Forum: Decks

May 12, 2008

deck builder

I'm looking for someone to design and build a legal deck off the back of my house. Any recommendations?

May 7, 2008

kidproof the roof

Hi all -

My wife and I have a terrace off the top floor of our duplex, which is reasonably large (call it 15 x 20 ft).

Certainly big enough so that now, with the weather cooperating, we like to spend time out there.

Here's the rub - so does our two year old. She's a little monkey, and it more or less constantly freaks my wife out to have her up there because of the concern that the existing 40 inch iron railing is not enough to stop the little mutant from valuting of the roof.

Any thoughts / insights on how others have kidproofed their roofdecks or terraces much appreciated.

April 20, 2008

Rebuilding a double porch

We need to re-build the second floor of our double porch. The idea is daunting and we have no idea where we should start. We presume that we might need to consult with steel workers, carpenters, and fine woodworkers, in addition to maybe a GC, an expediter, and an architect. We're also exploring the possibility of using trex on top of steel framework. Anyone have any suggestions or experiences to share?

April 18, 2008

ilegal deck

Next door there is a two floor extension. There is a 20% wooden deck on top of the extension. The tenants go out to dec from kitchen window or fire escape. Lots singles drinking parties there and bbq. Is this a legal deck?

April 16, 2008

Wood Deck... Don't Get it!

We're very very actively looking to build a wood deck on our roof. I know the rule... 20% of the roof can be made of wood (or combistable material). Here's what I don't get... none of my neighors followed that. None of them. All are somewhat new. Did they just not get permits? I would assume they did. If they raise the deck can they do more than 20%? Thanks for the help.

April 7, 2008

Back Yard Decks and Code

Any idea where I could fine the building code to build a backyard deck.
I'm looking for construction materials and design guides.

March 27, 2008

Roof Deck

Hi there,
I own a 3 family townhouse in Manhattan.
My tenant wants exclusive rights to the roof since he occupies the top floor. We have a bulkhead in the roof so the excess is very convenient. He suggests to use swift deck (www.swiftdeck.com)product to cover the roof. I have several questions:
1-Does he need to apply for permit. The roof is described in the certificate of occupancy as a recreational area.
2-What kind of assurance do I have that I will not be sued if an accident happens.
Even if I sign him that he will be held responsible for everything that happens. What assurance do I have for example if one of his friend fell of the roof. How can I be protected against 3rd side lawsuits.

Your thoughts and knowledge is appreciated

Thanks,

March 14, 2008

C of Os and roofdecks

i am looking into building a small roof deck on my coop and i am hearing all sorts of things about what i need in order to do this by the book... do i need to change the C of O in order to do this by the book? i am going to get an engineer report, file for all of the permits and what not but is this something i am overlooking? i just want to try to avoid surprises.

March 4, 2008

Permits - Backyard Deck

We'd like to build a deck in the rear yard of our brownstone. I realize DOB requires an architect to design the deck and permits must be obtained. But, what if our architect designed the deck as a series of panels, like 4' squares, that sit on a grid of concrete footings. Since the panels could be moved, would we theoretically be able to call the deck panels "furniture" and therefore not need to file for a permit from DOB. The panels would be connected so as not to be TOO easily moveable. We're thinking this would save us some time and money, albeit require more designing. Any thoughts? Could this work? The DOB requirements for decks are ridiculous.

February 28, 2008

Deck building costs?

Any thoughts on how much might it cost to build a deck on the roof of a first story space that juts out? The space seems ripe for it, it just needs the wooden floor, a rail of some sort and to be done legally, i.e. with all the city's approvals and fees. The space is about 20 x 6. Any ballpark guesses would help.
Thanks!

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