Paraphrasing the famous World War II saying, "Loose lips sink ships," well, small dips sink ships, um, decks...
Coming around the backside of a flipped house I was asked to inspect, I saw this new deck.
When I see this I always look around it from a distance to see things like uniformity, level, composition, design, and the like.
Then it's time to swoop in for a closer look.
From the back I noticed a dip, from left to right, and when I walked on the deck it rolled gently under my weight.
One person making a deck sink is not a good sign.
I wondered how the deck was supported.
Is that a center beam? If so, it is illogically placed as the nails in the decking all line up with it, meaning that all the other joists underneath run in the same direction. The deck sagged and roiled as I walked along, and everywhere.
It wasn't long before I got my answer as to why!
The deck is merely resting on 2x6s which are resting on the ground! It is not attached to the house or to a single column underneath! At least the joists are toe nailed into the 2x6s!
IT IS A FLOATING DECK!
I have to say, I have never seen a deck merely resting on the ground. It wasn't hard to figure out as the under "support" is clearly visible. From the outside edges of the deck it is not easy to see as things are so close to the ground. But in that gap where the AC compressor is (too) tightly fitted into a slot makes it easy to see what is going on. How many of these "supports" resting on the ground is unknown - they are simply not visible.
That wasn't the only thing about this deck/roof that was going on. But pretty instructive! Permit anyone? Permit? Can I interest anyone in a permit? Didn't think so...
So, as people walk on this deck, it will sag and gently rock up and down to be easier on the feet.
My recommendation: if the MLS info indicates "remodeled," "renovated," "all new interior!", "brand new deck," "gorgeous inside!", well, be sure to have someone examine it carefully! I would suggest your local home inspector.
Call now...
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Jay, Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes something completely different :)
Hey, Bliz, how many times have I said that!? And watch how many home inspectors comment who say the same thing!
If it swayed with just one person on it I wonder how it would do with let's say 5 average people with average weight?
Obvoiusly, James, they would not have to rent a Moon Bounce for the kids at the next family reunion. ;>)
Good morning, Jay. I see these quite often around here. They are what they are, write them up, tell the buyer and get on with life. But then, it does beat muddy feet. The red clay in this area and yours can be a real you know what...
And that clay is quite the terrific support for a deck, as you know Michael!
Oh no. Not good. floating floors are okay, but floating decks? And, it only took one person walking on it to have that impact.
I felt like I was on a boat Debbie! How fun though!
Jay, our posts are similar in a way today :)
That's because of Croakster's new background!
Thanks to you that is... connection...
Now I check yours.
Jay,
Decks are a HI's best friend we will always have something to say abut them ; )
Well, Don, this was sure was interesting, to say the very least! I could squeeze another few posts out of it, but totally bore everyone!
But when was the last time you saw a brand new one resting on the ground!
Jay -- were those beams that were resting on the ground even pressure treated? Doesn't look like in the pictures.
Yes, they are, Steven, but it doesn't matter. They will still move! Imagine the next polka on that deck!
How exactly do frogs feel about ducks---Quackers wants to know?
Well, when frogs are small the ducks are quite dangerous, as Quackers knows. In fact, small frogs are quite the delicacy for ducks, as large frogs (the legs really) are a delicacy to humans.
Croakster's eyes got real wide when I asked him. He wants to know what's up?
Tell him I am just looking for some nice legs :)
Careful, they might make you quack up when you take flight.
There's only two answers to the question" Why?'
The 'builder' either does not know how, or he was too cheap/lazy to do it right.
Most of the materials were already there.
Flippers all Robert. There were many, many things on this house just a unprofessional.
At least that deck wasn't 25' in the air like some I have found.... ;)
I know Steve! Some are so loose and high that if they broke off they would fly somewhere like a squirrel.
Did you see my new group? http://activerain.com/groups/bestpractices