Planning a new deck for your Pueblo home should be exciting. Before you start, we should talk about some common mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money later on. You want a deck that is safe, lasts a long time, and looks good. We will go over what to watch out for with your new Deck Construction project.
Skipping the Permit Process (Big Mistake!)
We cannot say this enough: you need a permit for most Deck Construction projects here in Pueblo. Many people think a small, ground-level deck does not need one, but that is often not true. If your deck is attached to your house, or if it is more than 30 inches above the ground at any point, you will almost certainly need a residential building permit. Even if it is a freestanding deck, if it is over 200 square feet, a permit is usually required. Ignoring this can lead to fines as well as having to tear down your new deck as well as big problems when you try to sell your Pueblo home later. The Pueblo Regional Building Department is who you will be dealing with for your Deck Construction permit. They are there to make sure your Deck Construction project is safe and up to code. Do not let an inexperienced contractor or a well-meaning neighbor tell you otherwise about your Deck Construction in Pueblo.
Underestimating Pueblo's Unique Soil and Climate
Pueblo has some interesting soil conditions. This is especially true with the expansive soils you find in parts of the Arkansas River Valley. Building a deck here is not like building a deck in Florida. Our freeze-thaw cycles can really damage foundations if they are not done right. You absolutely need to make sure your deck footings go below the frost line. That frost line is 26 inches here in Pueblo. If those footings are not deep enough, the ground can heave and shift. This can lift and damage your deck over time. That is a recipe for an unstable as well as an unsafe deck for your Pueblo home. Sometimes, with really unstable soil, Skyline Decks Pueblo will recommend helical piles or ground screws. These are used instead of traditional concrete footings because they can reach more stable soil layers as well as handle the load better. Our team always builds for our specific Pueblo environment.
Not Thinking About the Understructure
Everyone focuses on the pretty deck boards and the railings. What is underneath the deck is just as important, if not more important. Our team has seen too many decks fail because the understructure was not built to last. This means making sure your joists are spaced correctly for the decking material you are using. If they are too far apart, your deck boards will sag. That looks terrible and can be unsafe. In addition, the ledger board needs to be attached properly and securely. The ledger board is the piece that connects your deck directly to your house. If it is not attached properly, you are asking for structural problems with your Deck Construction. Skyline Decks Pueblo always pays close attention to these details. We know a deck is only as good as its bones.
Choosing the Wrong Builder (or DIYing When You Should Not)
We understand you want to save money. A Deck Construction project is not a weekend DIY project for most people. This is especially true with the codes as well as the structural requirements we have in Pueblo. Hiring the wrong Deck Builder, or trying to do something beyond your skill set, is a huge risk. You need someone who knows Pueblo's codes inside and out. That person also needs to understand our climate and have a proven track record for Deck Construction. Ask for references. Check their license. Make sure they are pulling the proper permits for your Deck Construction project. A cheap quote upfront can turn into a really expensive repair job later if corners are cut. Do not be afraid to ask tough questions about their experience with local conditions as well as building requirements for your Pueblo deck.
Ignoring Drainage and Water Management
Water is the enemy of any outdoor structure. Decks are no exception to this rule. If your deck is not designed with proper drainage in mind, you will have problems with rot, mildew, and early deterioration. This includes thinking about how water sheds off the deck surface. It also includes how water impacts the area underneath and around the deck. You do not want water pooling near your Pueblo home's foundation. Proper grading around the deck can help direct water away. This is a small detail that makes a big difference in the lifespan of your Deck Construction as well as the health of your home.
Building a deck for your Pueblo home should be an exciting project. It should not be a source of regret. You can avoid these common mistakes by getting your permits as well as understanding our local soil and climate as well as focusing on the hidden structural elements as well as picking the right professionals as well as managing water. You will be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting outdoor space. If you have questions about Deck Construction in Pueblo, do not hesitate to reach out to Skyline Decks Pueblo. We are here to help with your Deck Construction needs.