Inspect the site, use approved dimensions to count materials, coordinate lighting and services and compare complete installed quotes.
List the intended activities, access routes, seating, cooking and storage needs. Measure the usable area and note drainage, existing structures, boundaries, utilities and neighboring properties. Check local permits, setbacks and association requirements before choosing a layout. Arrange utility location through the applicable 811 process before excavation.
Have the deck, pergola or other structure designed or checked for the actual materials, loads, supports, connections and site conditions. Confirm product-specific dimensions, gaps, approved member sizes and joint locations. Use the applicable local code and permit process; the AWC deck guide has a defined residential scope and is based on the 2015 IRC.
For rectangular parallel decking, enter the actual board face, side gap, run and stock length, then add the allowance you selected. Check cut and joint support separately. For pergola rafters, use the distance between approved end centers and maximum spacing, with a separate approved cut length for each member.
Choose equipment locations using actual manufacturer clearances and local requirements, with outdoor combustion equipment away from enclosed or combustible overhead spaces as required. Have gas, water and electrical work designed for the site. Use real fixture input watts and a chosen runtime for energy; obtain actual VA and supply instructions for transformer selection.
Request quotes for the same approved scope, including site preparation, drainage, materials, foundations, labor, services, permits, inspections, disposal and restoration. Record exclusions and payment milestones. Schedule work so concealed services and structural checks are completed before covering them.
Use the approved design and contracts to review drainage, surfaces, access, guards, connections, equipment clearances and completed service checks with the responsible people. Test lighting at night for useful visibility and glare. Retain permits, inspection outcomes, product instructions, warranties and the maintenance schedule.
Keep the measured site brief, access requirements, utility-location tasks and questions for the building authority or designer. · Retain the approved design, material specification, permits and product instructions that govern the takeoff. · Keep exact appliance clearances, lighting locations, supply requirements and service-design responsibilities. · Keep the work sequence, inspection hold points, responsibilities and written change decisions. · Keep the acceptance record, nighttime observations, unresolved items and product-specific maintenance tasks.
Count courses and whole stock pieces without offcut reuse, then review purchased linear footage.
Count even rafter positions from approved spacing and calculate the total approved member cut length.
Calculate fixture input power and scheduled energy, or power from matched lumens and efficacy.
Compare the documented low-voltage cable-drop cases using actual load and length; it does not determine ampacity or burial depth.
Use Installed project quote for complete documented costs, explicit discounts, later reimbursements and a chosen contingency. · Reconcile the final installed cost against the saved quote case.
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AWC DCA 6 is based on the 2015 IRC and sets limits on its prescriptive residential deck application. The local authority and actual design govern the project.
PHMSA directs homeowners and other excavators to contact 811 before digging and follow the local process.
CPSC identifies fire, burn and carbon-monoxide hazards and describes appropriate outdoor grill placement and use. Follow the selected product instructions and local requirements.
Whole-board purchases include surplus that may not become installed decking.
Nighttime visibility and glare depend on the actual fixtures and site, not just total lumens.