As a short-term rental host, your outdoor spaces play a crucial role in attracting guests and creating a memorable experience. But before you fall in love with a property, it’s essential to carefully assess the existing porch or deck. While a professional engineer should always inspect the structure for safety, savvy hosts can be proactive by looking for potential red flags during their initial property evaluation.
Here’s what to look for:
Foundation and Support Structure
- Stability: Check for any signs of wobbling, leaning, or unevenness. This could indicate underlying structural issues.
- Post Rot: Look for any signs of rot or decay in the support posts. Look for discoloration, soft spots, or crumbling wood.
- Post Connections: Ensure all posts are securely attached to the building and joists. Look for missing or loose bolts, nails, or screws.
Joists and Floorboards
- Sagging: Check for any noticeable sagging in the floorboards. This can indicate overloaded joists or insufficient support.
- Rot and Damage: Look for any signs of rot, decay, or water damage on the deck boards and joists. This can compromise the structural integrity.
- Spacing: Ensure the floorboards are spaced correctly to allow for proper drainage and ventilation. Gaps that are too wide or too narrow can be problematic.
Railings and Balusters
- Height and Strength: Ensure the railings are at least 36 inches high and strong enough to support leaning or climbing.
- Loose Elements: Check for any loose or wobbly railings, balusters, or posts. These can pose a safety hazard.
- Spacing: Ensure the balusters are spaced close enough to prevent small children from slipping through.
Fasteners and Hardware
- Rust and Corrosion: Look for rust or corrosion on any metal elements, such as nails, screws, brackets, and connectors. This can compromise their strength and safety.
- Loose Fasteners: Check for any loose or missing nails, screws, or bolts. These need to be tightened or replaced to ensure the structure is secure.
General Appearance
- Cracks and Splinters: Look for any cracks or splinters in the wood that could pose a safety hazard or cause further damage.
- Peeling Paint or Stain: Peeling paint or stain can indicate that the deck hasn’t been properly maintained and may require immediate attention.
- Drainage: Ensure the deck has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating and causing rot or damage.
Remember: This is not a substitute for a professional inspection by a qualified engineer. However, by being aware of these potential red flags, you can avoid costly surprises and make informed decisions about purchasing a property with an existing porch or deck.
Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the deck, don’t hesitate to consult with a contractor or builder. Their expertise can help you identify potential issues and estimate the cost of repairs or replacements.
By investing time in a thorough assessment, you can ensure your short-term rental property’s outdoor space is safe, inviting, and ready to impress your guests.