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Yes, deck footings typically require an inspection before laying down concrete. While not all local building codes require footing inspection, proper placement ensures a safe and structurally sound deck. An inspector will verify that the deck can adequately hold what you put on top of it., and that the footings have been dug to the correct dimensions.

Yes, but ensuring the deck has a solid foundation with adequate footings is critical before building, as the weight of a sunroom will put significant pressure on the structure below. Even if your deck is properly constructed, it may not be able to handle the extra weight. While some basic, lightweight, prefabricated sunrooms can sit on a deck with a strong existing foundation without additional supports, in many cases, the foundation and joists will need reinforcement. It is always best to have a structural engineer perform an inspection to evaluate the deck's quality and structural integrity. A professional can help you decide if reinforcement is sufficient or if it's better to tear down the deck and start over.

The overhang, or nosing, of deck steps is another area that will be covered in building code requirements. The noses on your deck steps should have a minimum overhang of ¾ inch. For safety, usability, and code compliance, the nosing of deck steps should not extend past 1¼ inches.

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must.