Houselopnik phase 1

"Zaphod's Heart of Gold" (anavriniv)
05/26/2020 at 10:47 • Filed to: Houselopnik

Friday night my back deck looked like that. It was a nice little deck, 10' x 14' right off the back of the house. It was finished in that deck paint when we moved in and could have used another coat but everything was solid. A grill, a table, and 4 chairs made it a great place to have a meal on a nice night and the string lights added an ambiance as day turned to night.

But that was not good enough. We spent a lot of time out on that deck and it worked well enough for 2 people and a smallish dog but when friends come over it got cramped quick, and there’s no shade in sight. So off I went on an adventure to design a new one

Boom done.

16.5' x 16' on the big part, about 10' x 12' on the smaller one. Under the pergola is the same size as our current deck. The back side will have the grill and some counters to be designed later, possible a short handrail just to tie things together. Strings lights will be abundant and there will be some kind of gas fire pit or chiminea there eventually.

So Friday was our last night with the old deck. Saturday morning a new one showed up

And the old one was torn out (what we don’t need to reuse)

Some holes were dug

The last hole was....well it was just concrete that I had to bust up.

And I started the ledger extension (extra flashing added for the impending week of rain)

Because I live in a town I am going through the proper channels and building per code and I have a permit and everything. Today is my first inspection and I’m waiting to hear that it passed (maybe failed? I doubt it).

It may not be car related but it’s definitely a project!

DISCUSSION (16)

TheRealBicycleBuck > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 16:52

Great work!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 16:55

So that deck’s got its own postal code, right?

Roadkilled > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 16:56

When Ford introduced the Mustang, they showed that people thought a short rear deck looked good. This long rear deck of yours looks like an old Cadillac or Oldsmobile. (Now how do I make an automotive link to the pergola. Is it like the wing over the rear deck of a Superbird?)

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 16:56

Looking good! I’ve helped build more decks in my life than I can remember. for some reason the accomplishment of drinking a beer on a deck you built just hits different.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
05/27/2020 at 16:58

I have submitted the application for it to be considered its own incorporated territory

jeepoftheseus > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 17:11

Nice! I’m a big believer in the idea that backyard improvements are a priority given all else is functioning properly. Two summers ago I fenced in our back yard and it changed our, and the pups, lives. Our deck is currently undergoing some maintenance followed by a fresh stain here in the next month-ish. Can’t wait. Keep it up!

PlaysWellWithNOthers > Roadkilled
05/27/2020 at 17:29

Window louvers?

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > jeepoftheseus
05/27/2020 at 18:14

I did the fence last year along with the garden. Last fall I did the floors in the house, now it’ s on to the deck. We will put it to great use

The Snowman > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 18:20

It’s so crazy to me that a deck near ground level needs permits. I could see it if it was on a second story where there is penalty for failure.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > The Snowman
05/27/2020 at 18:51

The code applies to all decks and vertical loading doesn’t change based on height really. There are components of the code that come into play at certain heights which I luckily don’t have to deal with but footer size, joist size and spacing, and decking size all must meet code. In my state there is no specific code for pergolas though, technically I can do whatever I want with one but the engineer in me made sure it is strong enough

jeepoftheseus > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 19:52

We share a similar formula , you and I. Floors, fence, garden, (roof, windows and paint derailment thanks to hail) and now deck. Great minds!

Chariotoflove > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/27/2020 at 20:07

That’s an exciting project! I very much approve of the overhead. I’ve been considering one for years to make using the patio in summer bearable. Will you plant vines to grow over it?

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > The Snowman
05/27/2020 at 21:39

because anything over 30" (18" -24" in some areas) the railing requirements come into play. then there is also surface area issues for how many would potentially be on at one time. In both cases mainly due to assholes/cheapskates that do shady stuff to get around.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Chariotoflove
05/28/2020 at 06:34

No plans to add foliage. There really isn’t an exposed side to start that on either....one is a few feet from the house, one leads to the smaller open portion, one is open to the back with a step and the last will have a grill and counters

The Snowman > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/28/2020 at 10:43

Vertical loading doesn’t change but if my deck fails and the ground is a foot below you could sprain an ankle or break a leg. If it is a story higher you could die. I was amazed my city required no permits for any building under 200sqft. I built a shed that you could fit a car in and no inspection.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
05/28/2020 at 15:47

Update: Houselopnik phase 1 has passed footing inspection, all systems are go to build this damn thing