Is this deck built safely?

8/15/2022 at 3:35:55 PM

In my opinion, the notching is fine, but the cracks down the middle of your support posts is worrisome, especially if it goes down the length of the beam. The 45 angle braces shouldn't be showing gaps that big (ideally no gap at all actually... The stairs Idk, I personally would have put an "X" brace mid-way down to help secure it and help support the stairs and any wobbling.

8/15/2022 at 3:46:23 PM

The cracks are happening on all our posts and they're about half way thru in terms of depth.

8/15/2022 at 8:30:26 PM

I see 4 stringers on the staircase. That is plenty of support. If you were to put posts midway you could get conflicting load between them when there is ground movement. Trouble free stairs should always float in my opinion.

Linial splitting of the Timbers is normal. It does not take away from the function in these pics.

The workmanship has something to be desired. Everything should fit snuggly. It appears the one post may be out of plumb which would explain the separation. I would consider installing 3/8 carriage bolts through the beam/post junctions. Also a few 1/4 lag bolts at each end of the angled supports.

ENJOY YOUR DECK!!!

8/15/2022 at 4:40:29 PM

Looking at your pictures it seems that your stirs can use some extra support in the middle of the stair case and your deck should have cross bracing under the deck ,And using joist hangers are way better and stronger then just nailing them

8/20/2022 at 3:45:26 PM

Poorly done job...the stairs have enough stringers so that's ok, however sometime I put 2 center posts in middle if I feel even slightest flex. The posts to beam are done wrong, you do not "notch them", they should be flat under beam and attached with saddle brackets or T-brackets. The bottom of posts should have a saddle but I cannot see in pic?. They cracked because he chose bad lumber in 1st place and the notch made it worse. You do not need cross braces if the posts are anchored right and 6x6 braces? overkill and do nothing, especially that short. You can easily replace the posts, should temporarily support with a doubled up 2x6 post and replace the 6x6 done right. You will continue to get movement if not replaced, safe at momen, though ugly & will continue to degrade to point it is not. Can't see this had a permit?

8/20/2022 at 11:49:12 AM

Yes there were permits and the township passed the deck. They also passed our interior stairs that were only 24" between rails and finally admitted they made a mistake and now we are fighting the builder in court to get the home to code. Been a horrible nightmare.

8/20/2022 at 3:51:12 PM

Can't believe the inspector passed that? but I have seen some pretty bad inspectors and they are typically not monitored as well in small towns...it can be fixed easily, hopefully the contractor will warranty this and do it for you.