House Renovation

Well, the team of Superior Renovations has come up with 5 significant factors that impact a deck building project in Auckland.

RULES & REGULATIONS FOR DECK BUILDING

If you are planning of having a balcony or a deck about 1.5 meters above the ground, you will need the permission. The rules and regulations about deck building are very strict, and one has to consider them before taking on any deck building endeavour.

The essential matter in deck building is the timber decay issue. While building your new deck, you have to design and build it with great care to avoid water trapping and timber decay. Mostly, water leaks through the cladding and thus causes the early corrosion or decay of timber. So proper maintenance is essential if you are thinking about having your deck above the ground.

Here are some of the guidelines

• If your deck is up to 1.5 meters in height from the ground, you don’t need any kind of consent for its build-up process. However, if you are building a deck more than 1.5 meters above, you require permission.
• Any fence which is 1 meter above the ground and possesses the risk of falling requires fence or barrier, so you will require resource permission for that too.
• If you are thinking about having attached decking, Auckland Building Department recommends a gap of 12mm behind the ribbon plate to avoid moisture retention and mildew development.
• Along with the ones mentioned above, the deck-building also requires to meet other structural and building requirements.

What the law says

Subject to section 42A of the Building Act, Schedule 1 exempts the following from a building consent:

Building work in connection with a deck, platform, bridge, boardwalk, or the like from which it is not possible to fall more than 1.5 metres even if it collapses. (https://building.govt.nz, 2019)

If you plan to build a deck that is up to 1.5m high, you don’t need a building consent but you may still need a resource consent, depending on the rules in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. If your deck is more than 1m high, it must have a handrail. (https://aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, 2019)

For further details, visit https://building.govt.nz

or Auckland Council website: https://aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Can I extend my deck without consent?

In New Zealand, whether you need consent to extend your deck will depend on the specific circumstances of your property and the proposed deck extension.

If the deck extension will be less than 1.5 meters above ground level, and the deck is not going to be attached to a house or building, it is likely that you will not need consent to build it. However, if the deck is going to be attached to a house or building, or the extension will be more than 1.5 meters above ground level, you will likely need to get a building consent from your local council.

Additionally, you may need to comply with local zoning regulations, and restrictions regarding the placement of the deck, and the materials used. It is best to check with your local council for specific requirements and regulations before proceeding with any deck extension. It’s always advisable to seek advice from a building professional and obtain necessary consents before extending the deck.

HOW MUCH WILL MY DECK COST?

How much I need to spend on building a deck? Probably one of the most common questions when it comes to deck building. However, the cost of any deck build-up process depends entirely on the design and structural complexities it involves.

Although the decking based services vary when it comes to pricing particularly in Auckland, the standard cost estimate for a 1-meter high deck is as follows:

For a 90 mm wide pine decking, you might get charged up to $470+ per square metre. However, the other factors that affect the cost of deck building include:

• Site condition
• Soil type
• Deck’s height
• Accessories required
• Other costs including permits, demolition, seating, cladding and stairs building.

CAN YOU REMOVE MY OLD DECKING AND RELAY NEW DECKING?

The decks are made of wood, and they have a specific lifespan. Although you can enhance their lifespan with proper maintenance and care. But once they started rotting, you would have to replace the whole structure.

If you are worrying about whether your deck needs replacement or not just check out the following signs or symptoms.

Check for any decay or mould development:

The first step is to check for any rotting or decay in the deck area as well as in the stairs, fencing or any other part of the deck. You can use a screwdriver to check the condition of the wood. If the screwdriver penetrates the wood easily, then it is time to get a new deck.

Check for loose parts:

• Check the entire deck for the loose parts and to undergo inspection regarding the damage.
• If your deck has completed its lifespan, then make no further delays and ask a professional deck builders Auckland based to build a new deck for you.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PINE AND KWILA DECKING?

The decks could be of any shape, size or material, but the two most common types of the deck are softwood and hardwood.

• Pinewood (softwood):

A highly reliable and easily available decking wood option, pine offers the decks more longevity. This pinewood is the most commonly used decking material. However, pine wood contains chemical preservatives and can be easily bent and wraps, thus causing serious health and construction issues.

• Kwila (hardwood):

Kwila wood is known for its durability and great looks. Due to its durability, it has been the primary choice for decks in Auckland.

Kwila, also known as Merbau, is a durable and strong wood that is commonly used for decking. However, it should be noted that Kwila is a tropical hardwood that is imported, which may have negative environmental impacts. It is also important to ensure that the Kwila is legally and sustainably sourced. Additionally, Kwila is naturally resistant to decay and insects, but it can still be affected by rot if not properly sealed and maintained. Regular cleaning, staining, and sealing will help prolong the life of a Kwila deck. It is also important to note that Kwila is a dense hardwood which may be harder to work with than other woods, it is also known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

DO I ENGAGE A BUILDER AND/OR PROJECT MANAGER?

If you are thinking of having a deck, then opt for a professional deck building service provider. If you are confused about whether or not hire a project manager for a decking project, then here are some of the perks associated with hiring professionals:

• Quality work with extreme professionalism
• Schedule tracking for completion of the project on time
• The budget and cost estimates will be accurate
• The project will be built according to construction guideline and codes
• Little to no conflict regarding ideas and material requirements.

THINKING OF BUILDING THE DECK YOURSELF?

Materials required for deck building.

Here are the few materials that you might require for building a deck from scratch:

1. 5×4-inch decking lumber
2. Fiberboard pier form
3. 2×8 pressure-treated lumber for the joists
4. 2×10 pressure-treated lumber for the ledger, beams and rim joists
5. Concrete
6. Plastic footing form
7. Polyurethane marine sealant
8. Ledger fasteners lag screws and/or carriage bolts
9. Post bases
10. Face-mounted joist hangers
11. Siliconized acrylic caulk
12. Masonry expansion bolts to fasten post bases to concrete piers
13. Metal flashing
14. Construction adhesive
15. 8d galvanized or stainless steel finish nails
16. 6d, 12d, and 16d galvanized or stainless steel common nails
17. Self-adhering waterproof membrane
18. 5/8-inch roofing nails
19. Concealed-flange and face-mounted double joist hangers and hanger nails.

Tools needed for building a simple deck

For the construction of the durable deck, you will require the following mentioned below tools including:

• Hammer drill
• Masonry bit
• Drill driver
• Drill – 1/2-inch
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Ratchet wrench and sockets
• Circular saw
• Chalk line
• Concrete mixer
• Hammer
• Impact wrench
• Shovel
• 30-foot tape measure
• Tape measure
• Utility knife

What Do I Need To Know Before Constructing A Deck?

Before moving ahead with your construction, you have first to address certain things to come up with a better idea about the type of deck you need.

Usage:

The most common question while building a new deck is how you are going to use it? Whether you need a deck for private sitting or requires for a large space for dinners and parties? Do you have children, or do you want extra protection on your deck?

Area assessment:

Next comes the area assessment as in which part of your house you want your deck to be. The area selection is crucial as it involves the consideration regarding your underground structures, location and many more.

Size of the deck:

The size of the deck depends on various factors including your usage, amount of furniture required and type of activities you are planning on doing on your deck.

So How Much Does It Cost To Build A Deck According To Type And Area Required?

Cost to build a deck per square metre

We have mentioned a pricing estimate for building a deck all by yourself excluding the labour, accessories, bearers, joists or piles.

Timber Decks:

• Pine 140×32 – $50/m2 incl GST
• Kwila 140×19 – $89/m2 incl GST
• Vitex 140×19 – $105/m2 incl GST
• Garapa 140×19 – $104/m2 incl GST
• Iroko 140×19 – $112/m2 incl GST

Composite:

• Outdure 138×23 – $103/m2 incl GST
• Millboard 176×32 – $210/m2 incl GST (and this was a good deal)

The cost-estimation mentioned above points out why the people opt for pinewood decks as compared to Kwila wood. The pinewood decks are affordable and easily available, making them budget-friendly. However, now the trend is making a shift and people are more willing to spend for durability, style and looks. So, nowadays we are witnessing a shift towards Kwila wood decks.

How much does it cost to build a deck with Kwila?

The cost of building a deck with Kwila in New Zealand can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, and the location. However, on average, the cost of building a deck with Kwila can range from around $200 to $300 per square meter. This cost includes the cost of materials and labor. It is important to note that this is an approximate estimate and the actual cost may vary. It would be best to get a quote from a local builder or contractor for a more accurate cost estimate.

How much does it cost to build a deck with Pine?

The cost of building a deck with Pine in New Zealand can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, and the location. However, on average, the cost of building a deck with Pine can range from around $150 to $250 per square meter. This cost includes the cost of materials and labor. Pine is a cheaper alternative than Kwila. However, it is important to note that this is an approximate estimate and the actual cost may vary. It would be best to get a quote from a local builder or contractor for a more accurate cost estimate. Additionally, Pine is not as durable as Kwila, so it may require more maintenance over time.

So, How Much Do I Have To Pay For Having A Deck At My House?

Well, if you are looking for a generic ballpark figure, then an uncovered deck will cost you about $300/m2. However, if you want to add some facilities including a gazebo, veranda or pergola, then the cost estimate would be $600/m2 including GST for deck covering.

We hope that this price or cost-estimate will assist you in making up your mind regarding what type of deck you need and how much cost has to bear. However, these estimate might vary depending on your specific requirements regarding the use of material, space, size and height of the deck. The cost-estimate is only there to let you get your head in the right direction with your demands and budget requirements.

Please note: Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.

At Superior Renovations, full project management is what we do. We partner with select architects, engineers and professional builders to create deck you’ve been envisioning.

Questions to ask your builder when building a deck

When building a deck in New Zealand, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the project scope and to work with a reputable builder. Here are a few questions to consider asking your builder:

1. Can you provide references or examples of previous deck building projects you have completed?
2. Are you qualified to build decks in New Zealand?
3. What materials do you recommend for my deck and why?
4. How will you handle any necessary permits or building consent applications if required?
5. How will you ensure that the deck is built to comply with local building codes and safety regulations?
6. How will you handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during the construction process?
7. What is your estimated timeline for completion of the project?
8. How will you handle any changes or modifications to the project scope?
9. How do you handle payment and what is the payment schedule?
10. What is your guarantee policy?

Asking these questions can help ensure that you have a clear understanding of the project and that your builder is reliable, knowledgeable and professional.

Quick recap

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

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