Decks and stairs on a Property Standards Order

What your order probably says

Orders cite the section of the by-law, describe the location, and set out a remedy. Two orders that look similar can require different work, which is why the first thing we do is transcribe yours item by item rather than assume.

What the Code appears to require

Structural deck and stair work is Building Code work, not maintenance, and generally needs a permit before it starts. What the Code appears to require depends on what is actually there:

• Footings below the frost line, sized for the load, with the type and depth shown on the drawings.
• Ledger attachment and flashing where the deck is fixed to the building — a common failure point and a common order item.
• Stairs with consistent rise and run, and treads and risers within Code dimensions.
• Rot-resistant materials for exterior components, and a structure rigid enough to withstand the loads it will see.

We say “appears to require” deliberately. Only the Chief Building Official can confirm what applies to your building, and only your property standards officer can close the order. We confirm both in writing before anything is priced or built.

What the fix involves

• Measuring the existing structure: total run and rise, riser and tread dimensions, number of risers, post spacing and condition.
• Assessing ledger attachment, flashing, footing type and depth.
• Confirming with the building department which elements the permit covers.
• Drawings, permit application and any designer or engineering input the building type requires.
• Rebuild or repair, with footing and framing inspections booked before anything is covered.
• Photographs of framing and footings before they disappear — the City asks for these later.

What drives the price

• Whether it's a repair, a partial rebuild or a full replacement.
• Deck area, number of levels, and stair count.
• Footing work — digging and pouring is the least predictable part of any deck job.
• Whether hidden rot is found once the surface comes off.
• Material choice and whether a designer or engineer is required.
• The municipal permit fee and required inspection sequence.

We don't publish prices for this work, because a number that hasn't survived plan review isn't a quote. The site visit and the written quote are both free, and the quote maps every order item to the fix and the price.

Other items on your order