Colorful floodlights might also permit a measure of dramatic low level lighting to this lower area. Dun-slope They will increase the cost of the project but they are easier to climb and their complex lines tend to enhance the overall look of a deck. The careful choice of a railing system can also contribute effectively to the overall look of this space. Framed and reinforced latticework can be used to screen off areas below the raised deck while providing adequate ventilation. Dun-slope Include a door if necessary to provide assess to the area beneath the deck for storage. An L-shaped home can be a perfect choice for a raised deck which can fit beautifully into the corner of such a structure and help blend the 2 together. Dun-slope Careful use of a variety of design techniques can enhance the look of any raised decks and improve the quality of life for their owners, families and guests. Once all of the decisions have been made regarding the deck site, substructure, Dun-slope decking, stairs and railings, a homeowner is finally ready to put the ideas on paper and transform them into a workable design. Before beginning gather as much information as possible about deck design and final deck drawings. Dun-slope Visit the local building department in advance of planning your deck in order to obtain information and printed guidelines and sample plan drawings which are generally free and readily available to homeowners. Dun-slope After reviewing these drawings as well as the site plan building department staff will either issue a deck building permit or require that one or more changes be made. A site plan drawing – This is a plan of the house and the property surrounding it. It will also include the overall configuration of the proposed deck. If it is possible to locate house plans, plat plans, deed maps or contour plans to property that show the actual dimensions and orientation of the property, it can save considerable time. Outline the property accurately and to scale and mark its dimensions on the site plan indicating any required setback allowances from the lot lines. Note also the relation of the street to the house. If the deed map shows any easements note them on the site plan. Mark the location of all downspouts, drainage tiles, drainpipes or catch basins. Note also the direction of drainage in relation to the house and property. Include any established plantings to be retained, walls, fences, walkways, steps and existing paved areas. For these drawings it is common that railings and decking are not included. A plan drawing would include an accurate dimensional drawing of the deck perimeter clearly showing the design shape of its one or more levels. Footings and post locations would be clearly indicated relative to each other and the house. The placement of all beams and joists would be included so that the framing structure can be easily seen and evaluated in relation to local building codes. There must be a clear indication in some manner of the dimensional size and direction of the decking to be used in the construction of the deck. This does not necessarily mean that it has to be drawn. A printed or written note on the plan drawing will suffice to enable building department staff to know what is planned in this area. Another elevation drawing would illustate views of the concrete footings showing their depth and width or diameter. The height of support posts, types and sizes of hardware and indications of the property’s slope would all be included in some manner in one or more elevation drawings. Framing around trees, hot tubs and water features would necessitate the creation of detail drawings. Hatchways for access to electrical and plumbing would require detail drawings as would changes in deck level and special extra framing under portable hot tubs placed on decks.