1. Expertise in Local Building Codes and Regulations

Reno, like most cities, has specific building codes and ordinances designed to ensure safety and structural integrity. A licensed contractor is required to stay current with these codes, especially those that apply to decks, railings, and structural supports.

• Compliance: Licensed contractors know the permitting requirements and will make sure your deck meets all local building regulations.
• Inspections: They handle the necessary permits and inspections, reducing the risk of costly fines or delays.

By hiring a licensed contractor, you can rest easy knowing your deck is built by someone who understands and abides by Reno’s rules and regulations.

2. Knowledge of Reno’s Climate Challenges

Reno’s high desert climate comes with hot summers and cold winters—sometimes with significant snowfall. That means the materials used for your deck need to withstand both intense sunlight and potential freeze-thaw cycles.

• Material Selection: A licensed contractor will recommend durable materials (e.g., pressure-treated lumber, composite decking) suited to Reno’s temperature fluctuations.
• Proper Installation Techniques: Ensuring boards have room to expand and contract helps avoid warping or cracking over time.
• Long-Term Protection: Correct sealing, staining, or painting protocols tailored to Reno’s weather can significantly extend the lifespan of your deck.

A professional who’s familiar with local conditions can help ensure your deck stays sturdy and looks great year after year.

3. Quality Workmanship and Professional Standards

When you hire a licensed contractor, you’re hiring someone who has proven their qualifications through testing, experience, and ongoing education. This translates into:

• Skilled Craftsmanship: Professionals bring the techniques and know-how to deliver high-quality, safe structures.
• Efficiency: Licensed contractors are well-versed in best practices, often saving you time and stress in the long run.
• Professional Accountability: Licensing boards require adherence to certain standards, so if any issues arise, you have a clear path to resolution.

With a licensed contractor, it’s not just about checking a box—it’s about ensuring your deck is built the right way from the start.

4. Insurance and Liability Protection

Working with a licensed, insured contractor safeguards you against potential financial risks. Construction projects, however straightforward they may seem, can sometimes lead to accidents or unexpected property damage. Here’s why this matters:

• Worker’s Compensation: If a worker is injured on your property, an insured contractor’s policy typically covers that injury—protecting you from liability.
• General Liability Insurance: If damage to your home or a neighbor’s property occurs during construction, the contractor’s policy generally helps cover the costs.
• Peace of Mind: Not having to worry about legal or financial complications allows you to focus on enjoying your new deck.

Choosing a licensed contractor means an added layer of security and peace of mind for you and your family.

5. Long-Term Value and Warranty Coverage

Decks are an investment that can boost your home’s resale value—particularly when done right. Most reputable, licensed contractors will stand behind their work by offering a warranty on labor and sometimes on materials, too.

• Long-Term Savings: The upfront cost may be higher than hiring an unlicensed contractor, but the longevity and quality of a professionally built deck can save you money on future repairs or replacements.
• Increased Property Value: A well-constructed deck designed by a professional can be a major selling point if you decide to put your home on the market.
• Warranty Protection: Should an issue arise under the terms of the warranty, you won’t be left bearing the expense of corrective work.

Licensed contractors often have established reputations to uphold, giving you added confidence in the quality of their work.

6. Clear Communication and Trust

Hiring a professional with credentials fosters a relationship built on trust. Licensed contractors typically provide clear contracts that outline timelines, budgets, and responsibilities, ensuring both parties have a mutual understanding.

• Detailed Estimates: You’ll receive transparent cost breakdowns, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• Ongoing Communication: Licensed contractors often have dedicated teams or office staff, making it easier to get updates and have your questions answered promptly.
• Customer Reviews and References: Because they operate openly and lawfully, licensed pros usually have references you can contact or online reviews you can browse to gauge their track record.

A strong working relationship can make your entire deck-building experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Building a new deck is a major undertaking, and hiring a licensed contractor in Reno, NV ensures you’ll receive expertise in local regulations, a structure suited to the local climate, and peace of mind through warranties and insurance coverage. The result is a beautiful, durable deck that enhances your home’s value and provides outdoor enjoyment for years to come.

Ready to get started on your Reno deck project? Reach out to a reputable, licensed contractor in the area, discuss your ideas, and let them guide you through each step of the process. With the right professional on your side, you’ll be relaxing on your brand-new deck before you know it!

1. Permits Are Required in Most Cases

• Height and Size Thresholds: If a deck is more than 30 inches above grade at any point, you typically need a building permit. The same is true for certain deck sizes (often over 200 square feet) or any deck attached to the main structure.
• Plan Submission: Washoe County often requires you to submit plans detailing the deck’s design, materials, supports, footings, and connection details to ensure it meets safety codes.

Why it matters: Building a deck without the appropriate permit (or failing to follow permit requirements) can be deemed non-compliant and therefore “illegal.”

2. Compliance with Building Codes

• Structural Integrity: Washoe County’s building codes specify minimum standards for footings, beams, posts, and connections designed to ensure decks are safe and structurally sound.
• Safety Requirements: Handrail height, guardrail spacing, and stair dimensions must align with county code for injury prevention.

Why it matters: If you build a deck that doesn’t conform to these standards (even if it seems sturdy to you), the county could deem it unsafe, leading to possible fines, stop-work orders, or forced removal.

3. Required Inspections and Approvals

• Multiple Inspections: Once you have a permit, the county may mandate inspections at key stages—such as after footings are poured and before final completion—to verify the work matches approved plans.
• Final Approval: A final sign-off from the county ensures the deck meets code and is officially approved.

Why it matters: Skipping these inspections or failing to call for them during construction could invalidate your permit or cause legal issues down the line, potentially making the deck “illegal.”

4. Potential Liability and Financial Risks

• Homeowner Responsibility: As the property owner, you bear responsibility for code compliance. If you skip permits and something goes wrong (e.g., injuries occur), you may face lawsuits or insurance complications.
• Property Value and Resale: Non-permitted or non-compliant decks can create problems when selling a home, including forced retrofitting or demolition.

Why it matters: Even if you successfully build a deck without a permit, the lack of official approval can come back to haunt you in terms of liability, insurance claims, or when you decide to sell.

5. When a License May Be Required

• Complex Projects: While homeowners can sometimes act as their own contractors, projects with advanced structural or safety implications might warrant a licensed contractor or additional engineering.
• Local Regulations: Washoe County might have rules that place limits on do-it-yourself construction, especially if the deck is attached to the home or involves specialized work (e.g., electrical, gas lines for outdoor kitchens, etc.).

Why it matters: Attempting complex or specialized work without the proper license or expertise can violate county regulations, leading to “illegal” structures.

Key Takeaway

It’s not necessarily illegal for a homeowner to build their own deck in Washoe County, but it becomes “illegal” if you fail to:

1. Obtain and follow the proper permit process.
2. Adhere to all building codes (including structural and safety requirements).
3. Arrange for and pass the required inspections.

By understanding and following the guidelines in Washoe County’s “Decks and Patio Covers” handout, you can ensure that your project is both safe and legal—whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.