I am a DIY deck builder. My municipality accepted the design I created with the Mitek online software. The municipality then wrote side notes on my plan to anything I also needed to know. I am in the the process of building a 37x20 deck (only 43" high) with one staircase. Footings have been inspected and passed. Next step, built it out.
I'm glad I don't have to deal with most of that. Only have to go to city hall and request a permit. They do at least appreciate a stick figure quality diagram of what you intend to do. They also ask for an estimate of the improvement cost so they can charge you the correct amount for the permit. There are no engineer approved plans, no plans reviews, and the only inspection is when you are done so they can adjust your assessment value to raise your taxes.
Can you please offer some more information on sourcing the helical pile service? I looked at the Mascore website and the TH-cam videos of you explaining and testing the pile but their service areas identified on their website are not local to the NW. I love your channel, thanks so much.
That was all well and good 20 years ago, even 10 years ago. But these day municipalities are looking for unpermitted work via satellite imagery. So if you aren’t doing a simple replacement they likely will fine it and then drag you through hell with fines and inspections. Really in most places the process isn’t that hard to fall.
First, thanks for the videos Question - I'm going to be attaching a 2x10 ledger to a concrete footer. I'm going to use stainless steal titan concrete anchors with a minimum of 3 1/4" thread embedded into the concrete. It's impossible to find how many fasteners I need for my joist spans with concrete. I was going to just install a titan anchor every 12" on center. Do you have any suggestions for figuring out required fasteners when dealing with solid concrete?
when doing plot plan i got a few dimensions from county assessor they require set back and other structures on property so i drew them but wondering how you got them (the house or structure) to scale in corelation to the property lines im guessing i need the architect program mentioned in the comments below and if so do you use a pro version?
Also not all approvers are alike. My first approver told me I had to get a variance for my setback even tho I showed the law said I didn't, I spent $900 and 8 months and all my neighbors getting notices about what I was doing, only to get to the inspector who told me "yeah you didn't need a variance for this". I ended up getting my money back from the county but not the time, super frustrating.
Good example of the realities of dealing with government. Especially at lower/less coordinated levels. A lot of folks are just on power trips without proper oversight. Sorry you had to go through that.
Your videos are generally really helpful. Your video topic is great, but your project selection seems to be so far from what a DIY'er would take on. I am replacing an eight foot by sixteen foot deck attached to the back of my house... something that I think is within the DIY'er skill set. I hope to not have to hire a Structural Engineer. Your project was so much more complex than my project it was hard for me to relate to it. Any chance you could cover this topic with a simpler project with 2X8 framing and shorter beam spans ?
hey man, This was the best video i have found. I have a small company here in seattle tacoma area, Are you able to provide me you structural enginer contact information. this is Ed with precision waterscapes. Do you install pergolas?
Am I the only one that thinks it sounds insanely ridiculous to have to do all that for just a deck?? Like it's just a deck bruh. Why make a 2 day project take 2 weeks and cost 3× as much? Oh wait that last part sums it up lol.
Jason, I'm surprised you forgot the most important step, in getting your permit(s) approved... bring the bureaucrats coffee & donuts!!
Ha! If you can’t convince them, bribe them!
In King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, that's not nearly enough😂.
Don't forget your knee pads
That was a nice video very helpful and probably the difference between getting a permit or being denied. Thank you so much
This is good info thank. I want to start a decking company so I’m doing a lot of research on codes, measurements, and structure building. Thank you
I am a DIY deck builder. My municipality accepted the design I created with the Mitek online software. The municipality then wrote side notes on my plan to anything I also needed to know. I am in the the process of building a 37x20 deck (only 43" high) with one staircase. Footings have been inspected and passed. Next step, built it out.
How much was the permit
@@chamillet1955 $125
Did you have to clear the land and lay down weed cloth ?
I'm going to try MiTek from your mention of it. Thank you so much!
I'm glad I don't have to deal with most of that. Only have to go to city hall and request a permit. They do at least appreciate a stick figure quality diagram of what you intend to do. They also ask for an estimate of the improvement cost so they can charge you the correct amount for the permit. There are no engineer approved plans, no plans reviews, and the only inspection is when you are done so they can adjust your assessment value to raise your taxes.
Good for you!
Nice what state you live in
In WV. Most of the state is this way except for the more urban areas like Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, and Martinsburg.
What’s the best process to get an engineer to review/approve and stamp your plans if you are new to the industry?
Can you please offer some more information on sourcing the helical pile service? I looked at the Mascore website and the TH-cam videos of you explaining and testing the pile but their service areas identified on their website are not local to the NW. I love your channel, thanks so much.
This helped me a lot! Your channel is invaluable, Thank you!
The easiest and fastest way to get started is to just build it. No permit required ever and f em if they want a permit.
That was all well and good 20 years ago, even 10 years ago. But these day municipalities are looking for unpermitted work via satellite imagery. So if you aren’t doing a simple replacement they likely will fine it and then drag you through hell with fines and inspections.
Really in most places the process isn’t that hard to fall.
Neat breakdown. Very thorough. thanks
Could you please provide the software used to generate the deck plans
Jason, what software are you using to write up that document?
First, thanks for the videos
Question - I'm going to be attaching a 2x10 ledger to a concrete footer. I'm going to use stainless steal titan concrete anchors with a minimum of 3 1/4" thread embedded into the concrete.
It's impossible to find how many fasteners I need for my joist spans with concrete. I was going to just install a titan anchor every 12" on center.
Do you have any suggestions for figuring out required fasteners when dealing with solid concrete?
when doing plot plan i got a few dimensions from county assessor they require set back and other structures on property so i drew them but wondering how you got them (the house or structure) to scale in corelation to the property lines im guessing i need the architect program mentioned in the comments below and if so do you use a pro version?
How much did this deck cost? Thank you 🙏
Very helpful, thank you.
Bro thank you so much for sharing!
Also not all approvers are alike. My first approver told me I had to get a variance for my setback even tho I showed the law said I didn't, I spent $900 and 8 months and all my neighbors getting notices about what I was doing, only to get to the inspector who told me "yeah you didn't need a variance for this". I ended up getting my money back from the county but not the time, super frustrating.
Good example of the realities of dealing with government. Especially at lower/less coordinated levels. A lot of folks are just on power trips without proper oversight. Sorry you had to go through that.
Indeed!
@@private2809 Good thing I had everything in email to CYA and prove she was an idiot, no way I would have even got my money back if I hadn't.
Will I be able to build a deck where the surface of the deck is 50inches above an egress window? (the egress window is like 2 or 3 feet below grade)
do i need a permit to upgrade wood deck railing to a composite railing ?
How much do you typically pay an engineer for each custom deck?
What software do you use for your plans?
What scale do you do your drawings to? Im trying to do mine now for the permit.
what program do you use for your drawings?????
Your videos are generally really helpful. Your video topic is great, but your project selection seems to be so far from what a DIY'er would take on. I am replacing an eight foot by sixteen foot deck attached to the back of my house... something that I think is within the DIY'er skill set. I hope to not have to hire a Structural Engineer. Your project was so much more complex than my project it was hard for me to relate to it. Any chance you could cover this topic with a simpler project with 2X8 framing and shorter beam spans ?
Yeah homeowners aren't held to the same insane demands as a contractor. You likely just need to draw it to scale.
I want to build a deck and apply for permits myself. I believe I can write up all of this. Is their a program that I can do for thise
Did you have any success? I've been going crazy trying to DIY plans for a new deck permit!!! This is soooo frustrating!
How much did those plans cost?
What program did you do those drawings on?
Realtime Landscaping Architect
hey man, This was the best video i have found. I have a small company here in seattle tacoma area, Are you able to provide me you structural enginer contact information.
this is Ed with precision waterscapes. Do you install pergolas?
Nice👍🏻👍🏻
awesome
Am I the only one that thinks it sounds insanely ridiculous to have to do all that for just a deck?? Like it's just a deck bruh. Why make a 2 day project take 2 weeks and cost 3× as much? Oh wait that last part sums it up lol.
My deck wont touch the house
Yes. Yes he did. Saw it real time. LoL
Permits make no sense
...hmmm...the deck behind you despite being maybe 10'-12' away has quite a bit of sketchy looking green all over. What was that all about?
What software do you use to make your plans?