Deck and fence construction has critical stages where the structural decisions that determine long-term performance happen before any finished surface is visible. Footing depth, ledger attachment, post concrete — these are verified once, at the moment they’re done, and then buried or hidden for decades. Knowing when to look and what to confirm protects your investment before it’s too late.
“There are three moments during a deck build where the homeowner absolutely should be on site: when the footings are excavated before concrete goes in, when the ledger is attached to the house, and when the framing inspection happens. Those three moments are when the structural adequacy of the deck is determined. Everything after that is finish work.”
— Brendan Tse, licensed carpenter and deck construction specialist with 17 years of experience in residential deck and outdoor structure building in the local area
Table of Contents
Before Work Starts
Has your local utility locate service been done?
Before any excavation for footings or fence posts, your local utility locate service (1-800-400-2255) must have been called to locate underground utilities. Ask the contractor to confirm this has been done and ask for the locate ticket number. Excavating without locates is unsafe and illegal.
What a good answer looks like: A specific locate ticket number that can be verified.
What’s the sequence of work for today?
A brief morning orientation tells you which stages will happen, whether the permit inspector is scheduled, and what you should plan to see by end of day.
During Footing Installation
Can I see the footing holes before concrete goes in?
This is the most important thing you can do on a deck build. After the footing holes are excavated and before concrete is poured, ask to see each hole. Bring a tape measure and verify the depth — it should match the specification in the quote and be below the frost line (1.2m in most regions).
Also check:
– The diameter of each hole (matches specification)
– The condition of the soil at the bottom (firm and undisturbed, not loose or wet)
– Whether any stones or debris have been removed
What a good answer looks like: The contractor invites you to verify before concrete is poured. This is a professional standard, not an imposition.
What is the concrete mix being used?
Ready-mix concrete delivered by truck is the highest-quality option for footings. Bags of dry-mix concrete mixed on site are common for smaller projects — ask what minimum compressive strength the mix achieves (typically 3,000–4,000 PSI for structural footings).
Is a footing inspection scheduled before concrete is poured?
If the permit requires a footing inspection — and for most permitted decks it does — the inspector must see the excavated holes before concrete is poured. Ask whether the inspection is scheduled and whether the contractor will hold the pour until after the inspection passes.
During Deck Framing
Can I see the ledger attachment before the joist hangers go on?
For attached decks, ask to inspect the ledger attachment before it’s covered by structural members. Confirm:
– Flashing has been installed at the top of the ledger, behind the siding
– The ledger is bolted or lag-screwed at the specified intervals (not just nailed)
– The siding has been properly cut and sealed around the ledger
Are structural connectors (joist hangers, post caps) being installed at all connections?
Walk the framing at the end of each day and confirm that engineered metal connectors are being used at all joist-to-ledger connections, joist-to-beam connections, and post-to-beam connections. Missing connectors are a structural deficiency that a framing inspection should catch — but you can catch it first.
Is the framing inspection scheduled before decking goes on?
The framing inspection must occur before decking is installed — the inspector needs to see the structural framing. Ask when the framing inspection is scheduled and confirm the contractor won’t begin decking until after it passes.
During Fence Post Installation
Can I verify the post depth before concrete is poured?
Ask the contractor to let you measure the depth of each post hole before concrete is placed. Use a tape measure or a story stick. Post holes that are too shallow are the most common cause of fence lean over time.
Are posts being plumbed in two directions?
Posts must be plumb (perfectly vertical) in both the direction parallel to the fence and perpendicular to it. Ask whether a level is being used to check both axes before concrete sets.
Is the concrete being crowned at grade?
The concrete around each post should be shaped to crown slightly above grade and slope away from the post — this sheds water away from the post base rather than allowing it to pool and accelerate wood rot. Ask the crew to confirm this is being done.
During Deck Completion
Is the railing structurally sound?
Before the crew packs up, test the railing. Push laterally with both hands at the top of the railing — there should be minimal flex. Building code requires railings to withstand a specified lateral load; any significant wobble or flex indicates inadequate post attachment. Raise it before the crew leaves.
Are all fasteners countersunk and set flush?
Standing or protruding fasteners on decking surfaces are a trip hazard and will cause early surface weathering around the fastener. Walk the deck surface and confirm all fasteners are properly set.
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Deck or Fence Contractor Before You Hire One
- Questions to Ask a Deck or Fence Contractor About Permits and Inspections
- Questions to Ask a Deck or Fence Contractor About Warranties
- What to Do If a Deck or Fence Contractor Does Bad Work
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