Knox inspector warns of dangerous decks

Knox County Building Inspector Roy Braden looks at decks differently than mostpeople. What he discovers often leaves him speechless.

Braden finds critical structural components missing from many decks in East Tennessee, such as joist hangers.

"Decks are the number one place where people are going to get injured," said Braden. "Usually, there are injures that are substantial injuries. My plea to people out there would be this: obtain a building permit. Require your contractor to get one."

The main problem, the inspector believes is homeowners eitherdon't know building permits are needed to build decks in many Tennessee municipalities or they don't care.

Braden said 90% of decks are built without a building permit, according to the International Code Council. The number of permits written for decks in Knox County each year is well under 100. Braden said it's hard for his department to fine homeowners since decks usually are built in backyards.

Prices for the paperwork are often based on deck size. In Knox County, if you get caught without the document you can face a double fee.

"They get their permit and they call for inspection. We make sure their footings are substantial, we make sure that the deck is attached to the house properly," Braden said while explaining the inspection process.

Mark Ward operates Archadeck of Knoxville. Thomas Liles owns The Deck Builder in Seymour. Both businessmen suggest their customers follow the proper process. They believe permits protect the homeowner.

"I think it ensures the homeowner they're getting a quality job," Ward said.

"They're going to have to fix what is not right and that could be a major job," said Liles.

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Knox inspector warns of dangerous decks