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I have done some construction in the past (framing a house, built-in cabinets, etc.) and am fairly skilled in the craft. I want to build a relatively small (approx. 10×10) sitting deck off our second floor Master Bedroom. I would like to do it myself and feel confident about the cutting, screwing and nailing. But, I am a little concerned about the planning and engineering.
I will have to submit some kind of plans to our local permit office. In addition, I will need some help designing the footings (size & dimensions) as well as the posts and joists. Here’s my question (finally)… who do I call? Architect (sounds expensive)? Building contractor (they’re going to want to do the whole project)? Any suggestions?
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Mark, I don't know how homeowner-friendly your building department is, but here in Salt Lake City they have all kinds of hand-outs detailing the various requirements for common projects. They are also quite helpful with an informal plans-check before formal submission to point out any obvious errors. You might just want to go down and talk to the folks. After all, they (in theory) work for YOU!
*Me, I'd go to my local lumberyard. They'll design it for you, get you all the materials, deliver it, and answer any questions you have. I'd stay away from HD or Lowes; they'll do the same, but the "answers" might vary from one day to the next.
*Ditto the box stores. Here they don't even come close to meeting code at times. A good lumberyard may be of some help, a friendly building inspector would be the most reliable source....and the final word. You pay for the permit, where do you think that money goes, anyways?
*I'd go with Don & Mike's suggestion - contact your local building inspectors. Around here (Milwaukee, WI 'burbs)they have tables printed up that will give you post size info, span requirements for joists and beams and max allowable overhang.
*Go to your City planning department. They have all the info you need for free. The permit,if you apply for one, will be about 10% of the job.Bob
*You might also look for the deckbuilding book by Sunset (I'm sorry I don't have the exact details). The book, which I found several years ago in a library, has many good ideas and a large set of span tables in the back. If you get really stuck, drop me a private email.Jordan
*Wow! Thanks a bunch for all the responses. I've ordered the Sunset book and I'm off to the County building department tomorrow AM. Thanks for the help!
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I have done some construction in the past (framing a house, built-in cabinets, etc.) and am fairly skilled in the craft. I want to build a relatively small (approx. 10x10) sitting deck off our second floor Master Bedroom. I would like to do it myself and feel confident about the cutting, screwing and nailing. But, I am a little concerned about the planning and engineering.
I will have to submit some kind of plans to our local permit office. In addition, I will need some help designing the footings (size & dimensions) as well as the posts and joists. Here's my question (finally)... who do I call? Architect (sounds expensive)? Building contractor (they're going to want to do the whole project)? Any suggestions?