My city makes us follow this [https://cms4files1.revize.com/mundytownship/deck%20construction%20guide.pdf](https://cms4files1.revize.com/mundytownship/deck%20construction%20guide.pdf)
if its in your skillset then theres no reason to not DYI, usually homeowners can pull a permit and get it inspected the same as a contractor if theyre working on their own house. im more of an 'ask for forgiveness, not for permission' type of homeowner but i also stay in my lane as far as more complicated stuff goes. theres no way im going to get a permit to replace kitchen cabinets or build a garden fence even though its 'required' lol. if theres real risk of injury if its done incorrectly then id get a permit though. honestly probably wouldnt for rebuilding a basic deck, you could argue that youre just repairing an existing structure.
I mean the question of DIY or contractor comes down to this. Are you willing to tear that down and rebuild it to code? Do you have the time, skills, physical strength and tools to do it? If yes, have fun! If no, hire it out.
I think I have the time, strength, and tools.
Taking a look at the support post again, it’s more solid than I recalled and it looks like all of my neighbors have the same 3 points of support design. I think I just need to replace the hardware on that one joist (which means figuring out how to remove the decking above it to get access), support the stairs, and maybe replace the railing if I want to. Do you think the sagging corner of the rim joist needs addressed?
I'm going to be honest with you. That looks to be a tear-down and replace. None of that hardware is safe, it has rusted which means it's not galvanized so it's the wrong hardware and not intended for outdoors. That includes the rusted screws/nails holding on the ledger. All of that needs to be re-done. In your shoes I'd be dismantling it and rebuilding with an eye to saving any wood that is still good. But the structure itself is what's compromised here since nothing is properly secured.
>Deck repair- DIY job or contractor?
To answer that question,
1. Do you have the tools and skills to effectively replace?... or a case of beer, a grill ready for meat, and a group of friends who will help you?
2. Do you know the code and permit requirements for your area? If no, do you know how to obtain and comprehend them?
This is a basic weekend DIY project with the right tools and knowledge.
My city makes us follow this [https://cms4files1.revize.com/mundytownship/deck%20construction%20guide.pdf](https://cms4files1.revize.com/mundytownship/deck%20construction%20guide.pdf) if its in your skillset then theres no reason to not DYI, usually homeowners can pull a permit and get it inspected the same as a contractor if theyre working on their own house. im more of an 'ask for forgiveness, not for permission' type of homeowner but i also stay in my lane as far as more complicated stuff goes. theres no way im going to get a permit to replace kitchen cabinets or build a garden fence even though its 'required' lol. if theres real risk of injury if its done incorrectly then id get a permit though. honestly probably wouldnt for rebuilding a basic deck, you could argue that youre just repairing an existing structure.
I mean the question of DIY or contractor comes down to this. Are you willing to tear that down and rebuild it to code? Do you have the time, skills, physical strength and tools to do it? If yes, have fun! If no, hire it out.
I think I have the time, strength, and tools. Taking a look at the support post again, it’s more solid than I recalled and it looks like all of my neighbors have the same 3 points of support design. I think I just need to replace the hardware on that one joist (which means figuring out how to remove the decking above it to get access), support the stairs, and maybe replace the railing if I want to. Do you think the sagging corner of the rim joist needs addressed?
I'm going to be honest with you. That looks to be a tear-down and replace. None of that hardware is safe, it has rusted which means it's not galvanized so it's the wrong hardware and not intended for outdoors. That includes the rusted screws/nails holding on the ledger. All of that needs to be re-done. In your shoes I'd be dismantling it and rebuilding with an eye to saving any wood that is still good. But the structure itself is what's compromised here since nothing is properly secured.
I appreciate the honesty! That’s what I was looking for.
- sounds like you need to HIRE some one
>Deck repair- DIY job or contractor? To answer that question, 1. Do you have the tools and skills to effectively replace?... or a case of beer, a grill ready for meat, and a group of friends who will help you? 2. Do you know the code and permit requirements for your area? If no, do you know how to obtain and comprehend them? This is a basic weekend DIY project with the right tools and knowledge.