Expand Balcony DEck

12 years ago

Hello,

At present we have a 8’ X 16’ balcony with a beautiful view of Georgian bay, sitting up on secondary escarpment.
However our family has grown and we can only seat 4 people and our BBQ.

The issue is the tile bed runs out directly in front of house.
We would like to widen deck by 4’ to other set of windows and extend out an additional 8’ .
I have sent pictures and architect's drawing and site plan.
The septic tank is located directly under outdoor fireplace. The tile runs are off the present deck.

Please advise.

Graham & Jane Lawrenson

Featured Answer

PRO

New York Roofscapes, Inc.

12 years ago

I don't see how the septic tank would interfere with the planned dimensions.
Another nice idea would be to cover the new, enlarged upper deck with a rubber membrane and decking - making the area underneath a water-proof (ceiling and recessed lighting optional) outdoor space. Also, have you given any thought to glass railings to eliminate the 'playpen' feeling, enhancing your view down the escarpment, and making the deck feel bigger and more open to the surrounding trees and landscape? See our website for glass railing ideas.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Dytecture
12 years ago
Keep in mind the lower level would have reduced amount of daylight coming in.
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lawsix
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes we thinking of glass on end, possibility make the two corners angled with glass.
Like your idea of rubber membrane, as yes we do sit underneath.
The septic tank is not the issue, we are concerned re tile runs and supporting posts
Dar Eckert
12 years ago
Just a thought. We are not allowed to build over septic tanks here in Minnesota & probably not a wise idea anyway for maintenance issues. Be sure to check this out with your state offices.
Dar Eckert
12 years ago
Could you expand the current deck out as desired then just put a 6' walkway in front of the other set of windows?
lawsix
Original Author
12 years ago
Deck will only expand on house to other set of windows, this will give us 20" instead of 16'.
We are not planning on accessing from ground level, only from inside of house. If you look at site plan, runs of tile go out in front of present deck. How do we support new upper deck
If we expand out 16' from house towards view, which would be to edge of concrete slabs ?
Dar Eckert
12 years ago
The very first thing to do is check with the township or county about the rules. Then plan your deck accordingly. No sense to put effort into something you can't have.
PRO
Scott Design, Inc.
12 years ago
Agree with Dar Eckert...check with your building and health departments for rules. Then ask a professional deck builder what can be done. I emphasize PROFESSIONAL because permits are required and codes have changed for decks due to poor construction resulting in deadly collapses. A professional will know structural requirements and building options that can achieve additional deck space if posts and footings can't be used in a typical layout one of which is cantilevering using bracketing, specialty hangers, joist doubling, reduced joist spacing, etc. etc.