Deck Construction Inspection

Deck footings must extend below frost line. Posts must be pressure-treated and connected to footings with approved hardware.

1. Verify footings below local frost line

2. Check footing diameter — minimum 8"

3. Verify pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact

4. Check post-to-footing hardware

5. Verify posts are plumb

6. Check post size meets code

7. Inspect for excessive notching

- Footings above frost line

- Posts set in concrete without hardware

- Untreated lumber for posts

- Undersized footings

- Posts not plumb

Ledger must be lag-bolted or through-bolted to rim joist. Flashing required. Siding must be removed at ledger.

1. Check ledger attachment — 1/2" lag bolts or through-bolts required

2. Verify bolt spacing (16" OC staggered)

3. Look for flashing above ledger

4. Verify siding removed at ledger contact

5. Check for drainage spacers

6. Inspect for trapped debris

- Nails only (structural failure risk)

- No flashing

- Ledger over siding

- Missing spacers

- Unsealed bolt holes

Joists must be properly sized, spaced per plans, connected with approved hangers. Pressure-treated lumber required.

1. Check joist spacing (16" OC typical)

2. Verify joist hangers with proper nails

3. Check lumber is pressure-treated

4. Verify bearing on beams (1.5" minimum)

5. Look for blocking at connections

6. Verify joist crown faces up

- Wrong fasteners in hangers

- Missing hangers

- Untreated lumber

- Undersized joists

- Missing blocking

Guards required when height exceeds 24" (600mm). Minimum 36" height (42" for heights over 6 feet). 4" sphere rule applies.

1. Measure guard height — 36" minimum (42" if deck is over 6 feet high)

2. Test 4" sphere rule between balusters

3. Check bottom gap with 4" sphere

4. Push test the railing

5. Check post connections

6. Verify no climbable elements

7. Inspect hardware

- Guard too short

- Balusters too far apart

- Weak post connections

- Large bottom gap

- Wobbly railing

Decking properly fastened with approved screws. Gaps for drainage. No excessive warping.

1. Walk the deck — check for loose or raised boards

2. Check gaps (1/8" to 1/4")

3. Verify screw heads flush and aligned

4. Check board ends are supported

5. Look for splits or warps

6. Verify approved fasteners for treated lumber

- Insufficient gaps

- Proud screws

- Unsupported ends

- Wrong fasteners

- Cupping boards