If you've built a deck

[Deleted]

We were going to build a deck this year, but then postponed it when the wood prices skyrocketed. Well, now that the prices are coming down again, we are thinking of moving ahead with the build in the fall. We will be doing all of the work ourselves, and we have tentative designs, but are looking at hiring an engineer to draw up the actual specs that we can submit to the borough to get our permits. We've only called one place so far, and was quoted $400-$500 which sounds very reasonable to me, but I'm just wondering, is this a good price? Should I call around more? A friend of my husband is using this company and has been happy with them.

[treedimensional]

How big? There are a lot of things that drive up costs, like laying the wood diagonally, iron or aluminum rails, LED lights in the stair steps, all kinds of things.

[aprilsails]

To draw up plans costs a minimum of $500 at my consulting engineering firm no matter how small the job so that sounds quite reasonable to me. Get a quote in writing and good luck!

[simpsongal]

I'd also ask what the fee will be if there are any questions/pushback when you submit for permitting. Good luck! No matter how pretty it looks, avoid white risers!

[definitelyO]

our contractor drew up the plans - had them reviewed and then submitted to the city. It wasn't a special line item on our invoice so not sure what the actual cost was. We went from 200 sqft to 450 sqft with a partial roof connected to our house roof line. He needed to drill footers and get approval for the supports.