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Gentlemen,
I talked with a client last night about building a deck with a pit for a hot tub included. First off, how would you recommend pricing the deck? Would a dollar amount per sq. ft. be the best, or should I do a thorough material take-off, and then guess on hours spent for each phase? Secondly, who has or knows where I can get info for sizing the structural members for the hot tub? The home owner has not decided on a specific model yet, so that info is not available. Thanks.
Jon Blakemore
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Jon, Confused when you say pit. (top flush with deck) Is the deck at ground level or rasied (how high). You have to know how many gallons it holds and weight of the tub itself etc....size of deck....Not hard to do just requires a deck below a deck with good attention to structure. You will have more code requirements that will influence the design structure than limits. Get in contact with your permiting body and get the regulations too.
Please post this, then someone will be glad to help.
i You're bidding this but don't know this. What'z up, Doc. ?
*Jon,Did one of those sunken (top 18" a.f.f) hot tub decks and pretty much engineered the structure after calc. the weight of the tub w/occupants. The tub sat on a wolm. foundation that finished out about a foot above grade. Frost line and distance above ground will add a little more figuring. It had full deck on three sides with a cpl. ft. walkway at the yardside. Also, make some accomodations for installing and removing the tub or at least working on all the piping, pump and heater. Those tubs are heavy even empty and on occasion they need to be removed. Design your deck around the needs of installation and future service. Be able to unscrew the decking and probably the framing so none of the tub is trapped later on. Use joist hangers with screws into the joists so they can be removed without tearing apart that beautiful deck.All the bids I do, assume I'm gonna get it and therefore I do a complete material take off and plan though the construction for a labor takeoff. Add a little for the "oh yeah's", add a percentage to it all and you have the number. Unless you do a lot of em and they're all the same, a sq ft. price doesn't quite cut it for me. You might be able to give a spread knowing roughly what it will take, but then you still have to figure the material list when you get the job. Might as well do it now (if they're serious) while you're thinking about the project. Just a thought. Best of luck
*Hey Jon,Another thing. Don't forget the liability issue of the shallow pool you'll be putting in. Fence or rail with gate so nobody drowns. Lockable insulated lid for when not in use (an available accessory). Kids. Drunks walking backwards etc. should be thought of as to location and ht. above deck. Should you be questioned about this later, could blow the bid.And don't forget to add some time to fit those deck bds. to the tub. It's a nice chance to hack and whack or do a nice detail where that tub passes through the deck. You can contour cut around the irregular shaped tub and round over that edge. Leave a little air for drainage and she can look good. Also check the tub details as you might be cutting the access doors in two so half can be opened without deck removal. Some of the controls need regular access.
*A gallon of water weighs about 8 lbs.