, circle, hexagon. Asymmetrical shapes are to be avoided because they are rather difficult to build, may be more expensive and sometimes may not be pleasing to the eye.
Consistent style
You should choose materials which match the style of your house. You have to take into consideration the color, the style and the construction of your house in order to achieve an armonious balance between the deck and your house.
Integration with the garden and the yard
By inserting planting areas into the design, you can extend the visual area of a ground level deck and also lower construction cost.
Stability
It is extremely important to ensure that the ground upon which the deck is going to be built is stable. It may be better to consult a professional regarding this issue.
Objectives in mind
When designing your deck, your must have some objectives in mind. For example, you have to decide whether the area is large enough to include others things as a table, chairs, a grill, etc.
Accessories
You have to pay attention to the accessories. Depending on the climate, you may want to install an awning or screen your deck in case of mosquitos, etc.
Get permits, make sure your deck plan is to code
Before beginning the construction, first obtain the necessary permits from the city and county building departments. It may also be necessary to get persmission from your homeowner’s association and comply with applicable deed restrictions.