A floating deck usually doesn’t need building permits because it does not attach to the house or property. You may still want to run the project by your neighbourhood council and check the local laws, but floating decks typically require far less paperwork for Australian homeowners and DIY builders.
Do I need a permit to build a floating deck in Victoria?
Building or replacing a balcony or deck
If you want to replace or build a new balcony or deck, you must ensure it is designed and constructed legally. That usually means: applying for a building permit. having the balcony appropriately designed and documented.
What size deck can I build without a permit in Victoria?
Types of Decking Permits
In Victoria, you’ll need a permit if you’re replacing an old deck or installing a new one. According to the NSW Building Code, you don’t need permission if the deck isn’t larger than 25 square metres.
What is the maximum height for a floating deck?
Always check with your local building department for local regulations, but the International Residential Code says you won’t need a permit for your floating deck if your project meets the following criteria: It takes up less than 200 square feet. It’s not more than 30 inches above the ground.
Is a floating deck considered a permanent structure?
Floating Decks vs.
A traditional deck has posts cemented below ground level, making the deck a permanent structure and subject to local building codes.
Does a floating deck need footings?
When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.
What happens if you build without a permit Victoria?
Section 16(1) of the Building Act makes it an offence to undertake building works without a permit if a building permit is required for the works. The penalty is a fine of up to $72,180 for a natural person and a lot more for a company.
What happens if you don’t have planning permission for decking?
If you are planning to install decking in a conservation area or remove existing Decking that you plan to replace, it is absolutely necessary to obtain the required conservation area consent prior to beginning any works on your decking. Going ahead without this may result in a fine or imprisonment, or both.
What triggers a building permit in Victoria?
A building permit will only be issued after the building levy has been paid and we have issued a building permit number. The building surveyor cannot issue a building permit for your project until any required consent of a reporting authority is received.
Does a floating deck need to be anchored?
Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it’s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.
Can I build a deck directly on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails.
How far apart are the joists on a floating deck?
The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center.
A slightly more in-depth look: the maximum joist spacing you can use for your frame will depend on a few factors:
- The size of your deck joists.
- Your framing material.
- Your maximum joist span.
How many footings do I need for a floating deck?
Well, for each hole, you’ll need to dig a hole 4′ deep and 8” wide. For an 8×10′ freestanding deck, you’ll need six footings. Unless you have access to a power auger, that’s a lot of digging. After digging each hole, you will need to install tube forms into each.
What do you put under a floating deck?
It’s a good idea to add some type of gravel under a floating deck for stability and drainage. In many cases, the floating deck is built on deck blocks, which are in turn placed on a bed of compacted gravel.
How much does it cost to build a 12×16 floating deck?
Having a contractor build it for you raises the price from $3,200 to $4,800. 12×16-foot Raised Deck: You could build a 12×16-foot treated-lumber raised deck with stairs, for about $3,100 in materials. Hiring someone to do the work for you brings your total cost from $3,700 to $9,500.
Can I build a deck without digging holes?
If you’re ready to start planning, there are two great options to build a deck without digging any holes: surface deck blocks and deck foot anchors. The cheapest foundations are deck blocks, which can be purchased for less than $12.00 a piece. Deck blocks sit on the ground, so proper planning is essential.
Is a floating deck cheaper than regular deck?
Expect to pay $20 to $60 per square foot for a floating deck, which is about three to five times the cost of a standard ground-level deck. The cost to build a deck may come in as low as $500 for DIY projects, or you could pay up to $25,000 for a large one.
Does a deck have to be attached to the house?
While attached decks are often recommended, your deck does not have to attach to your house. There are floating and freestanding decks that are not attached to your home.
Can I set deck posts without concrete?
How To Set Posts Without Concrete: Step By Step
- Determine where you want your post to go.
- Once the hole is dug, dump four inches of gravel into the hole.
- Once you have placed the post, add another two inches on top of the four inches of gravel that you have already placed.
- Next add a few inches of topsoil.
How far should floating deck be from house?
What Is A Free Standing Deck? For a deck to be free standing it really must be unattached to any other structure like a house. It can be within 3/4″ to 1″ from the siding or exterior of the house and appear like it is connected to an untrained eye but it is truly freely standing from the house.
Is a floating deck cheaper than concrete?
Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio.