It’s common knowledge that building codes are why structures are safe enough to walk on and support heavy furniture.
But most homeowners don’t know what exactly building codes prevent from happening. As a Macon deck company that pulls permits and works with inspectors regularly, we think it's worth explaining.
Building codes aren't arbitrary rules. Code has been built up by centuries of learning and improvement, and represents the safety standards that builders need to follow in order to prevent structural failures and injuries. That includes deck collapses, porch rooflines that leak and damage your home, and stairs that become hazards.
Building a deck is a big investment in your home. So you’re going to want to be sure the finished product is structurally sound and will stay that way for a long time. In this article, we’ll explain a bit more about how that works.
Why Macon Deck Contractors Pull Permits
Permits aren't just paperwork. They trigger a series of inspections at key stages of construction. The permitting process means that an inspector will verify that footings are set correctly, framing meets load requirements, and the finished structure is safe.
Avoiding a painful accident is reason enough to pull permits, but as a homeowner, you also have a strong financial incentive. For homeowners in Macon and surrounding areas, code compliance also protects your investment at resale. Unpermitted work can make it harder to sell your home, it can affect insurance coverage, and can create liability issues you don't want to deal with years down the road.
To prevent problems like these, codes get specific. They dictate things like:
- Railing height and baluster spacing as a way to prevent falls, especially for children.
- Stair rise and run dimensions so steps are consistent and safe to climb.
- Handrail requirements to ensure you have graspable rails at the right height.
- Ledger board attachment, which is how the deck connects to your house. Problems with the ledger board is where a lot of failures happen when construction goes poorly.
- Footing depth and size, both of which are based on the load the structure needs to support.
These aren't suggestions. They're requirements that exist because someone, somewhere, got hurt when they weren't followed.
Why Local Knowledge Matters for Macon Deck Builders
Every location has different building codes, and it’s not just a quirk of the legal system or local ordinances. Different regions deal with different conditions when it comes to weather, soil, and more.
Ask any gardener in Central Georgia, and they’ll complain about the clay soil. So will deck builders, because clay is known to expand and contract with moisture. This affects how footings need to be designed and installed. There are also a lot of heavy storms in Central Georgia, so wind loads matter for elevated structures and porch rooflines.
Macon porch contractors who work here regularly understand these local requirements. Someone unfamiliar with the area might meet the letter of a generic code but miss the subtle local knowledge that keeps structures standing through the more unpredictable stretches of Central Georgia weather. So when you find yourself choosing a deck contractor, don’t be afraid to ask about their familiarity with local codes.
Building to Code is a Good Place to Start
Here's something Macon deck builders don't always explain: code is the floor, not the ceiling. Effectively it is the baseline. Meeting code means the structure is safe enough to pass inspection. It doesn't mean it's built to last as long as possible or perform as well as it could over decades.
Or, if you prefer to put it another way: code makes sure your deck is safe, exceeding code makes sure it’s durable.
Reputable builders, such as Archadeck, often go beyond the code requirements. That means taking steps like using closer joist spacing for a stiffer deck surface, or larger footings for extra stability. They might put a little extra time on flashing details to keep water from coming in when the rains get heavy to help make sure the deck lasts that much longer.
Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together
The cost of building a deck can add up, and they take up a lot of space on your property. Because you’re investing so much money, you need to be able to trust completely that the structure is safe for your family and guests. And it’s here that code compliance is the baseline that makes sure you get what you paid for.
But beyond that, working with a deck contractor who knows code in and out means that you end up with a better long term result.
Broaden your outdoor living leisure horizons with Archadeck of Central GA. Call us at 478-241-8406 for a complimentary design consultation on how to transform your backyard into the perfect outdoor oasis.
You can also click this link right here to connect with us in an instant.
