When it comes to backyard decks & porches in Chicagoland, there is no shortage of flawed designs & shoddy workmanship
Decks deteriorate over time. A homeowner can expect a fifteen to twenty year life expectancy (they say). But, did you know that the deck contracting business has a higher percentage of flunkies and hack carpenters that portray themselves as qualified contractors than many other trades? Of course there's also the unscrupulous ones that have no desire to build anything of quality; that are just out to make a quick buck. Most own cheap tools, have a little know-how, get some business cards printed up and presto! "Expert" carpenter-contractor taking on jobs. This is a major reason why we are seeing more decks collapsing around the country.
Even if a city building inspector comes out for a framing inspection (typical requirement of a deck permit) and gives more than a cursory glance (not always) he cannot protect you from shoddy workmanship!
There are numerous ways that a contractor can short change (cheat) a job. For example, when the guy that was hired, bid the job at 20% less than another (this probably equates to 40% less labor & profit), he has to make up some of the difference in "lost" income or go live in an alley somewhere. (Example) The deck he builds gets five soon-to-be corroded, undersized bolts instead of fifteen ½" hot-dipped galvanized bolts. Or, the all important ledger doesn't get caulked or properly flashed at the end joists. This will allow moisture entry and over time, rot to your house's structure. Not to mention the carpenter ants, that soon follow.
These are just a couple of examples of easily missed yet critical elements to a properly constructed deck. I know, because I build them. In fact I have built (hands-on) well over 1000 decks and porches in the last 27 years. That experience of 27 years of which 6 were working for other contractors, gives me a sense about what to look for and where to look for it. Most city building inspectors or professional home inspectors just don't have that sense. Let the home inspector inspect your home! Let me inspect your deck! I will detect your deck's problems and recommend the best solutions to all of your deck's ills. I am "The Deck Inspector".
Deck safety inspections in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs.
