| There are building codes that you will need to | | | | You will want to check into the zoning |
| follow in planning and designing your deck railing. | | | | requirement for the area where you live in |
| By following these codes, you will save yourself | | | | addition to the building codes. You will also want to |
| time and money in the long run. | | | | get the requirements from the health department. |
| Building codes were made to help protect the | | | | A building permit is a necessity in most areas of |
| homeowner, a home purchaser, and any visitors | | | | the country, too. Some building codes will only |
| from getting hurt. Deck railings are bound by | | | | allow decks that are a single level and some |
| building codes as well, including the | | | | codes will dictate the size of the joist overhangs. |
| railing’s height, the distance between | | | | Some building codes will also dictate the additions |
| balusters, and other details. | | | | of hot tubs, roofs, screened porches, or gazebos, |
| In Loudon County, Virginia, we find our first deck | | | | as well. You need to determine what the building |
| railing code example. The Virginia Uniform | | | | codes are for your area to make sure that you |
| Statewide Building Code must be complied with | | | | do not waste your time or money. |
| for any building build in the county. This building | | | | You may find that the building codes in your area |
| code is available for free on the internet and | | | | will cause design problems for your deck. If your |
| offers many different codes for you to peruse. | | | | deck railing has to be a certain height, then you |
| This building code details the rules for building, | | | | may find that your view is obstructed. The bad |
| including and requirements that are structural, | | | | this is that this is the law and if you break the |
| plumbing, mechanical issues, fire codes, and any | | | | law, then you will have to pay the consequences, |
| deck regulations that they may have. This building | | | | including fines and court visits. If you really have |
| code will give you guidance on following the law in | | | | an issue with the building code, then you will have |
| Virginia. A review of your plans and permits by | | | | to find a way to make it work for you-instead of |
| The Department of Building and Development will | | | | against you. The codes are to keep you safe, but |
| let you know if you are complying with the code | | | | that doesn’t mean that you cannot |
| to ensure that there are no problems further | | | | make it more workable for you by choosing |
| down the road. | | | | different materials or a different design. You only |
| There are different building codes all around the | | | | have to be willing to put in the extra time, effort, |
| country, so it is important to check with your | | | | and research that is may take to get the job |
| local area’s building department to | | | | done right. |
| find the building codes for your area. | | | | |