Low-level deck and pergola project

Hi,

I am planning some decking and a pergola, I would like to know if I am required any planning or building permits for the following:

1: extend my decking area from my alfresco (which is situated on a slab) and extending outwards in 3 directions, adding approx. 18sqm to the current decking area, the new decking will require footings of course, and be attached to the existing bearers on the alfresco. so I was wondering how deep footings should be ideally, post holes will be 1117mm on centre along the length, and 900mm on centre on either side.

decking will be 7200mm long and 4500mm wide, with a 380mm wrap around on one side.

currently the decking perimeter is the two brick piers, see below for my plans.

2: also planning an open "Hampton style" pergola that will cover the 18sqm decking, which will be attaching to the alfresco (approx. 2300mm above planned decking) so much stronger footings required (see the above pictures, the 4 deeper footings which are offset from the deck footings will be supporting the pergola, I'm not sure on minimum required depth but I will probably attach the posts to stirrups which will be secured in the footings.

3:A second smaller decking approx. 2.8 sqm in size from the laundry exit which will be anchored from the brick wall and require some footings, however i'm unsure as to the minimum depth for footings.

laundry deck.png laundry deck01.png laundry deck02.png laundry deck03.png laundry deck04.png laundry deck05.png

I called Casey council who recommended talking to a surveyor, but am I better to talk to a builder? and I am unsure about having plans made up professionally, at least for the decking and pergola and I haven't worked out how much materials will cost yet but if I am able to build everything myself I would like to save on costs where I can.

thanks heaps

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @TimGeo. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and many thanks for your questions on building a deck.

Ultimately, it will be up to your council whether a permit is required to build your deck. It sounds like they are deferring their response until you present engineering diagrams to illustrate the extent of the works. An engineer specialises in construction plans and will be needed if you are incorporating a pergola. Soil tests will be needed to determine the size of footing required in your area, and the council should either be able to supply these or direct you to a surveyor that can conduct them.

There is no one size fits all depth for footings. It comes down to the specific type of soil in your area. An engineer will take the results from the surveyor and cross-reference them with tables to determine the size and depth of the footers. If you're willing to put in the time and educate yourself, this is all work you can do yourself if the council can provide soil tests from your area, but it starts to become quite complicated.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell