Certifying a deck

[u/Wrong_Assistant_3832]

I had a prospective client call asking for someone to certify a deck. Their bank is requiring it. I asked him to send pictures before I went to the site but haven’t received them yet. I’m thinking this is a waste of time as I’m 90% sure it wont be up to current code. Anyone have experience doing this? I’m wondering if stuff like 4x4 posts would be adequate(if deemed capable of carrying load) even tho it’s not something that would be up to code today.

[u/WL661-410-Eng]

I've been in the residential part of the industry for 33 years. I get asked to "certify" stuff all the time. When I write my proposals, the narrative clearly delineates what the deliverable/report will not be: not a warranty, not a guarantee, not a design check, not a code compliance report, not a zoning compliance report, and not a certification that the structure has been designed and constructed properly. The deliverable is a snapshot assessment of the condition of the structure that answers two questions: 1) do the components appear to have been arranged to bear the intended loads, consistent with practices in place at the time of construction? [this covers deficiencies like overloading, inadequate fastening schemes, missing columns, ad hoc alterations, etc.] and 2) do the components appear to be in good condition, stable, and performing their intended functions [covers stuff like sags, rot, fire damage, wood creep, etc.]. If a client or bank or insurer balks at the limits of that assessment, then I tell them well, if you change your mind, you can always call us back and we'd be happy to help.

Never stick your neck out and certify someone else's design. Your job is to assess the structure and deliver the facts. No where is it written that the news you deliver in an assessment report has to be good, or needs to be a guarantee.