Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Can decks have no concrete foundation?

I am purchasing my first home. The inspector was out to see it yesterday, and completed the inspection, to my chagrin, without my being there to accompany him. (I was on time, he was 1/2 hour early ::mad: )

One of the items he mentioned to me that would be in his report was that the deck did not have a concrete foundation, but that it was really nothing to worry about.

Is that true? Even in northern NJ, a non-earthquake area that doesn't get too extremely cold? It seems to be attached to the house, but I really didn't look down at it to see if there was any space. I don't know how old the deck is - the current owners have owned the home for only two years.

The deck is perhaps 10 x 16, seems to be attached to half the back of the house and a narrow piece wraps around the side of the house to allow entry from the kitchen door. There are two stairways from the lawn - one on the side the same width as the deck on that side, and one in the center of the back section.

I know it's difficult to give an opinion, but I'll feel better if anyone says it is possible to build a deck without cement foundation!

Thanks,

CarolC,

My first item of concern would be with the inspector. I've never heard of a home inspector who could get in and out in 30 minutes and do a complete inspection. I've had three home inspections done in the last 18 months (different houses) and the shortest one was 2 1/2 hours - usually 3-4 hours.

With regard to the deck - need more info - how did the inspector determine there was no concrete? are the posts in the ground? if so, how deep? They could be sitting on a footing underground. It may be worth digging down adjacent to one post to see how deep they are and whether or not there is concrete supporting them.

Brian

I agree. The inspector did nothing and there is alot of missing information about the deck: size, height above ground, etc. Also, footings in Northern NJ will have to be set down 3' min to the frost level (it does get cold) and the 2002 International Building Code will be adapted in each state and will include some seismic requirements for most parts of the country.

Thanks for your responses. It turns out that he was talking about no concrete below the bottom steps on each staircase. I'll see what he's talking about Thursday evening.

Much to the displeasure of both the broker and the seller, I have arranged for the inspector to come back and walk through the inspection he supposedly did, this time with me in attendance, which is the way it was to have been in the first place.

CarolC

I would would also consider hiring another inspector in addition to your current one.

I purchase my home two years ago and had the 30 minute inspection take place without me there. I hired my own inspector who spent 3 hours in the house. He ended up saving me a new roof and electrical upgrade - which were not noted by the first inspector.

Sigh, the realtors and sellers are already angry that I'm insisting on a reinspection!! It really is a lovely house, the owners remodeled the kitchen and bathroom last year, refinished all the hardwood floors, and have manicured the grounds, built retaining walls, the paint inside and out is recent and flawless. I don't expect the reinspection to turn up any problems.

The realtors point of view is that inspectors are licensed and liable if there are problems even after the close, so have inspected enough to cover themselves, but my point is that I wanted to see what the inspectors were seeing, so I'd be aware of signs and symptoms of trouble. Ie, if something looks old and worn to me, how can I tell that it is still sound? Or, if something looks good, I'd ask him what would be a sign of trouble, so I'd know if it happened later. I feel that I paid the fee partly to get an education!

I was tempted to not do another inspection, but I'm paying over $200,000 for the house, which is a great deal of money to me, and I'd like to know a little something about the house.

Thanks all for your opinions. It seems the buyer is pretty much on his/her own, since the realtors are depending on the sale to get their commission and thus worry more about the seller. Especially in my area, where the market is so tight if you don't get to a good home before it's officially listed, you're out of luck. Most of the good ones are sold the same day they come on the market (I signed for this one two hours after I saw it.)

I'll let you know what he says about the deck after the reinspection Thursday (ie, I'm wondering what keeps termites off the deck, since they don't have the same cinderblock walls that the house does?)

CarolC

Inspectors are not liable for anything. It will say so in the report. The real estate agents just want their comission without any more effort out of them.

cmcnj,
I wouldn't let a deck, no matter what shape, influence a 200K purchase on a home. As long as the house passes inspection, including termite inspection. But, I agree with your decision on another inspection.
If your deck is pressure treated wood, the termites won't bother it. It contains CCA which will thwart any termite invasion.
fred