Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jul 24, 2009 12:21 pm Hi all, I am really looking forward to building my own deck after building a couple of crackers back in the UK. I called the council to ask if there are any restrictions, only to be told that I need a building permit for any deck larger than 10m2, (we're looking at putting down about 80m2). I called the surveyors for a building permit price, and what the process is. For what it is, it seems a bit over the top - I want to kind of 'organically' build the deck. It will be about 80m2 ultimatly, but I want to build it as I go, if you know what I mean? To comply with building permits I would have to have it all ironed out at the start, have it inspected at stump stage then again at frame stage. If I change my mind on the shape as I am framing out, then it would be another permit application! The council requirements state that a permit is required for decks over 10m2 in area. Could I simply build lots of small decks, each under 10m2, as long as they do not attach to each other? They would butt up together to give the appearance of one deck, but they would technically be separate decks, each one under 10m2 thereby not requiring a building permit. I don't see why that would be a problem? This bit might be pushing it though - the surveyor said they inspect the stumps then the frame, no mention of the decking boards. So, as long as the frames are separate and under 10m2 each, could I lap the boards over the edge of each frame to give the appearance of a continuous deck - but the frames are still under 10m2 each? Thanks in advance for any input. Tony. Re: Any building permit experts out there? (Decking) 2Jul 24, 2009 4:13 pm You can do the stumps and sub-frame at the same time to save time/money. Simply support the subframe with offcuts/scrap with the post anchors 'dangling' in the footing holes, then its simply a matter of pouring in the concrete. As as far as the multiple small decks, I'd say just work out your final plan before starting. It will save you $ in the long run I totally agree with everything you have written. Thanks again for your always excellent input and advice. I really enjoy reading your posts cheers Simeon 1 3278 Hi, as per the subject. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best value decking oil (Bunning is close to where I live) for a treated pine deck? Thanks 0 10971 No, not yet. It’s currently being assessed by our building surveyor 4 6326 |