Outside deck regulations?

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ReckITT

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# 165938 25-Feb-2015 11:06

I was planning to build an outside deck which will have a bar area and bbq section. It may have large beams to put a roof in, have not decided if its going to be canvas or wood structure or something of the sort.

My question is, are there any rules in NZ about building this sort of thing without a permit or something. It will all be made out of wood and bolts. Nails. Also its on level ground and the floor wont be more than half a meter high.

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BDFL - Memuneh
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# 1246227 25-Feb-2015 11:07

Moved to correct subforum. Please use correct forum so people with similar interests can help.

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richms

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# 1246231 25-Feb-2015 11:11

Last I looked at it, decks could be a meter off the ground with no need to involve council busybodys onsite. Thats why the last owners made the deck around the pool such a stupid shape, to keep it with in the meter height over the ground.

Pergola didnt need concent, but if there was a roof on it then it would have. So build a pergola and add a roof later perhaps?

Richard rich.ms

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# 1246234 25-Feb-2015 11:13

It likely depends somewhat on your local council. It would be worth giving them a call and see if they can point you in the right direction.

MikeB4

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# 1246236 25-Feb-2015 11:15

Decks over a meter need consent and things like rails etc, overall size is also a factor. There are a few regs regarding roofs etc over decks. It pays with all these things to consult your council who will advise you correctly.

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richms

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# 1246240 25-Feb-2015 11:20

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If you are consulting a council, dont give them your address as they will have a closer look at a place for unpermited work after enquiries about things.

Richard rich.ms

ReckITT

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# 1246242 25-Feb-2015 11:20

Well thats ok keeping it in 1 meter height.

I actually dont mind build the frame or support for a roof and have a company do the roof. It would have to keep the rain completely out. So a pergola would have to be tweaked to achieve that.

Will see with the council as well what they say.

Another queation I would ask about is any limits on meterials I can use?

Jase2985

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# 1246273 25-Feb-2015 11:58

email your local council, there are different regulations depending on what zoning you are in

its the best way to go then you get the right information from the correct authority

trig42

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# 1246285 25-Feb-2015 12:14

You *should* use Stainless bolts. If it is unpermitted (doesn't need one) then no-one will know (or likely care) if you go Galv.

In Auckland, decks don't need building permits if they are less then 1.5m, not 1m to the ground.

Oh, and personal peeve, don't put the decking timber ridged side up. Just makes it dangerous and slippy, and is uncomfortable.

Bung

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# 1246374 25-Feb-2015 13:32

I've recently modified an existing deck built in 87. Most of the galv bolts were just about corroded through. The local ITM hardware price for stainless was equal or less than Bunnings galv. I would stick to the Building Code and shop around or trademe for realistic hardware prices.

mattwnz

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# 1246376 25-Feb-2015 13:34

Are you connecting the pergola to the house? If so it will likely need consent. ALso some council require a standalone pergola to have consent. If it is having some form of roofing on it, it will likely need consent to show that it won't fall over. Whatever you do, take your plans to council to see if it needs consent. If you don't get consent and it needs it, then if you sell you house, a buyer will likely pick it up and discount the price. Not having consents or code of compliances can greatly affect a property value.

timbosan

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# 1246382 25-Feb-2015 13:43

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Just read the guide from the DBH:

http://www.dbh.govt.nz/UserFiles/File/Publications/Building/Guidance-information/pdf/building-work-consent-not-required-guidance-3rd-edition.pdf

If in doubt, pass it by your local council.

BTR

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# 1246388 25-Feb-2015 13:46

Decks less than a metre off ground height don't require a permit in most areas. As for shade sales I would contact your council as I think there are limits to the size you can have before you need a permit due to the risk of damage in high winds.

Also if you have never built a deck before and don't know what you are doing then I would get a builder to either help you or build it for you because if it fails and someone is injured you are liable even if you have sold your house. I built a deck last year and I made sure its rock solid and that all of the fixings and timber were the right grade.

One other thing when it come to fixing the actual decking timber make sure you take your time and use strong lines for the screws, pre drill the wood and use nail of something else to make sure they are evenly space, if you don;t all of your hard work will be wasted.

timbosan

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# 1246391 25-Feb-2015 13:49

trig42: In Auckland, decks don't need building permits if they are less then 1.5m, not 1m to the ground.

This is also in the DBH document, it is 1.5m, not 1m as most people are stating.

JonnyCam

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# 1246403 25-Feb-2015 13:59

trig42: You *should* use Stainless bolts. If it is unpermitted (doesn't need one) then no-one will know (or likely care) if you go Galv.

In Auckland, decks don't need building permits if they are less then 1.5m, not 1m to the ground.

disclaimer: just from what I've learnt building a couple of decks, not a qualified expert :)

Hot dip galv is fine if you are not in a coastal area (if you are, pay the extra for the stainless - the timber treatment eats away enough)
I'd stay away from straight galv / zinc plated.

Some councils are picky if you are attaching to the house or not (piercing the building envelope)
We dynabolted into the foundations for our deck, and put silcone washers between the concrete & packers - building code requires as 12mm gap between the wall & deck to allow drainage)
We couldn't see any mention of needing consent for that (lower hutt), but my folks in Dunedin did.

Materials are pretty standard, H5 treated for anything going into the ground, H4 for non ground contact structural, and H3.2 for all others.
We used 5x5 Posts, as they were easier to find than 4x4 H5 - then you could cary them all the way up for your pergola

Oh, and personal peeve, don't put the decking timber ridged side up. Just makes it dangerous and slippy, and is uncomfortable.

+1
In australia the 'grip tread' is sold as a feature to draw the moisute away from the top of the deck by having it face downwards.

If you need stairs to the deck, then check out the building code for the correct height, width etc.

JonnyCam

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# 1246409 25-Feb-2015 14:05

timbosan:
trig42: In Auckland, decks don't need building permits if they are less then 1.5m, not 1m to the ground.

This is also in the DBH document, it is 1.5m, not 1m as most people are stating.

and a fence / barrier is required if a person can fall 1m to the ground from the deck.

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