Deck Repairs Would you accept?

[Robert J. OConnor]

I try to keep a consistent level of detail in reporting and providing recommendations concerning defects, even though I could go beyond that in some areas related to home construction.

I don't treat them like children, but I do try and word it in terms that the client can typically understand, but will also convey the problem and what needs to be done or evaluated by a specialist in a professional manner ...

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by roconnor

I try to keep a consistent level of detail in reporting and providing recommendations concerning defects, even though I could go beyond that in some areas related to home construction.

I don't treat them like children, but I do try and word it in terms that the client can typically understand, but will also convey the problem and what needs to be done or evaluated by a specialist in a professional manner ...

Do you talk that way also Robert......Just kidding.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by mcyr

True, but unfortunately, some would cross thread the darn thing and use a pair of vise-grips to put it on.

Isn't that the truth.
I am always surprised by how many get shocked that I can unscrew the thing with my fingers.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

I don't really see much of a problem with it. That strap is not carrying much of a vertical load, if any. The post 3' away is carrying the load, so there's just a little cantilever to the wall. Each joist should be toenailed to the girder so as long as the joists are securely attached to the wall at the other end, it's bolted and lagged to the rim at the left. How's it going to fail?

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by belliott

Do you talk that way also Robert ...

No ... but I'll try to keep it a little easier to understand just for you Bob ... also kidding ...

[Pete Campbell]

Can't say I have ever seen a wood deck around S FL with all our houses pretty much s.o.g.

That's one less thing to have to deal with, just like basements, boilers, oil and gas fueled appliances, etc.

Just wondering, do you guys in deck country charge extra for decks, and how do your price 'em?

That would definitely be an extra here, like a dock or seawall.

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by pcampbell

Just wondering, do you guys in deck country charge extra for decks, and how do your price 'em?

That would definitely be an extra here, like a dock or seawall.

Most decks are attached to the house. So for me the answer is "no" on charging an additional fee. Do you charge more for an attached garage?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

No extra charge. They don't take very long. More or less:

• Posts- bearing/ decay/ attachment at top and bottom/ diagonal bracing at the deck structure (often inadequate).
• General structure- framing condition and design/ hardware/ fasteners/ clearance from grade.
• Attachment to home- flashing/ hardware/ fasteners/ support methods.
• Stairs (typical concerns)
• Guardrails- support post attachment (often loose on older homes)/ height/ (code issues)- baluster spacing/ non-climbable design.
• Planking- general condition/ fasteners
• Finish coating (water should bead when it's sprayed)

Lots and lots of decks here. You get used to taking all this in pretty quickly unless you see something really unusual and have to spend extra time, but it's like that with all the home systems. That's why in Colorado, in addition to our regular fee, we demand 10% of the cost of any repairs from any defect we catch... (only kidding).