The attached outdoor structures — decks and balconies. The detail that matters most is how they connect to the house (the ledger board) and whether they were built to code and permitted. Most deck failures are attachment failures, not broken boards.
$500–2,000 to repair; $5,000–15,000+ to rebuild a deckAddress soonStructure
Why it matters
A deck pulling away from the house can collapse — most dangerously when it's full of people — which is a real safety and liability risk. Unpermitted or DIY decks are common and can hide rot, undersized footings, missing flashing, and unsafe railings. A questionable deck is also a clue that other work in the home may have been done without permits.
How to spot it
Look for a deck bolted (not just nailed) to the house with flashing above the ledger, footings below the frost line, solid railings about a metre high with gaps a small child can't slip through, and boards that aren't soft or rotting. Movement, rust stains at connections, or a wobbly railing are red flags. Ask whether a permit was pulled.
What it costs
Fixing the attachment, railings, or footings often runs $500–2,000; rebuilding a deck commonly $5,000–15,000+ depending on size and materials.
What to do
Flag an older, wobbly, or clearly unpermitted deck for a closer look and ask for permits. Where safety is in doubt, have a contractor or inspector assess the ledger and footings before you rely on it.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Casaroo flags an aging or questionable deck from photos and prompts the permit question — a contractor or inspector confirms it's sound. We flag; we don't inspect.
Common questions
What is Deck & balcony safety?
The attached outdoor structures — decks and balconies. The detail that matters most is how they connect to the house (the ledger board) and whether they were built to code and permitted. Most deck failures are attachment failures, not broken boards.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
A deck pulling away from the house can collapse — most dangerously when it's full of people — which is a real safety and liability risk. Unpermitted or DIY decks are common and can hide rot, undersized footings, missing flashing, and unsafe railings. A questionable deck is also a clue that other work in the home may have been done without permits.
How can I spot it?
Look for a deck bolted (not just nailed) to the house with flashing above the ledger, footings below the frost line, solid railings about a metre high with gaps a small child can't slip through, and boards that aren't soft or rotting. Movement, rust stains at connections, or a wobbly railing are red flags. Ask whether a permit was pulled.
How much does it cost to fix?
Fixing the attachment, railings, or footings often runs $500–2,000; rebuilding a deck commonly $5,000–15,000+ depending on size and materials.
Deck and railing requirements are set by your local building code — confirm with a contractor or your municipal building department.
Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.