Thinking of expanding your deck? Good for you. This can be a simple but great way to expand your living space, enhance its aesthetics and create a small oasis of peace to enjoy with your family and friends. However, we suggest that before you begin this process, you first take into account some of the common mistakes that people make when expanding a deck, which you will want to avoid. Keep reading to gather useful information and avoid unfavorable situations when working on your deck.
1. Not following the deck construction code
The construction and expansion of the deck must always be carried out in the best possible way, in order to meet all standards of quality and safety. There are strict rules you want to follow in the process of expanding your deck, to ensure that the deck has optimal strength and will be completely safe to use.
If you do this work yourself, you can easily overlook some of the regulations and make a deck that does not meet all the necessary requirements. So we suggest you fast with your local permitting department and ask them for additional information on the deck building code, to make sure you have done everything in the best possible way and prevent anyone from getting injured.
2. Not checking the structural integrity of the original deck
Before you start work on expanding your deck, it is necessary to first deal with the original ones. This means that you should take the time to assess the structural integrity of the deck: whether it is in a preserved condition, or there is some damage that needs to be repaired. If this is the case, it is necessary to first remove all signs of damage before proceeding with expanding your deck. Pay attention to any signs of rot and cracking. Also, carefully inspect whether the deck is properly attached to the house or there are separations that need to be repaired.
Another thing that is important is to look at the pillars that support the deck and make sure they are stable and structurally preserved. While this is a tedious part of the job, it’s crucial to address it before moving on to expanding your deck to make sure the original deck is ready to get upgraded.
3. Doing it on your own if you don’t have necessary skills
And last, but not least, it is necessary to have certain skills, as well as to be dedicated enough if you want to do this task properly. If you choose to expand your deck yourself just to save money it can be a big mistake. Hiring professionals to do this job for you can be one of the best decisions you have made. You will save a lot of time and money, prevent frustration, and also ensure that the job is done in the best possible way. We suggest that you hire someone like Rowlett Decks & Patios, who is reliable and professional enough, and will do their best to make your deck dreams become a reality.
Conclusion
If you are considering expanding your deck, we suggest you avoid some of the most common mistakes we mentioned here and ensure that your new deck is stable, safe and provides you with maximum enjoyment along with your family and friends.
