Deck on Top of a Garage?
I’m very unfamiliar with building permits so please bear the naivete, but if I want to build a deck on top of a freestanding 1-story garage what process should I follow? I assume this requires a permit as the deck will count as elevated and require railings. And I suppose the inspectors will want to…
I’m very unfamiliar with building permits so please bear the naivete, but if I want to build a deck on top of a freestanding 1-story garage what process should I follow?
I assume this requires a permit as the deck will count as elevated and require railings. And I suppose the inspectors will want to see some sort of stamped engineering drawing that the garage structure is carrying load properly and adequately.
But my question is, how hard is it to file for a permit yourself, without using expeditors, in Manhattan? Do most people have their contractors pull the permits or do they hire expeditors to do so, or do they march down to DOB and fill it out themselves? Is this something I want to take on or should I just hire someone? It’s only a simple wood deck, so I don’t want to spend more on professional fees than the construction itself…
Thanks for any advice.
The DOB process can be done yourself but is extremely taxing on the nerves and the cost for filing by an expediter is not that expensive. More importantly, stamped and sealed drawings will be needed which calls for an architect or an engineer. Further, these professionals will be able to explain exactly what is allowed and what is not as it applies to your specific situation. (And being that they work with the DOB everyday they can tell you how far the “rules” can be bent depending on the inspector).
As stated above, the costs for these services is minimal compared to the costs if something is done incorrectly. If you have any other questions I’d be happy to help you out. I have plenty of experience in this area.
Thanks
Alan
Alan Michael Carpentry
I’m also interested if this is possible. In Australia it’s a pretty common renovation but i’ve never really seen it here.
Is there a reason for this? can you not have an elevated deck within a certain distance of your boundary etc (or facing windows etc?)
Trex is not considered non-combustible.
I was planning on using Trex, but I suppose that is still technically combustible, isn’t it?
I can actually meet the 3′ rule, as the one side of the garage (where the steel stairs would go) is 5′ from the property line and I can hold the other two sides to be 3′ back while still making for a decent sized deck. I can support it on the existing garage roof if I double up and reinforce the existing wood beams from inside.
So that takes me back to self-filing. Has anyone tried it?
Most likely will need to be of non-combustible construction. You will need an architect or engineer to create the drawings. I have had a few clients process, but it really is not worth the saving compaired with the amount of time it takes. It is cost effective for the permit expediter as they are doing many projects all day.
a simple wood deck is probably illegal at this point..there is no allowance for combustible material within 3 feet of your property line