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Sitting just outside of the Calgary city limits, Aspen Woods is a charming community that is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in western Canada. With its proximity to the city coupled with its relaxed ambiance, it is just as suitable for families with children as it is for retirees and single adults. If you have already purchased real estate in Aspen Woods or if you are thinking about purchasing a new property, you may wonder what is required to construct a deck on your home. A deck can make your outdoor space more usable and relaxing, and there are many gorgeous days each year when you will make ample use of a deck. There are rules in place that you need to follow when building a deck on your Aspen Woods home; below we'll take a closer look at what those entail.

A Permit Is Required

Aspen Woods is a community that is officially part of Calgary, and because of this, homeowners in Aspen Woods must follow building construction codes established by the City of Calgary. In most cases, homeowners who want to build a wood deck on their property will need to apply for and obtain a permit before construction can begin. A representative from the City can help you to get your permit.

What You Need to Apply for a Permit

When you contact the City of Calgary to apply for a building permit, you will need to bring several items with you. These include the site plan, cross-section and deck floor plan. The representative from the City will review them with a safety code officer to determine if changes need to be made to the plan. If you have worked with an experienced architect or deck design company for the completion of the deck plans, your plans likely will comply with local code and will not need to be altered.

Special Rules You Need to Know About

One of the main purposes of the permit requirement for building a deck in Aspen Woods and throughout Calgary relates to safety. There are two main rules that the safety code officer will enforce, including those related to exterior doors opening onto the deck and the need for a safety or hand rail due to the height of the deck. While there are other rules in place, these are common rules that the compliance officer may ask for deck plan revisions for.

The Benefits of Getting a Permit

It is important to note that obtaining a permit before building a deck is a requirement in Calgary, but there are other benefits associated with getting a permit. For example, this process provides you with the additional insight of code officers to ensure that your deck design is safe. In addition, you may also receive feedback from knowledgeable professionals for improvements that may enhance the deck for the enjoyment of you and your family.

Adding a deck to your Aspen Woods home is a great way to improve the functionality of the space because this gives you a dedicated and comfortable space to enjoy time outdoors. In addition to using the deck for relaxing and entertaining, a deck may also increase the value of your home. If you are interested in learning more about Aspen Woods real estate or about life in this charming Calgary suburb, please contact Ross Pavl at (403) 837-8100 or ross@rosspavl.com at your convenience.