Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Jun 06, 2010 3:51 pm Gday guys, My partner and I have just become debt free and are looking at building a deck on our 2 story house. I am an engineer but by no means work with domestic applications so I thought it would be best to ask the people in the know. So the plan is to build a 8m x10m raised deck, with the level matching the 2nd story of the house. I do not plan on structurally connecting it to the house structure, but having it flush as the back doorway will lead straight on to the deck (instead of the stairs which are there at present). Before I ask the questions, I will let you know of potential issues I may have, which I would love some input into. 1. The previous owner has already built a concrete slab for these dimensions, and 3 cement columns on the slab side furtherest from the house. Now, will joining bearers to these concrete columns be any drama, with having wooden columns in between for the bearers? 2. The distance from this slab and the concrete columns, to the back boundary fence is about 1.5m. Now IIRC there are issues with tall structures (Such as a roofed 2 story deck) being so close to the boundary. However, the house residing in that property is more than 20m away from the fence. Does this play as an issue? So I am guessing I will need building approval permits and so forth, but what is the process in obtaining these?? (I like in Ipswich QLD)? What are the costs and time wise restraints for building approvals usually for a deck this size? After the building permit is approved(hopefull), is there any criteria to be met such as building approvers inspections and so forth? And can they approve DIY jobs? Last but not least, is there any great deck design software which gives a good material list and choice of material out there? Thanks in advance for your help Re: Building Permit for Raised Deck with roof 2Jun 07, 2010 6:28 pm Lots of questions- but as a carpenter there is one I can help with I hope. Timber shrinks in the thickness and width, but not in the length- so interspercing timper posts with the concrete columns should not be a problem. Not sure about building regs in Qld, but the best bet is always to speak with your local council, go through what you want to do with them and ask for advise. They appreciate being asked and it can put you on a good fotting with them, which I have found helps a lot. I was a little perlexed when you said "I do not plan on structurally connecting it to the house structure". I assume you will be connecting one side of the deck to the house? This is a very good idea for bracing type stability. If not you need to work out some pretty good bracing I would say- which, as an engineer should not be a problem I guess. Well done being debt free!! Cheers, Dennis Re: Building Permit for Raised Deck with roof 3Jun 10, 2010 11:33 am Thanks for clearing that up Dennis! Appreciate it mate Ok so I have spoken to the council and need to lodge some plans and engineering calcs. I remember using a design program back in uni but cant for the life of me remember the name of it? Does anyone know of a deck design program which does the design and member sizes etc? Anyone know some good suppliers with a good rate for materials? So exciting. Cheers guys. No, not yet. It’s currently being assessed by our building surveyor 4 6326 Looking to start the journey of becoming an owner builder in SA. Feeling pretty (overly) confident on the building and construction details, but really struggling to find… 0 8419 You wont need a permit to put in non loading partition but you will need a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician 1 6643 |