You usually must get an inspection:
* Before you buy a home, and
* Before and/or after you build an addition.
Texas, like many U.S. states, follows the International Building Code. Each state or country that follows this international code tends to make its own slight revisions to the body of rules. Texas is no exception, and currently abides by a revised version of the 2009 Code. You can take a look at the Texas version of the Building Code in your choice of formats at the linked website. (Be forewarned: it is a long and technical Code.)
But don’t stop there. Each county and municipality also adopts specific building and inspection codes. There may be code requirements specific to the unique needs of your county or municipality that you need to know before you construct or use a deck. The Building Code inspectors specific to your town or county are also more likely to hit you with fines for failure to comply than State inspectors. So always consult your local codes too. Sometimes federal codes may also affect your plans. Reputable local building inspectors and reputable local contractors can usually point you at all of the applicable rules that will affect your planned or existing deck.
Generally speaking, ground-hugging decks for a Pedernales River home don’t subject you to many rules or regulations. (Maybe because just covering the dirt with a more solid substance doesn’t usually present many dangers.) But elevated decks, particularly once they clear more than 30 inches from the ground, tend to fall under a whole host of regulations because of potential deck collapse dangers. These include the:
* International Building Code,
* State Building Codes,
* County Building Codes, and
* Municipal Building Codes.
Your deck requirements will be specific to your geographic location, such as the Pedernales River frontage. But probably every location adheres to essential deck safety requirements. Don’t skimp. Stick to the Building Codes; they’re designed to address the many causes of deck collapse accidents. A cheaply or poorly built deck can tear away from the home. The resulting deck collapse can:
* Cause costly damage to your home,
* Cause costly injuries and injury lawsuits, and/or
* Lead to even more costly fatalities and wrongful death lawsuits.
We know whereof we speak. We’re Board Certified Personal Injury attorneys, and our 12+ years of practice have seen a fair share of cases on behalf of victims injured by balcony collapse or deck collapse. We’ve also successfully handled wrongful death cases on behalf of surviving family members of those killed by a sudden deck collapse or balcony collapse. And one thing we know: all of these injuries and fatalities could have been avoided. Better design, construction, maintenance and regular inspections could prevent almost all deck collapse accidents.