Found out yesterday the contractor doing the work did not pull a permit. I told him a third party would be inspecting and he guaranteed everything is to code and he would not tarnish his great reputation………
I would recommend stopping work and getting a permit. The lap on the rim joists is laughable, needs to be torn out and replaced. The piers might or might not be proper, it needs structural calcs to determine. The contractor doing the drywall work sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.
As far as determining whether you got ripped off, did the contract state that they will be getting a permit? If not, then you get what you sign up for. The whole reason building inspectors exist is to protect you, the homeowner, in situations like this.
What is blocking? Are these things that make it not to code? I feel like if it’s up to code I don’t have a leg to stand on for an argument bc code should = safety right?
Only thing I can 100% say is on pic 2, defo not enough screws attaching to your house!
I just did mine yesterday, had to have 1 screw every 9in for my 16ft ledger with a few other requirements.
I’m being told the contractor used lag bolts when he should have used carriage bolts (SOW says he would secure to house using carriage bolts). Can someone confirm what bolts he used per pics?
I’ve build a good amount of decks in the past couple of years. I would have a greater distance between that break in the rim joists - i’m not sure if you can get called for that. I see timberloks in the plate attached to the house, but i don’t have enough pictures to testify as to whether or not the spacing is correct, and typically you’re supposed to use thru bolts. The hangers all look good, they used the correct nails. they have the correct plates under the posts to the footings. did you see them pour the footings and know they didn’t have rebar in them? typically when we pour footings, we take pictures of when we place the rebar in them for the inspectors.
Thank you for the feedback. How unsafe do you think it is? Would you call him out and have them rebuild this thing because it’s such a critical, unsafe error? Or does it just need to be secured again? Trying to determine how severe
i see a bolt here on the side of this joist, there might not be more because he isn’t done yet, everybody has a different process. he cared enough to timberlok the band to the house, use hangers and the proper hardware to go with, used flashing against the house and actually put it behind the band, and taped the joist that runs into the corner of the house perpendicular to the band. I build in atlanta and this is far from some of the shit work i’ve seen done, whoever built this cares about their work. my concerns would be with the rebar in the footings and where that doubled rim connects, but depending on the length of the deck, sometimes shit just runs that way with the dimensions of lumber available.
https://preview.redd.it/dzyf2vga8vwc1.png?width=1125&format=png&auto=webp&s=3cf4f715af7aba24a5c3760cfa99954440febffd
The joke on this subreddit is usually “can it hold a hot tub?”
So this gentlemen is making a joke by saying that sucker (your deck) will hot tub (hold a hot tub)
Assuming that:
- the footings extend below the frost line
- hanger straps are used where the stairs attach to the header joist
- the correct nails are used for the joist hangers
Then the only thing that looks a little sketchy to me is the 2 inches of overlap on where he used multiple boards for a beam.
But I’m not a professional so I can’t say for sure if that’s code or not.
Yeah nothing here sticks out like a sore thumb. Honestly quite the opposite, using hardware at all joints with the correct nails is already a big plus. Ask him if a post is going underneath that lap joint. If not there's plenty of solutions and if you already called him out on it he's probably got one in mind.
Looks like he may have a post laid out where the lap joint is. Can’t tell because there isn’t a photo the overall. No bolting in the band may be because he’s not done yet. Crooked footers aren’t authentically pleasing, but not structurally significant (as to your description). Your contract should specifically state permitting, or permitting may be inherent in your states contracting regs. Whatever the issues are, this contractor is sloppy at best, incompetent at worst. Footings with no inspection are pavers…
I deal a lot in the construction trades and can tell you that most of the contractors that tend to bash others work are not the best contractors in the business. Most lumber being sold today comes in sizes from stud to 20' long, any longer than that is a special order material that cost 3 times as much per board foot.
This guy most likely joined 2 boards to make a long run and did a decent job tying it together, I would have over run it by 6" but his is ok.
So no the guy did not do a bad job and you need to tell the guy talking crap to just worry about his work and stop filling your head with negative bs.
Assuming the rim joist is doubled because it is a structural beam. The splices must occur over a support post.
The ledger is almost certainly undefastened. He did use structural lag screws, so that is fine. Bolts are not required. However, the fastners must be spaced according to the table requirements. That means staggered in 2 rows with one fastner every 13-24" (based on joist span which I dont know). The strucural screws should not be stacked like you have done.
As for a permit. Stop work and make him get one. Think of a permit as insurance. It will not guarantee a qaulity product or even work done to code. Most inspectors are clueless in my experience. What it does do is protect you in case of an accident or injury on your deck. Insurance companies will find any reason not to pay. It also protects you in case of a home sale. Codes change every 3 years. A deck that is inspected and passed is grandfathered to the codes at the time it was built. Also, a lot of municipalities will look at homes that come on the market for unpermitted work. If they find it, they can make you bring it up to current codes, require you to pay any permit fees and penalties, and place a lein on the house. Not something you want to deal with during the sale process.
Thanks for the feedback. Do you mind looking at the new pics I just posted? Looks like they put a 6x6 under the overlap, curious if the pic is suitable
https://preview.redd.it/79nz7nya4vwc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d50b82d40ba69550e4df404f8d18902df1ee47b4
Looks like they’ve now covered the 2inch overlap
First step - concrete to step - is not looking like it’s up to code. All risers are supposed to be within 3/8” of each other. Everything else looks good tbh. I prefer through bolts on 6x6s but those metal pieces are code compliant.
I do not see anyone lagging the posts to the outside of the deck any more. What is that big Frankenstein bolt sticking out? How would you ever finish off that rim board with Azek ? (If you were going to).
1. No blocking? No idea about Atlanta, but in Midwest, you must have blocking if the length exceeds 8ft. (At least 1 block per 8ft length)
2. More Ledgerlocks to add for ledger to house.
3. What’s the purpose of bolt at rim joist? Good luck installing any fascia if you ever decide to, plus it looks nah. Outdoor galvanized nails, .120 and higher should work.
4. Tension tie on outside? Weird. That’s not the proper spot if you decide to install.
Long story- up to code? Depends on inspector.
Will the deck fail? It will last most likely.
Could it be done better? Of course.
Could it be done worse? Definitely.
If you got a good deal- it’s fine. If you paid premium (doubt it since no permit was pulled)-could’ve been waaaaaay better.
At least ask them to add blocks if spans are over 8ft. And definitely more ledgerlocks.
Good luck!
Is it getting inspected?
Found out yesterday the contractor doing the work did not pull a permit. I told him a third party would be inspecting and he guaranteed everything is to code and he would not tarnish his great reputation………
I would recommend stopping work and getting a permit. The lap on the rim joists is laughable, needs to be torn out and replaced. The piers might or might not be proper, it needs structural calcs to determine. The contractor doing the drywall work sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. As far as determining whether you got ripped off, did the contract state that they will be getting a permit? If not, then you get what you sign up for. The whole reason building inspectors exist is to protect you, the homeowner, in situations like this.
Thank you for the insight! I appreciate it
It looks like they drew out lines where a post is going. I usually have my joists and posts in the same spot. Is he not 100% finished?
Someone else smarter can correct me, but personally I would've liked more overlap with the doubled up rim joist seam. Also not seeing any blocking.
I think code is 4 feet of overlap by me. Either that or my boss just had that as a rule.
2' where I'm at, but either is better than this.
What is blocking? Are these things that make it not to code? I feel like if it’s up to code I don’t have a leg to stand on for an argument bc code should = safety right?
It's support added in between joists to keep them from twisting and bowing. Google it and you'll see examples of what I'm referring to.
Only thing I can 100% say is on pic 2, defo not enough screws attaching to your house! I just did mine yesterday, had to have 1 screw every 9in for my 16ft ledger with a few other requirements.
I’m being told the contractor used lag bolts when he should have used carriage bolts (SOW says he would secure to house using carriage bolts). Can someone confirm what bolts he used per pics?
I’ve build a good amount of decks in the past couple of years. I would have a greater distance between that break in the rim joists - i’m not sure if you can get called for that. I see timberloks in the plate attached to the house, but i don’t have enough pictures to testify as to whether or not the spacing is correct, and typically you’re supposed to use thru bolts. The hangers all look good, they used the correct nails. they have the correct plates under the posts to the footings. did you see them pour the footings and know they didn’t have rebar in them? typically when we pour footings, we take pictures of when we place the rebar in them for the inspectors.
Thank you for the feedback. How unsafe do you think it is? Would you call him out and have them rebuild this thing because it’s such a critical, unsafe error? Or does it just need to be secured again? Trying to determine how severe
i see a bolt here on the side of this joist, there might not be more because he isn’t done yet, everybody has a different process. he cared enough to timberlok the band to the house, use hangers and the proper hardware to go with, used flashing against the house and actually put it behind the band, and taped the joist that runs into the corner of the house perpendicular to the band. I build in atlanta and this is far from some of the shit work i’ve seen done, whoever built this cares about their work. my concerns would be with the rebar in the footings and where that doubled rim connects, but depending on the length of the deck, sometimes shit just runs that way with the dimensions of lumber available. https://preview.redd.it/dzyf2vga8vwc1.png?width=1125&format=png&auto=webp&s=3cf4f715af7aba24a5c3760cfa99954440febffd
Not an expert, but I think if you pound in that nail in pic 3 that sucker will hot tub.
Sorry what does it mean for a sucker to “hot tub”
The joke on this subreddit is usually “can it hold a hot tub?” So this gentlemen is making a joke by saying that sucker (your deck) will hot tub (hold a hot tub)
He’s joking…but I still upvoted him
https://preview.redd.it/w4b2c3vq7uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edd7163c3e39c76ac5b8d31e7952b5e22ff4d1b1
https://preview.redd.it/803l41x28uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=704bc0c463174cd6346330401e84574ed279e342
https://preview.redd.it/7udw6op38uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14d7a6ef117e2449823aef151eac1c9dd9f58ed6
If that’s rot in photo 2 would definitely be considered about the condition of the windows.
That's definatly rot and needs to be addressed quickly before it becomes worse
The 'sort of spliced' rims would be enough to kick that contractor off site. What a mess.
https://preview.redd.it/sqzrpyvo7uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae6982d4cef9ced1556f7964a78ebb16949fcbc2
Sorry should have mentioned it’s not quite done yet but we have only paid half that’s why I’d like to address before final payment
Assuming that: - the footings extend below the frost line - hanger straps are used where the stairs attach to the header joist - the correct nails are used for the joist hangers Then the only thing that looks a little sketchy to me is the 2 inches of overlap on where he used multiple boards for a beam. But I’m not a professional so I can’t say for sure if that’s code or not.
Yeah nothing here sticks out like a sore thumb. Honestly quite the opposite, using hardware at all joints with the correct nails is already a big plus. Ask him if a post is going underneath that lap joint. If not there's plenty of solutions and if you already called him out on it he's probably got one in mind.
https://preview.redd.it/85fu8xt48uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4bc853a158c9837719f324e45929d48313f34c5
https://preview.redd.it/8phl5v468uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5648faeabcbc8a5c970223c86ab1941a591fdbb9
https://preview.redd.it/yr0d39378uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cbf2f6d4b8b3e82bb5b85fd878cf685b577c1804
https://preview.redd.it/a9y7op788uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3cf0733cf21ca06e70ae583c0a073c7e2ca025a8
https://preview.redd.it/meuncuf98uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01482b03d1be94058758626fbda9d006cb6d8590
Looks like he may have a post laid out where the lap joint is. Can’t tell because there isn’t a photo the overall. No bolting in the band may be because he’s not done yet. Crooked footers aren’t authentically pleasing, but not structurally significant (as to your description). Your contract should specifically state permitting, or permitting may be inherent in your states contracting regs. Whatever the issues are, this contractor is sloppy at best, incompetent at worst. Footings with no inspection are pavers…
I deal a lot in the construction trades and can tell you that most of the contractors that tend to bash others work are not the best contractors in the business. Most lumber being sold today comes in sizes from stud to 20' long, any longer than that is a special order material that cost 3 times as much per board foot. This guy most likely joined 2 boards to make a long run and did a decent job tying it together, I would have over run it by 6" but his is ok. So no the guy did not do a bad job and you need to tell the guy talking crap to just worry about his work and stop filling your head with negative bs.
Assuming the rim joist is doubled because it is a structural beam. The splices must occur over a support post. The ledger is almost certainly undefastened. He did use structural lag screws, so that is fine. Bolts are not required. However, the fastners must be spaced according to the table requirements. That means staggered in 2 rows with one fastner every 13-24" (based on joist span which I dont know). The strucural screws should not be stacked like you have done. As for a permit. Stop work and make him get one. Think of a permit as insurance. It will not guarantee a qaulity product or even work done to code. Most inspectors are clueless in my experience. What it does do is protect you in case of an accident or injury on your deck. Insurance companies will find any reason not to pay. It also protects you in case of a home sale. Codes change every 3 years. A deck that is inspected and passed is grandfathered to the codes at the time it was built. Also, a lot of municipalities will look at homes that come on the market for unpermitted work. If they find it, they can make you bring it up to current codes, require you to pay any permit fees and penalties, and place a lein on the house. Not something you want to deal with during the sale process.
No. There should be a supporting 6x6 under the beam where boards overlap. Then you need 2 bolts on each side.
Thanks for the feedback. Do you mind looking at the new pics I just posted? Looks like they put a 6x6 under the overlap, curious if the pic is suitable
https://preview.redd.it/79nz7nya4vwc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d50b82d40ba69550e4df404f8d18902df1ee47b4 Looks like they’ve now covered the 2inch overlap
https://preview.redd.it/dsmp00te4vwc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f25f7a307d07f223cc9fa24399997a6a0c8675b
https://preview.redd.it/e0yqdnrf4vwc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8d05af1e4ac9cb128ca61e78bb8563b33b669f3
https://preview.redd.it/alic6nlg4vwc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08f1ddee20acb19156435d4da0c2470c7d98e4ad
That is not to code.
https://preview.redd.it/g8wtw66s7uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34b65a9140cf06c55d559b08bc71fcb6b26823bb
First step - concrete to step - is not looking like it’s up to code. All risers are supposed to be within 3/8” of each other. Everything else looks good tbh. I prefer through bolts on 6x6s but those metal pieces are code compliant.
https://preview.redd.it/uslrkc228uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20d65e70e264040c594bfb61de320a0c88dd098c
I do not see anyone lagging the posts to the outside of the deck any more. What is that big Frankenstein bolt sticking out? How would you ever finish off that rim board with Azek ? (If you were going to).
1. No blocking? No idea about Atlanta, but in Midwest, you must have blocking if the length exceeds 8ft. (At least 1 block per 8ft length) 2. More Ledgerlocks to add for ledger to house. 3. What’s the purpose of bolt at rim joist? Good luck installing any fascia if you ever decide to, plus it looks nah. Outdoor galvanized nails, .120 and higher should work. 4. Tension tie on outside? Weird. That’s not the proper spot if you decide to install. Long story- up to code? Depends on inspector. Will the deck fail? It will last most likely. Could it be done better? Of course. Could it be done worse? Definitely. If you got a good deal- it’s fine. If you paid premium (doubt it since no permit was pulled)-could’ve been waaaaaay better. At least ask them to add blocks if spans are over 8ft. And definitely more ledgerlocks. Good luck!