deckdetailers.com is a registered mark of Blinn Consulting & Design, Inc.

Gainesville, VA. 20155
blinncd@comcast.net 
703-754-8502

Quality, Cost, Service & Pride... We Get The Job Done Right!

Do It Yourself - Help Guide

Thank you for contacting deckdetailers.com for your product and design ideas. We hope your construction project will be an enjoyable experience. Being homeowners for many years, we know first hand what it is like to start and finish a home improvement project. The satisfaction and pride you feel when the project is done, knowing that "I did it myself". But as we all know, through the years of learning new skills, we have encountered those hard to tackle areas of "I'm not quite sure". Keeping this in mind, deckdetailers.com offers services to assist home-do-it-yourselfers in all stages of deck building. The first stages of construction are sometimes the biggest hurdles of all. Plan preparation, permits, understanding state and local codes and inspections. The following should guide you through the basics.

Plan Preparation

Every home is unique and that is why we are thoughtful in our design process. We offer options that work with the environment while catering to the needs and budget of our clients. Taking into consideration house features, yard slopes, landscaping and access to achieve an attractive outdoor environment. Please follow the layout plans provided by deckdetailers or contractor in conjunction with the local jurisdiction Typical Deck Detail in your preparation for plan submission and building permit application. Both of these drawing details should accompany each of the sets required for the application.

Click here to Contact Us to assist in your Design, Plan Preparation or project Bid Packages

Permit Application

*All applications for deck permits MUST BE accompanied by the following:
  • House Location Plat showing the location of the deck on the house. Dimenstions drawn from the deck perpendicular to the property line for setback verification
  • In Virginia Call Miss Utility (1-800-257-7777) so all utility lines can be locates. Miss Utility will give you a dig #.
  • 2 sets of detailed drawings of all structural member attachments and footings. 11"x17" sheets (all plans are subject to field inspections).

*Please note that Utility Marking may take a few days or week, These markings are only valid for limited time, usually just a couple of weeks before they either need to be remarked or renewed. Please consider the time your project will actually start and permits have been or will be obtained.

Permits

Permits and applications can be obtained at your County Permit Application Center/Office Of Building Code Services. Some jurisdictions may allow a one day walk-through review process while others may take up to a week or more to review and process any building permits. Please contact the appropriate county offices to determine their permits process, time frames and costs. This will help in you scheduling of events including Miss Utility, Excavation and Material delivery.

Codes

The Code Of Virginia The Code of Virginia requires that your home and any accessory structures on your property comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). By reviewing plans, issuing permits, and performing field inspections for improvement to your property, the County Inspections Office help you comply with the provisions of the law. The County is required to enforce the FUSCB, which incorporates by reference the Council of American Building Officials (CABO) One and Two Family Dweling Code. This code may be purchased from area bookstores and should be onsite for quick reference during construction.

Inspections

Once you have gone through the permit process and have approval for construction you must now take into consideration the timing for your inspections. Remember it may take a day or two on each of the inspections so allow for this when setting your schedule of events.
 
Inspections Required:
      *  Approved set of plans must be onsite at all times.
  • Footing Inspections: proper footing hole width, depth and bottom of hole soil bearing are inspected prior to concrete placement.
  • Framing Inspection: joist, beams, connections, and mechanical attachments are inspected prior to placement of decking on all ground level decks (below 4 ft).
  • Final Inspection: upon completion of all deck components.

Don't Forget

The last stage of deck construction actually comes after the deck has been built. Maintenance and adding a sealant. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, a sealant and waterproofing should be applied to the exposed wood surfaces. This will add many years of enjoyment from your deck. So take the time to inspect bolts (tighten as necessary) and nails or screws for secure fit. Sand rough areas ( railing cap and handrails on stairs ) and prepare surfaces by power washing if needed. Apply a generous coat of sealant. ENJOY!

Helpful Hints and Handy Tips

The most common reasons for rejection of inspections on the construction of a deck are:
  • Noncompliance with the approved plans or typical deck details
  • Soil material inadequate to provide minimum bearing capacity of the footing
  • The ledger board is not attached to approved material at the existing house wall
  • The ledger board attachement does not comply relative to bolt diamoter, spacing and tightening and/or flashing
  • Pre-manufacatured guardrail systems are improperly instlled
  • Guardrail posts are notched at connection
  • The variation in stair risers is greater than the code allowance
  • Stair stringer are overspanned
  • Corrosion-resistant nails and fasterners are not used in pressure treated material
  • Failure to provide an articial light source to illuminate the stairs

County websites links:

Prince William County: www.pwcgov.org
Loudoun County: www.loudoun.gov
Fauquier County: www.fauquiercounty.gov
Fairfax County: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/buildingpermits/

Virginia State website links:

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Developement: www.dhcd.virginia.gov/StateBuildingCodesandRegulations
ICC / International Code Council Website:
www.iccsafe.org/help/redirect-bocai

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