Crappy deck Work? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

dvlscapes · 10-31-2007, 11:17 AM

Hi, new to the forum...we build patios, a long time friend builds decks and is in construction so I started referring him to my customers who ask about deck work. My plan was to see how it goes and then start using him as a sub for deck work. He charges from what I can tell top dollar. His pricing sheme he gave to me is way to basic and way to expensive IMO. Decks, pressure treat $35 / sf cedar $45 / sf, composite %55 / sf.

Heres the problem, we went back to one of the jobs i reffered him to and saw what I would call major structural flaws. What are we really seeing here? Code violations? crappy work? or me overreacting.

no footers on deck landing with 4 x 4" pressure treat:

Deck beams relying on fasteners only:
I attached these pics

I do not have experience building decks but I do not see others built this way, please give me any advice you can. Thanks

Catoctin Timber · 10-31-2007, 11:34 AM

It may not necessarily be crappy deck work. The footer should be underground and so therefore you just cant see it. As far as the beams just being bolted.. thats a little shady. Definitely not the best way to do it. But how big is the deck? Does that method pass code where construction is taking place? I know where I build that would never pass inspection.

Pricing seems ridiculously high too so youre not crazy.

dvlscapes · 10-31-2007, 11:44 AM

There is no footers under there, I asked him, just smashed into the ground with a sledge and they put some sort of sleeves or bottoms on them?!?

Stone Mountain · 10-31-2007, 02:27 PM

can I put those pics on my web site as an example of what not to do?
Here in Toronto, you would never just pound a post into the ground without a concrete footing; our footings are required to be 6" above grade and 48" below, minimum 8" diameter, with sono tube and saddle brackets between the post and the concrete.
The beam should not be fastened to the side of the post. At least I don't think so. Also, I never use 1 piece of wood; I usually sandwich (or laminate) 2 pieces, and put them on top of the post with a gusset.

Bone Saw · 10-31-2007, 06:00 PM

who is it??? If he is getting 55/sq' for that, than I need stake out his prospects and come in to charge about 135/sq'

reveivl · 11-01-2007, 12:29 AM

You do not just smash posts into the ground. Wow!!

How much deck is being held up with two lags and seven nails?

wolffhomerepair · 11-01-2007, 04:59 AM

If those are only lags then not good enough for code here. If they are bolted through then that would pass. No mechanical fastener (huricane clips)between the joist and beam would be a failure. Toe nailing is not enough. The post would fail without being looked at. Must have footing 6" above ground same as Stone Mountain.

PA woodbutcher · 11-01-2007, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stone Mountain

can I put those pics on my web site as an example of what not to do?
Here in Toronto, you would never just pound a post into the ground without a concrete footing; our footings are required to be 6" above grade and 48" below, minimum 8" diameter, with sono tube and saddle brackets between the post and the concrete.
The beam should not be fastened to the side of the post. At least I don't think so. Also, I never use 1 piece of wood; I usually sandwich (or laminate) 2 pieces, and put them on top of the post with a gusset.

Concrete footing required under the post min 42" no sono tube required here in the rural parts of Pa, you might want to check with the local codes. If they are 1/2" carriage bolts it would meet code up here, but I would either create a real header and mount it on top of the post as Stone said or notch the post and recess them

deckman22 · 11-01-2007, 09:48 AM

That certainly wouldn't fly here in Austin Tx. Footing must penetrate the ground a min. of 6" & 6" above, sandwhich beams are no longer allowed. Beams should be mounted on top of post.

Those prices would be way high for around here, especially considering the low standards of his work.

I would suggest getting someone else to refer to your deck customers. Those folks that you referred to him will talk bad about your company if they have problems down the road. I never refer any other contractors unless I know for a fact they do rock solid work.

Al

dvlscapes · 11-01-2007, 05:17 PM

I believe the deck is 12 x 12' but it may only be 10 x 10'. I was upset when I saw the work and won't be sending any more work his way. Just a shame, not sure if he doesnt know what he is doing or if he is just cutting corners...hmmm which is worse? I don't know. I see our company eventually getting more into decks but it would be nice to find a quality sub to run jobs along side till we become experts. thanx guys.