{"id":844,"date":"2020-12-18T23:04:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T23:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=844"},"modified":"2023-04-14T09:27:30","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:27:30","slug":"do-you-need-an-architect-for-a-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/do-you-need-an-architect-for-a-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need an Architect For a Deck?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Decks are an outdoor space attached to a house. The difference between decks and other outdoor spaces such as a patio is that decks are often raised\/elevated. Architects are always required for the planning of a building. The question now is if the same holds true for renovations like this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you would still need an architect for a deck. This is to make sure that the deck is well designed, as functional as it can be, and is compliant with all the needed provisions of your locality.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll be going more about why architects are needed for this project, what they would do or how they would plan a deck, the requirements of decks, and more. Read on if you plan on having a deck built or if you just want to know when you\u2019d need an architect for a project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What determines if you need an architect or not for a project?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main determining factor is the complexity and impact of the renovation or structure. For example, you wouldn\u2019t need an architect if you were adding a simple shed to your backyard or if you plan on doing a finish-change renovation throughout your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You would need architects for renovations that change the structural and utility aspect of a building and its overall design and function. It might be tempting to just go straight to the construction manager to do a renovation in your house. This might be okay if what you plan on doing is a standardized space that doesn\u2019t require much thought.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, remember that architects are highly proficient in their designs. Architects are capable of designing spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and efficient all at the same time. Architects tailor fit the spaces in accordance with the users, rather than just following standards, and they make sure that the users can maximize all the features and additions to the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important factor to also consider is that architects are well aware of all the building laws and provisions of your area. This saves you from headaches with the government that will require you to change your renovation and make you spend even more than you already are!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, getting an architect saves you a lot of time and all the stresses that come with renovations of these types. Architects are trained to consider everything and plan accordingly to ensure that you can get the best deck for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks: A short description about them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As described earlier at the beginning of the article, a deck is an elevated outdoor platform usually connected to a house<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, decks are elevated in order to make up for the change of topography (slope of the ground) within the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks are useful because they can either act as a buffer between your house and the outdoors or they can serve as a venue for other activities<\/strong> such as hosting parties, exercising and etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some decks are so big and complex in design that they will require their own structural system design, which will require you to hire a civil engineer aside from just the architect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks are not only exclusive to being extensions of a house. You can also add decks on your rooftops<\/strong>, depending on how the main house\u2019s structural planning was designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks are usually made out of lightweight material such as wood<\/strong> instead of concrete or bricks. Since they are platforms that are usually elevated, it only makes sense that you would use a lightweight material that is less heavy-duty to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks are usually used in public spaces to frame a certain view<\/strong>. Almost all resorts have their decks facing the beach, while skyscrapers have their decks positioned at the building’s upper levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of designing for decks, the possibilities are almost endless. Considering that a deck is just a wide category for different outdoor platforms, the deck’s design can range from a simple flat platform to having multiple layers and roofs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can treat a deck as if it was its own floor level<\/strong>. You can technically assign \u201crooms\u201d on a deck, which allows for different activities. An example of this would be having a dedicated eating area on one side and a dedicated lounge on the other end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that when an architect designs, there’s more than meets the eye. Every dimension and every shape orientation has some sort of basis\/rationale behind it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a complete in-depth look at how architects design buildings, check our article on it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks: What do they need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned in the previous section, decks are usually made out of lightweight material such as wood, making it preferable to install compared to a heavier-duty material since they are usually elevated platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks aren\u2019t heavy-duty compared to a house. You wouldn\u2019t add plumbing pipes, kitchen fixtures, or air conditioning to a deck. The forces acting on the deck are relatively light<\/strong> because of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To have a deck that works well, you\u2019ll need to have the right amount of space to support it<\/strong>. There\u2019s nothing worse than having a deck constructed that can barely be too used or is out of sync with the rest of your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also have to be committed to maintaining the deck<\/strong>, which will, of course, incur extra expenses and effort<\/strong>. Having the deck deteriorate just a few years after construction is the last thing you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks: Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like any built structure, decks are prone to be affected by weathering and other forces of nature. Adding a deck to your home automatically entails that you will also need to maintain it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks need quite a lot of maintenance and upkeep because of how exposed the space is to the elements. Rain, shine, snow, wind moisture, and even wildlife are all things that you should be prepared to handle if planning on adding a deck to your home.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How would an architect design a deck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Architects would design a deck in such a way that it would synergize with your home<\/strong>. The architect would first observe your house and then begin coming up with a design for the deck based on those proportions. The size of the deck and its design will be entirely based on the client’s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good design for a deck would be a design that responds to its immediate environment<\/strong>. Since decks, as mentioned earlier, are a space that is mostly exposed to the outdoors. What the architect would do is to create certain design applications that act as preventive measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These measures ensure that maintenance costs will go down, that the beauty and the material of the deck will be long lasting, and that the construction process is cost-effective<\/strong>. A concrete example of one of these design applications can either be through roof design, material choice, the deck\u2019s orientation, the deck\u2019s sizing, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from preventing the forces of nature that have negative connotations that the deck will experience, The architect will also be making design applications that will maximize the benefits of the immediate environment.  Concepts such as passive cooling, temperature control, moisture control, views, etc., will be used by the architect to make the deck as enjoyable as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 At the end of the day, a deck is not a complex space compared to buildings. Getting an architect is not integral, and it will not make or break whether your deck will be good or not. As mentioned earlier, it still is highly recommended that you get an architect for your deck because it minimizes any problems arising along the way. The benefits of an architect\u2019s design can be felt throughout the lifetime of the deck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decks: How they\u2019re usually built<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main concern that homeowners should have regarding decks is to make sure that if you are building one, it’s still in consideration of your neighbors. Just because it’s technically legal for you to build a deck along the property line doesn\u2019t exactly mean that you should. Aside from that, making sure you have enough space and the necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most decks are usually built in the backyard, as having one on the front would turn it into a patio. Since it\u2019s built in the backyard, you should make sure that you have enough space to actually have a functioning deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this segment of the article, we\u2019ll be assuming that the type of deck you want is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n