What is built, and in what order?
- Site preparation. Any old deck or stairs come off, and the yard around the work is protected.
- Concrete footings. Under every post that carries the frame.
- The frame. Pressure treated beams and joists at the size on the drawing.
- Decking, stairs and finishing. The deck boards, the stairs, and the fascia, skirt and trim around the frame.
- Railings. Where the deck is high enough to need them, and on the stairs.
- Clean up.
Want a roof over it? That is a covered porch build, with the roof tied into the house.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Hamilton?
For an attached deck, yes, at any size. The City of Hamilton's list (City of Hamilton, read October 30, 2026):
| The deck | Permit |
|---|---|
| Attached to the house, any size, covered or not | Required |
| Detached, uncovered, over 10 square metres and more than 200 mm above the ground beside it | Required |
| Detached, covered, over 10 square metres | Required at any height |
| Detached, 10 square metres or less, at a door and more than 600 mm above the ground | Required |
| Used with a swimming pool | Required |
| New or replaced railings | Required |
For a wood frame deck the City's drawings must "indicate size, grade, direction, spacing and span of joists and beams", with the footing size, depth and concrete strength. A deck that needs no permit "must still meet Zoning By-law requirements and all other applicable regulations". Not sure? The City's Building Division answers at 905-546-2720.
How is it priced and paid for?
One written proposal with the whole scope and one price, HST shown on its own, and payments tied to stages of the build. The agreements page covers changes, what is not included and the warranty.
What else does JDT build?
The same way of working applies to a detached garage and a covered porch. To start, send a request with a photo of the back of the house and the yard.