If You Were Building a Deck......

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Well if I knew how to upload pics here I would show you some. And I agree I don't need 3 and he is trying to squeeze in 4. Nevertheless I have 2 posts 1+ foot closer together than 2 others. That seems to just be not right to me.

And what about these 8 inch concrete blocks? That seems to be a little excessive as well.

My dad built a 3-level deck on the back of his house more than 25 years ago. I helped quite a bit. For the footers, he dug a hole about 12" in diameter and about 12" deep. He poured concrete several inches deep in the hole and let it dry. Then, he poured concrete into KFC buckets and imbedded the post anchors in that. Once those had dried, he sat them on top of the concrete in the holes, then he back filled around the part that came out of the bucket until about 4" were sticking from the ground. The deck is still standing. Overall, I'd prefer a footing that goes into the ground and has a mechanical attachement to the wood, rather than a block sitting on the gound with the post sitting on it.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by cdcox

My dad built a 3-level deck on the back of his house more than 25 years ago. I helped quite a bit. For the footers, he dug a hole about 12" in diameter and about 12" deep. He poured concrete several inches deep in the hole and let it dry. Then, he poured concrete into KFC buckets and imbedded the post anchors in that. Once those had dried, he sat them on top of the concrete in the holes, then he back filled around the part that came out of the bucket until about 4" were sticking from the ground. The deck is still standing. Overall, I'd prefer a footing that goes into the ground and has a mechanical attachement to the wood, rather than a block sitting on the gound with the post sitting on it.

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

What's the block for?

Originally Posted by petegz28

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

We think you have 36" of concrete in them but they were existing - so if the last guy short cut it, by trusting his work you're putting your faith in somebody else's hands - somebody you've never met and who probably was the lowest bid for some builder.

This whole situation is bunk. If it were me, I'd bring my sledge and start with a blank slate.

For the record, Pete emailed me pictures. My reluctance to second guess somebody else is now gone.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Well if I knew how to upload pics here I would show you some. And I agree I don't need 3 and he is trying to squeeze in 4. Nevertheless I have 2 posts 1+ foot closer together than 2 others. That seems to just be not right to me.

And what about these 8 inch concrete blocks? That seems to be a little excessive as well.

There is an attachment file that looks like a paperclip.. Took me months to find it..

Your welcome..

I glazed over the 8 inch concrete blocks because that completely confuses me. I honestly have no idea what that's all about. If he already has pilings, then why is he installing 8 inch blocks?

This scenario sounds like an endorsement for permits. If dude has no idea what he's doing a drawing and inspection would have solved all these problems. But if you're trying to evade the inspection process, at least have an experienced contractor about whom you would have no concerns or trust issues. If your buddy is moonlighting as a contractor and he can't place the posts properly.... well, you probably don't need me to draw you a map.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Phobia

I glazed over the 8 inch concrete blocks because that completely confuses me. I honestly have no idea what that's all about. If he already has pilings, then why is he installing 8 inch blocks?

This scenario sounds like an endorsement for permits. If dude has no idea what he's doing a drawing and inspection would have solved all these problems. But if you're trying to evade the inspection process, at least have an experienced contractor about whom you would have no concerns or trust issues. If your buddy is moonlighting as a contractor and he can't place the posts properly.... well, you probably don't need me to draw you a map.

I know. I know.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Phobia

I glazed over the 8 inch concrete blocks because that completely confuses me. I honestly have no idea what that's all about. If he already has pilings, then why is he installing 8 inch blocks?

This scenario sounds like an endorsement for permits. If dude has no idea what he's doing a drawing and inspection would have solved all these problems. But if you're trying to evade the inspection process, at least have an experienced contractor about whom you would have no concerns or trust issues. If your buddy is moonlighting as a contractor and he can't place the posts properly.... well, you probably don't need me to draw you a map.

You glazed over a 8" what??? Ohh... blocks, I thought you said...nevermind..

Pete - there's a dozen bits of evidence in the 04 picture that tells me that the guy is clueless. Don't waste another moment of time.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Pete - there's a dozen bits of evidence in the 04 picture that tells me that the guy is clueless. Don't waste another moment of time.

Did he show any pictures of previous work??

Did you hire the CP member who built the dog ramp??

[stlchiefs]

Originally Posted by Valiant

Did you hire the CP member who built the dog ramp??

He's not trustworthy either, IIRC he steals from Big Movie.

[cdcox]

Well, based on the pictures Phobia posted, never mind.

Appreciate the kind words, GB. I don't care who he hires just as long as he gets rid of this guy. I'm pretty busy. I'm sure he could be worked into the schedule but it's not like I'd just say anything to get the work.

[go bo]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Appreciate the kind words, GB. I don't care who he hires just as long as he gets rid of this guy. I'm pretty busy. I'm sure he could be worked into the schedule but it's not like I'd just say anything to get the work.

i dunno...

it's hard to imagine you saying anything just to get a job...

and besides, you aren't the one lauding the quality of your work, it's me...

however, i am expecting a check for my enthusiastic endorsement of your work...

just make it out to go bowe and pm it to me...

thanks...