California Residential Deck Remodel Projects - Tips before you start

Do-it-Yourself Deck Project Tips

If you are planning a deck addition to your home here are some things to consider:

• Will you deck be attached to your home?  If yes, an Architectural designer is probably needed.
• If your deck will not be attached to your home, you don't need an Architect but you will most likely need a licensed Engineer to provide calculations and structural drawings.
•   Some things to watch for with decks: 

1. Leakage between the deck and the house.
2. Crowded decks at parties have been known to fail and kill people.

• Check with your building department and find out what is required for your building permit before you start deck construction.  We have heard horror stories of people starting what they thought was a simple deck project and being shut down by the city while in the middle of illegal construction.
• Prepare to provide as-built plans, at minimum a site plan for a free standing deck and an architectural drawing of your deck design if you work with an engineer.

ClearLogicGroup provides as-built plans and coordination with civil, structural services in California.  If you need further advice Contact us!  

4 Reasons not to use Revit for As-Built Plans

Trying to decide if you should use Revit for your as-built plans?

1. Will your project be in 2D?  If your project is not going to be developed in 3D or BIM, then there is no reason to use Revit. 
2. Will the project be developed with AutoCAD?  Revit files can be converted to DWG files by using a SaveAS command.  AutoCAD DWG standards then have to be setup.  These additional steps can be costly if you can draft your as-builts in AutoCAD to begin with.
3. Is speed an issue?  Revit asks for the additional Z coordinate and this takes time.
4. Revit data is parametric, if you move one wall or remove a door, the building is redrawn to adjust to the changes.  As-Builts are drawings of the building as it was built and an inert drawing may be more practical for data integrity.

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Livermore, CA - Planning an Addition to my Residential Property – Do I need to consult a licensed professional?

If your home is located in Livermore, CA and was built after 1986 and is light frame, conventional construction then it was probably engineered. If so, you may be able to design a minor addition yourself and/or with the assitance of skilled unlicensed professionals.

However, if your building was built before 1986, the services of a licensed professional Architect or Engineer will probably be required.

The building department may recommend that an Architect (licensed) visually inspect your property to determine if their services will be needed. The building department does not perform inspections.

The building dept. can tell you, based on the address of your property, exactly what they require. Don’t waste time, planning your project without discussing it with them first.

For Livermore Building Department information call: 925.960.4431 and leave a voice mail inquiry. The Livermore building dept. will get back to you with a detailed answer regarding your question and will work with you, over the phone, to resolve any questions you have. We highly recommend their services.

On-Line Check:
Ci.livermore,ca.us – for submittal requirements and examples.