Is It Really Illegal To Build A Deck On Your Own?

Building a DIY deck for your home requires a lot of planning. You need to do the the important first step in DIY deck plans for your backyard by choosing a size then picking a design, gathering your materials, setting aside time to put it together, and likely researching tips throughout. While these steps all seem pretty intuitive, there is another very important step that can be easy to forget about: Getting approval from your local government. 

Some home improvement projects require permits and approvals, even if they are DIY projects done on a house or land you own. Not obtaining the proper permits can make building your own DIY deck illegal and result in your project being removed or otherwise adjusted to meet requirements, which can be expensive. While it may sound tedious to get approval to make modifications to your own home, getting proper permits is important for the safety of you, your guests, and any future owners.

Decks are one of the types of home renovations that require permits before starting, in most cases. Getting the required approval can take a few steps, and part of it includes submitting a drawing of your planned deck. With this drawing, the government can ensure that your deck will comply with local laws, see the potential impact on the nearby environment, and track the build process. While decks often require permits, there are some cases in which they do not, and some cases where it can be unclear. If you are ever unsure, it is best to contact your local government before proceeding to avoid wasting time and money.

In general, if the deck you plan to build is going to be attached to your house, over 30 inches from the ground, or over 200 square feet, then you will very likely need a permit. Check your deck plans to see if they will fit any of these criteria, and if you are not sure, err on the side of caution. Most home decks are the size and placement that require building permits, so it is likely yours will, too. Building a deck with these features without getting a permit is illegal and can have consequences, including fines and fees, required demolition, and difficulty selling your home later. Oftentimes, if you hire a contractor for a building project, they will be responsible for pulling the required permits, but you do not need a contractor in order to build a legal deck. Pulling permits is something that you can do on your own if you are aiming for a completely DIY project, even if it may get complicated.

If your deck idea is not attached to your house at all, 30 inches or fewer from the ground, and smaller than 200 square feet, then you might be able to legally build the deck without a permit, but you should still check with your local government, as requirements can vary. Additionally, some repairs—such as replacing existing floorboards in the deck—can often be legally completed without a permit. If the repairs extend to structural components, then a permit is likely required.

If your deck idea will be illegal to build without permits, then you will definitely want to know about the process of obtaining a permit. Start by contacting your local government to confirm whether or not you will need a permit. If a permit is required, you will need to submit your plans, including drawings with dimensions and materials. Then, you will need to fill out and submit a permit application and wait for everything to be reviewed. You might also need to pay fees, depending on your project and government. Finally, you will need to schedule inspections that typically take place both during and after the project. 

While the length of the process may vary based on your location, pulling a permit can take between a few days and several months. If your plans are not clear enough or do not meet legal codes, you will need to revise your plans, which will draw out the process. It is also worth noting that some ambitious projects need to be signed or stamped by an engineer or architect to be approved.

As long as you are aware of the rules you need to know before building on your own property and work with your local government, you can legally build a deck for your home completely on your own. However, it is important to pull a permit and stick to your approved plan so that you do not accidentally veer into illegal territory and risk consequences.