Fall Project Ideas: Building an Elevated Deck at Home
The expansion of your living spaces may include the outdoors. One of the reasons for this is to enhance the value of your home, as it adds more functional possibilities. Building a deck can offer your home an additional boost in appeal as it has become the hottest trend in the home-buying market. Apart from that, attaching a deck to the house can make it seem larger. But decks come in different designs depending on several factors. So, here are quick ideas that can help you decide in building an elevated deck at home during the fall. What is an Elevated Deck? Elevated decks are those raised off the ground and usually consist of floorboards that are supported by joists underneath. The height of the deck should depend on the design of your home. Note that a house having a main living area at the ground level could have a deck raised up. This is to meet the threshold of the back door or about 2 feet in height. Building an Elevated Deck at Home Starting a new project at home can also be so much fun particularly on building an elevated deck. That way you can express your design aesthetic using natural or composite materials. You can pick from a dozen options from exotic hardwood to rustic pine, from simple to complex geometric designs. Aside from increasing the space of your outdoor space, it can also add to its value. If you are considering selling the space, the added curb appeal will help you sell it faster. In fact, a deck can offer a 100% return on value according to experts. Here are some quick tips on how to prep home spaces when building a deck. Create a plan and make considerations based on local building requirements. Layout the footings and attach the ledger. Dig holes for footings and pour concrete. Apply to plumb and brace the posts. Build beams above the posts. Install the joists and then surround them with the rim board. Install the railing posts before installing the decking. Install the decking parallel to the house. Find the footings for the stair landings and then set them in the concrete. Frame the stairs next. Install the railing with a composite or PVC railing kit or a wood railing. This can be quite fun to consider when you are determined to do it on your own. In fact, you may be able to do this using your DIY experience, but still, you need to be careful and use reliable tools. Remember that you are building a well-built elevated deck to add to your outdoor space the visual appeal that it needs and not the other way around. You simply must ensure that your project is well laid out. So, you need to have your outdoor space inspected before starting your project. Hiring a deck inspector is a good choice if you want to make your project worthwhile. Building an elevated deck simply requires focus and a proper set of skills to get the job done. Of course, there is nothing wrong with doing projects by yourself. But if you are uncertain, you should hire a professional to do it for you. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Signs You Might Need To Hire Deck Inspectors
Decks at home extend your living room and/or kitchen while adding value to your property. Decks are now a place where family and friends gather, entertain, and relax while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. But did you know that about 50 to 60% of decks in America are not safe? An estimation of more than 6,000 people suffer from deck-related accidents each year. And a collapsed deck is the last thing you would want to happen. Regular deck inspections can save you a lot of trouble. Your deck at home may look sturdy, but cracks, insect damages, railing issues, or raised boards are something that you easily notice. All these are detectable and addressable by professional deck inspectors. What is a Deck Inspector? Deck inspectors are certified professionals who perform and write deck inspection reports for residential and commercial properties. A deck inspector will perform a standardized deck inspection to identify issues and defects. It is also the inspector’s job to make sure that deck components like bolts, connectors, and fasteners are in good shape and not rusted. You also get inspections of cracks, mold exposure, loose railings, and insect damage. An experienced deck inspector will ensure your home deck meets required and current building codes. In California, a new balcony law is specifically for condominiums or any building with 3 or more multi-family dwelling units with residential owners. SB 326 requires exterior elevated elements that are at least 6 feet off the ground like decks, porches, walkways, and stairways to be inspected by architects, engineers, or qualified deck inspectors to ensure these structures are safe for occupancy and loads. Inspection must be done before January 01, 2025. Meanwhile, the SB 721 law is applicable for all apartment buildings in California with structures 6 feet above the ground and must be inspected by a qualified inspector until January 01, 2025. Any issues found during the inspection should be done within 180 days. Failure to comply within the 30 days notification can lead to a hefty civic penalty. Hiring a professional will keep you aware of the hazards that are responsible for several fatal injuries each year. Regular deck inspections are your responsibility as a homeowner or as a landlord to provide your family or tenants with a safe place to live. Signs You Need To Hire Deck Inspectors You need to get in touch with the professionals at deck inspectors if you notice the following signs: If footings are sinking or cracking When you notice erosion around the wood or concrete footings When you notice water pooling under your deck or porch If deck boards crack When you notice that posts and wooden beams begin to rot If railings show signs of deterioration If your home deck’s last inspection was years ago Prevention is better than cure and deck inspectors can help you prevent fatal injuries and penalties through their thorough and well-documented reports. Do not wait for accidents to happen and let deck inspectors prevent future problems. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Prepare Your Deck for Labor Day Weekend with Deck Inspection Services
Labor Day falls on September 05th this year. As early as today, many are already starting to plan their long weekend with family and friends. There is no better way to honor the achievements of American workers than enjoy good food and share a good laugh on your deck. With 30 days left, there is still time to prepare your deck before you all gather for that barbeque weekend. Whether it is an intimate or grand gathering, getting professional deck inspection services will ensure your deck is in top shape and ready for the fun weekend. Why Might Deck Inspection Services Be Helpful? As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to provide your family with a safe and comfortable place. However, most homeowners may have overlooked signs like missing fasteners, cracks, mold, and other manifestations of safety issues. As the holiday approaches, it is best to have your decks inspected for minor or major issues to be addressed before something fatal happens. This way, you can focus your time and energy on the food, music, and activities that everyone can enjoy. Deck inspection services also are a great way to make sure that your exterior structures are law compliant as per California law and standards. Doing so will spare you and everyone else from unexpected deck-related mishaps that will ruin the celebration and your finances. Labor Day Weekend Deck Party Checklist Foremost, ensure your deck railings are secure and stable by giving them a good shake. Does it wiggle? Are the balusters missing? If you see signs or if you feel that the deck is unstable, contact your reputable deck inspection services company for quick repair. Now, it is time to make prepare your music playlist to set the vibe. Whether you prefer retro, R & B, country, hip hop, or any other genre, the choice is yours. It is time to celebrate, and no party is complete without good food. Being unofficially called the last cookout for the summer, it should be grand and sumptuous. Prepare that family BBQ recipe, refreshing cocktails, Labor Day desserts, and side dishes. Talk to your family about the food and dishes that they love so you can have everything prepped before the big day. Search the Internet for easy yet creative food recipes that will add flare to your usual and classic food recipes. Get your furniture and deck ready by giving them a good wash. Do this a week or few days before the big day. Give your cushions thorough vacuuming, the deck a good spray washing, and furniture good scrub. You do not want your guests to be sitting on dusty-covered seats and gather on a deck covered with leaves. Lastly, get fuel for your grill. After all the preparations on good tunes and making a list of what to cook, you do not want to end up disappointed because there is no fuel-ready to cook your hotdogs, patties, or steak. Take advantage of your deck inspection services as we have everything that you need to secure your decks, patios, and porches. Ready for your next deck inspection? Get in contact with our experts today! Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Is Your Apartment Deck Up To Code?
Most homeowners prefer to have decks where people can get together, enjoy a BBQ, or just relax outdoors. However, thousands of people suffer each year from collapsing decks. Poorly constructed or maintained decks result in tragic accidents. Regardless of the size of your deck, it must be in line with current safety codes. If you are in California it is important to know the State’s apartment deck code to ensure safety. California Apartment Deck Code to be Aware Of The tragic death involving 6 Berkeley students due to a collapsed balcony pushed the realization of SB 721 or the Balcony Inspection Bill. Signed by Governor Brown in 2018, the bill requires an inspection for apartment buildings with three or more units performed by a licensed professional. SB 721 took effect last January 1, 2019, and it requires testing and inspection by January 1, 2025. Apartment deck inspections must happen every 6 years on wood structures that are more than 6 feet off the ground. If inspectors find conditions that pose threat to the occupants, they will notify the apartment owner within 15 days. Emergency repairs must happen immediately while non-emergency repairs can happen within 180 days. Local law enforcement must be aware of poor conditions. SB 721 also grants the local enforcement authorities to penalize property owners who fail to comply in time. For non-emergency repairs, owners must apply for a repair permit within 120 days from the day of the report. The owner has another 120 days to carry out the necessary repair from the day of permit approval. Meanwhile, emergency repairs must start immediately. How Do I Know If I’m Up To Code? Doing a simple visual inspection is not enough to determine if your apartment deck is code compliant. Get in touch with a professional inspector or certified contractor for help. Professional deck inspectors are the best people to assess the status of your apartment deck. A reputable deck inspector can advise you of any damage and repairs needed. A professional deck inspector can also double-check if your apartment deck meets the current building codes. With the knowledge and skills to conduct general deck inspections, you are assured of getting the right recommendations before an issue gets out of control. If you have just moved to a new property or your deck is more than five years old, it is recommended to conduct a general inspection. Do not let unnoticed issues cause horrific disasters and block your view of that beautiful view while soaking up the sunshine. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Where to Find the Best Deck Inspection Services in California
Thousands of properties in the state of California are designed with decks or porches. A deck can provide an added space where you can entertain guests or enjoy the outdoors in warmer weather. It gives more beauty and value, making it a smart investment. However, deck structures endure weather elements like rain, which over time can cause structural damage. Decks made of wood are more susceptible to rotting, warping, cracking, and collapsing. In the United States, deck-related accidents cause about 45,000 accidents each year. When moving to a new property or if the deck is around five years old, it is crucial to hire professional services. This will help spot any issues before they get out of hand. Signs of a Reliable Deck Inspection Company Regular deck inspections make it easier to identify safety and repair issues that can lead to bigger problems. But with so many companies offering deck inspection services, choosing the right contractor to work for can be a challenge. Looking for the best deck inspector is critical to the safety and general wellness of all who frequently access your deck. And if you know the factors to consider when choosing the right deck inspector, the selection process quickens. Foremost, the best way to know that a deck inspection company is trustworthy is by conducting research. The Internet is a good source of information for the best names in the industry. Deck inspection companies have websites showcasing their certifications, qualifications, and documentation of their works. In addition, past customer experiences are also publicly posted to evaluate their abilities and quality of work. The organization should have the necessary licenses and certifications to operate. Along with this, the company should have a physical address that you can verify. Talk to company associates to gain information on how they operate and have an idea of their services and policies. A reliable deck inspection company knows how to communicate with its clients. Happy clients are the core of every business for free recommendations and promotions. If deck inspection services have strong relationships with their customers, they should have testimonials to show for it. Being able to clearly communicate with their clients will help come up with better solutions to whatever deck issues you may have. Deck Inspectors of Southern California Now that decks, stairways, and balcony inspections are a requirement in California, book your deck inspections with Deck Inspectors of Southern California. With Deck Inspectors, you will get detailed reports and photo documentation from a certified inspector. Whether it involves structural repairs like reinforcing railings, resealing, or resurfacing, our company is here to help you save your property plus your wallet from hefty fines. From maintenance services to waterproofing services like leak identifications and repairs on walkways, parking garages, balconies, and waterproof decks, we are the true experts. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
How to Prepare for Building an Elevated Deck
No matter how small or big your home is, a deck adds value and functionality to your home. If you love entertaining and the outdoors, extending your living space by building an elevated deck is a great investment. But before undertaking a deck building project, it is necessary to have the necessary tools, skills, and equipment needed. Hence, professional assistance is key for efficiency, quality, design and warranty options, planning, and proper compliance with permits. What is an Elevated Deck? Industry trends show that more homeowners are now ready to add decks to their properties. What used to be a luxury is now possible for every homeowner thanks to innovative construction technologies. Elevated decks are platforms, inches above the ground, that attach to the house. It can be made of concrete, metal, or wood material. Elevated decks also come in an array of styles and uses. For example, the space under your deck can be an outdoor storage space or a shaded seating area. But elevated decks and porches have added safety measures to prevent falling, breaking down and rotting, and other hazards. But regardless if building an elevated deck or not, every structure should meet local and standard building codes. Preparing For Building an Elevated Deck Planning permission is the fundamental step when building an elevated deck that is 11 inches above the ground or higher. Similarly, planning permission is mandatory if the size of the deck covers more than half your garden area. Seeking out planning permission cannot be skipped otherwise you will need to stop and destroy the constructed deck and rebuild which can be a waste of money and time. Then, you will need to start searching for the best deck builders or installers in your area. You should consider a deck builder or contractor that has been around for years. It would be wise to ask for references from your circle that has had first-hand satisfactory experience in the past. Or you might want to check websites, ads, social media, or bulletin boards in your community to get information about reputable deck builders. Once you have found the right company or builder and have agreed on building an elevated deck, the contractor will prepare the deck site before construction begins like cover the soil (depending on the height of the deck), stopping weeds, layout the shape of the deck while ensuring there are no underground services, dig holes for footings and piers, prepare the soil, and more before actual building starts. The completion of your elevated deck is just the beginning. There is another essential task you need to carry out at least every two years, to have it inspected by pros. Reach out to creditable and qualified deck inspectors to check any damage, make sure your deck still conforms with current local building codes, and avoid hefty state fines. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
What Kind Of Deck Inspections Do California Residents Need?
Decks, porches, and patios provide extended functional spaces to thousands of homeowners in California. While these add beauty and value to properties, many owners overlooked the importance of deck inspections to maintain safety. Many accidents like failed railings, slips, and falls have resulted in severe injuries and traumatic loss of life. Decks are a place for family and friends to gather, entertain, and relax. So, they need regular inspections to ensure they are strong, safe, and durable. Why Do We Need Deck Inspections? Exterior structures like decks are exposed to elements that cause cracks, rotting, and other damages. Whilst these decks follow local building codes, they do wear and tear over time. Being a heavily-used area at home, regular deck maintenance will detect conditions that pose hazards to the occupants. Deck inspections help prevent stair problems, railing breakages, or possible collapses. Lastly, this will save money from costly repair and more importantly save lives. California Balcony Inspections Law In California, the state requires periodic deck inspections on properties with balconies, decks, porches, or patios. The requirements may vary by the type of building and elevated space you have. The recent signing of Senate Bill 721 and Senate Bill 326 raised a lot of concerns about the new inspection requirements. The below details will give an idea as to what the new laws entail. Senate Bill 326 SB 326 requires all multi-family, HOA (Homeowners Association), and condo units to have EEE inspections. An apartment that is going through condominium conversions needs an inspection before the first close of escrow. Deck inspections for exterior elevated elements under SB 326 can only be done by a licensed architect or structural engineer. The first inspection must happen before or on January 1, 2025, and subsequent inspections happen once every nine years. Senate Bill 721s The new state law requires all buildings in California with three or more multifamily residential units to have their exterior elevated elements such as porches, balconies, stairways, decks, and walkways. Any structure designed for human occupancy with entry structures that extend beyond the exterior walls of the building, and with an elevated walking surface of at least 6 feet above the ground must comply with the new law. The initial inspection will be on the first of January 2025 and with regular deck inspections every 6 years. A licensed architect, structural or civil engineer, certified building inspector, or licensed contractor holding A, B, or C-5 license qualifications with at least 5 years of experience constructing multistory wood frame buildings can complete the inspection. The minimum inspection includes the condition of waterproofing elements, the condition of load-bearing components, and the evaluation of projected service life and future performance. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Get Your SB 326 Inspection Done Before the Summer
California has one of the best summers in the United States. So, you need to get your home ready for the summer ahead of time. As a homeowner, it’s also your responsibility to get an SB 326 inspection for elevated surfaces 6ft off the ground. Here’s what you need to know about it: What is an SB 326 inspection? On August 30, 2019, Senate Bill No. 326 (SB 326) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This law requires the inspection of all condominiums or multi-family housing under the control of residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs). This law ensures the safety and structural integrity of condominium decks, balconies, stairways, walkways, and railings. It also covers other structures that are more than 6’ off the ground. The first SB 326 inspection of a property should be completed no later than January 1, 2025, and every 9 years (or less) thereafter. Why do you need to have an inspection before summer? Your balcony or deck gets the most use during the summer since the weather is warm and sunny. Here, you’ll get to organize barbeque parties with friends and family or just enjoy the good weather. So, if you are to get an SB 326 inspection, it must be before the summer season begins. Make this a part of preparing your home for the sunny days ahead. With an inspection, you get to ensure that your balcony is safe enough for people, which will help give you peace of mind. What do you need to know about SB 326 deck inspectors? With the law requiring an inspection of all exterior elevated elements, you need to work with a licensed deck inspector. These professionals know exactly what to look for to ensure that your deck or balcony is up to code and create a report indicating that your exterior elevated element is safe. According to the law, any elevated structure supporting weight with wood supporting structures should get a professional inspection. This includes decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and other entry structures that are more than 6 feet above ground level. The SB 326 inspection should only be done by a certified professional like Deck Inspectors experts. Get Your Inspection Now! Although the law gives property owners a couple of years to get their initial inspection, it’s best to have your SB 326 inspection now. This will not only give you peace of mind knowing that you’re compliant with the law, but it will also help you ensure the safety of your family. Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Get Your Deck Summer Ready with Wood Deck Waterproofing
Summer is a special time when the sun is extra sunny, the weather is extra fine, and people are eager to get outside. As a homeowner, this is also the perfect time to give your house much-needed upkeep and makeover. Especially those areas that get exposed to the elements the most, one of which is your deck. Why summer is the perfect time for deck upkeep Your wood deck takes the worst beating from the elements and weather changes throughout the year. When summer comes, your deck sees a lot of parties, gatherings, and weekend fun. The extra weight, water exposure, and other factors can cause serious damage to your deck’s integrity. Therefore, it’s critical to invest in wood deck waterproofing and other deck maintenance before the season starts. What you need to know about wood deck waterproofing Wood deck waterproofing is such a smart investment if you want to keep your deck in good shape for a long time. Investing in waterproofing will preserve the integrity of your deck, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Ignoring wood deck waterproofing, on the other hand, could lead to some serious—and costly—problems in the future. For one, you might need a complete deck rebuild or restoration if the damage becomes extensive. Your deck may also become unsafe for use. Safety concerns can come with fines if inspectors find that it’s not up to code. With wood deck waterproofing, you get to protect your deck from the elements, especially water, by providing a protective surface. You also get to choose different sealants and coats depending on the type of wood used in your deck and the level of protection that you want for it. Hiring the professionals in wood deck waterproofing You might be tempted to make this into a DIY project. However, wood deck waterproofing is something that should be left to professionals. When you hire waterproofing experts, you can guarantee that every inch of your deck will be treated properly. So, there’s very minimal chance of damage even if your deck is constantly exposed to water and sunlight. You also get to cut the time it takes to waterproof your deck. Experts have the tools and experience needed for efficiency. That also means you get to avoid costly errors that could possibly cause more damage to your deck. So, before the summer months begin, make sure that you get in touch with Deck Inspectors! Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
Preparing for the New Year: SB 721 Inspection Addition
2020 has brought some challenges in people’s lives. But the coming year 2021 will surely bring hope and endless opportunities for improvement. The best wat to start off on the right foot is by starting off early! it is important to note that buildings or apartments are subject for SB 721 Inspection under the building standards code of California. The addition of the current Senate Bill No. 721 will require the inspection of exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements for decks and balconies, also meaning that the SB 721 Inspection will require the landlord to enter the dwelling to make necessary repairs and to comply with the requirements stated in the Senate Bill. As a landlord, you are required to abide by this bill to determine any condition that will pose immediate hazard to the health and safety of the occupants. For load-bearing components in buildings or apartments, the SB 721 Inspection will also require the landlord to ensure that these are in generally safe condition, adequate working order, and free from any hazard. Tenants are also required to report any hazardous condition in their rental property to get proper attention from licensed architects, civil or structural engineers, or building contractors at the soonest possible time. To learn more about the SB 721 Inspection, click here and get redirected to our health and safety code section Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon