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RogueGypsy · 05-26-2011, 02:12 PM

The deck definitely wasn't built to code, but I don't think knowing that is going to do you any good 27 years later.

If you own the house call your insurance agent and file a claim.

If you rent, call the landlord and threaten a law suit.

If the state/county/city gets involved, DO NOT mention resurfacing the deck and not adding the hand rail. They will lay all the blame on you. Code for hand rail is any structure a minimum 30"-36" off the ground. They will throw that in your face and say YOU are at fault for the faulty structure and likely hand you a hefty fine. Even if it has nothing to do with the failure. They will say you should have inspected the whole structure (which you should have) before resurfacing.

Contacting the contractor directly maybe a good option as well. If they are still building in the area, they will not want this as an advertisement for their workmanship. They probably will not fix it as a warranty, but between them and your insurance you should be able to come out of it with very little money out of your pocket.

If the contractor is unwilling to work with you: take multiple pictures of the damage, get several good shots of where it tore away from the house. Make some flyers with the pictures, put the contractors name in big bold letters at the top like an advertisement. At the bottom list any current local projects they're doing and a line saying something like "Quality construction for you" and their phone number. Staple one to every telephone pole in the area and one to the pole outside of their offices. Fixing your deck will become a priority to them.

If none of this works and you need tips to rebuild, let me know, I've built a couple hundred decks. I can probably help you out there.

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05-26-2011, 02:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	The deck definitely wasn't built to code, but I don't think knowing that is going to do you any good 27 years later. If you own the house call your insurance agent and file a claim. If you rent, call the landlord and threaten a law suit. If the state/county/city gets involved, DO NOT mention resurfacing the deck and not adding the hand rail. They will lay all the blame on you. Code for hand rail is any structure a minimum 30"-36" off the ground. They will throw that in your face and say YOU are at fault for the faulty structure and likely hand you a hefty fine. Even if it has nothing to do with the failure. They will say you should have inspected the whole structure (which you should have) before resurfacing. Contacting the contractor directly maybe a good option as well. If they are still building in the area, they will not want this as an advertisement for their workmanship. They probably will not fix it as a warranty, but between them and your insurance you should be able to come out of it with very little money out of your pocket. If the contractor is unwilling to work with you: take multiple pictures of the damage, get several good shots of where it tore away from the house. Make some flyers with the pictures, put the contractors name in big bold letters at the top like an advertisement. At the bottom list any current local projects they're doing and a line saying something like "Quality construction for you" and their phone number. Staple one to every telephone pole in the area and one to the pole outside of their offices. Fixing your deck will become a priority to them. If none of this works and you need tips to rebuild, let me know, I've built a couple hundred decks. I can probably help you out there. .. . __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous. Last edited by RogueGypsy; 05-26-2011 at 02:14 PM.. Reason: can't spell