What Do I Need To Know About Building A Deck In Calgary?
Introduction
A well-built deck isn’t just a trendy home addition but a significant investment that adds value to your home. If you love having guests or spending barbecue weekends with your family, a deck would be an exceptional home feature. If you want a deck that’s not only pretty but will serve you and your family for years, read on. We’ll help you get started on building a deck in Calgary the right way!
Introduction
A well-built deck isn’t just a trendy home addition but a significant investment that adds value to your home. If you love having guests or spending barbecue weekends with your family, a deck would be an exceptional home feature. If you want a deck that’s not only pretty but will serve you and your family for years, read on. We’ll help you get started on building a deck in Calgary the right way!
Type Of Decks
Attached decks
Attached decks are similar to a patio, although slightly elevated. It is typically built for U-shaped or L-shaped houses.
Detached decks
Detached decks are built anywhere within the property and accessed using a path of steps.
Multi-level decks
If you have a large property or one that’s not flat terrain and changes elevation, multi-level decks are the best design for you. These decks are built on diverse levels and connected by pathways and stepladders.
Entryway decks
These decks sit on the front porch with steps and platforms. It is most commonly built with planter boxes and benches.
Wood Vs Composite
Wood Deck
Wood decks have a warm and beautiful appeal. Calgary deck builders prefer a wood deck for its natural appearance. Ipe is an expensive hardwood that’s durable, solid, and rot-resistant. If you opt for a cheaper option, use PT or ‘pressure-treated wood. However inexpensive, wood is a high maintenance material. Wood decks need annual refinishing and frequently require sanding, removing, and reapplying the finish.
Composite deck
Composite decking in Calgary is widely used. A composite deck is made of mixed wood fibers and recycled plastic. They aren’t as beautiful as wood, but you can choose from a selection of colors to your liking. Unlike wood, a composite is a low-maintenance material – no staining, refinishing, or sanding is needed. Composite decks also come with a lifetime guarantee. The only disadvantage is the price; composite decks cost twice higher as natural wood,
Bylaws and Safety Standards
Building a deck in Calgary needs to be up to code. These guidelines and standards ensure that the structure is safe and can bear much weight. According to Calgary’s official website, a deck must be:
- From the rear property line, at least 6 meters.
- From the front property line, at least 3 meters.
- From the side property line, at least 1.2 meters. If you’re building on the street side of a lane-less lot and there are no provisions for a garage, your deck should be 3 meters from the property line.
- Standard deck height – maximum 12 inches or 0.3 meters above the main floor.
- Landings can’t exceed 2.5m² in area. 1.8m² is a maximum projection located in the side setback.
- For more detailed safety codes, please refer to Calgary’s official website.
Building Permit Vs. Development Permit
What requires a Building Permit?
What requires a Development Permit?
Applying for a Permit
You can go through this list for fees and other permit processes not mentioned above. Applying for a permit can be online thru Calgary’s website or in person. If you’re submitting in person, make sure to book an appointment to avoid the long queue.
Documents needed
You can refer to this checklist for a complete guide of the documents needed. You have to fill out the application form and upload or submit drawings of these plans:
Prepare for inspection
Inspections are done Monday to Friday between 8 am to 4 pm. You’ll receive an email notification advising you of the inspection window within the same day in the morning.
Call before you dig
Call the Utility Safety Partners if you need to locate and mark utilities on your property. Please note that it might take two days for all the digging to finish.
Conclusion
Not all projects go perfectly, but various errors can be avoided with a bit of study and preparation. If you prefer to have a deck contractor do the job, we will give you advice and answer all your questions. Contact us today!
What requires a Building Permit?
- If you’re building a deck higher than 0.6 meters.
- If you’re constructing an enclosed sundeck, a gazebo, or deck with open beams (this may entail a Development Permit as it can be measured as an addition already).
What requires a Development Permit?
- If your deck will top 1.5 meters in height and you live in a Developed Area.
- If your deck is in the floodway zone.
- If your deck didn’t meet the standard requirements of the Land Use Bylaw.
Applying for a Permit
You can go through this list for fees and other permit processes not mentioned above. Applying for a permit can be online thru Calgary’s website or in person. If you’re submitting in person, make sure to book an appointment to avoid the long queue.
Documents needed
You can refer to this checklist for a complete guide of the documents needed. You have to fill out the application form and upload or submit drawings of these plans:
- Site plan
- Plan view
- Structural cross-sections
Prepare for inspection
Inspections are done Monday to Friday between 8 am to 4 pm. You’ll receive an email notification advising you of the inspection window within the same day in the morning.
Call before you dig
Call the Utility Safety Partners if you need to locate and mark utilities on your property. Please note that it might take two days for all the digging to finish.
Conclusion
Not all projects go perfectly, but various errors can be avoided with a bit of study and preparation. If you prefer to have a deck contractor do the job, we will give you advice and answer all your questions. Contact us today!
