Whether you swing the hammer yourself or hire deck builders in Ontario, the rules are the same: the deck needs a permit, it has to meet the Ontario Building Code, and it has to pass inspection. Below we answer the six questions homeowners ask before they sign anything. This page is part of our complete guide to building a deck in Ontario.

Should you DIY or hire deck builders in Ontario?

Can I legally build my own deck in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario has no licence requirement to build a deck on your own home — you can do all the work yourself. You still need a building permit for anything over roughly 108 sq ft or more than 600 mm above grade, the deck must meet the Ontario Building Code, and it has to pass the same inspections a contractor’s deck would.

What you’re really taking on is the responsibility, not a skills test. The city doesn’t care who builds it, only that it’s safe and to code. Most confident DIYers handle a standard ground-level or attached deck; the parts that trip people up are footing depth, the ledger connection, and guard strength. If you want the exact code numbers in plain English before you start, that’s what budgeting your build and a good plan set are for.

Can I draw my own permit plans, or do I need a pro?

You can draw your own. Ontario lets a homeowner submit their own deck drawings — the city doesn’t require a designer’s or engineer’s stamp for a standard deck. The plans just have to be clear, to scale, and code-compliant: a site plan, framing plan, elevation, and cross-section. If your design falls outside the span tables, then you need an engineer.

Hand-drawn is fine if it’s legible and complete; what gets applications rejected is missing dimensions, no site plan, or framing that doesn’t match the span tables. If you’d rather not draw, a BCIN-registered designer can produce a permit-ready set for a fraction of the deck’s cost. Either way, know what drawings the city wants and which inspections happen before you apply.

Hiring a deck builder without getting burned

How do I vet a contractor and make sure they pull the permit?

Ask for proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance, a written contract with a payment schedule, references from recent Ontario deck jobs, and written confirmation that a building permit will be pulled. Walk away from cash-only deals and anyone who says “you don’t need a permit.” Confirm footing inspections will be booked before any concrete is poured.

Run every candidate through the same checklist:

• WSIB clearance + liability insurance — ask for current certificates, not promises.
• A written contract with scope, materials, start/finish dates, and a payment schedule.
• Permit in writing — the contract names who applies and confirms it gets pulled.
• Recent local references and photos of Ontario decks they’ve built and gotten passed.
• A sane deposit — 10–30% is normal; a demand for full payment up front is a red flag.
• No cash-only and no “we can skip the permit” — both leave you holding the risk.

Should the contractor or I pull the permit?

Either of you can apply, but whoever pulls it is the one responsible to the city. If the contractor pulls it, they own code compliance and the inspections — that’s the safer choice. If you pull it, you’re on the hook for the work even though they built it. Make the contract state clearly who applies and who books inspections.

A builder who insists you pull the permit “to save time” is often shifting liability onto you. There are legitimate cases — some homeowners apply themselves even when a contractor builds — but only do that with eyes open. For the full permit picture, fines, and the “do I even need one” thresholds, see our Ontario deck permit guide.

When the build goes wrong

My contractor built it wrong or without a permit — now what?

Stop further payment and document everything with photos. If there’s no permit, apply for an as-built (retroactive) permit and have the deck inspected — you may have to open up or rebuild parts. For defective work, give written notice to fix it; if that fails, escalate through the contract, your deposit terms, or small claims. An unpermitted deck can also stall a future sale.

Time matters: the longer an unpermitted or unsafe deck stands, the more it costs to fix and the more exposed you are on insurance and resale. Get it permitted and inspected, keep a paper trail of every conversation, and don’t make a final payment until the work passes. Our permit guide covers retroactive permits and the real risks of skipping one.

What warranty should a deck builder offer?

Expect at least a one-to-two-year written workmanship warranty, separate from the manufacturer’s material warranty (often 25–50 years on composite). A good Ontario builder stands behind footings, framing, and fasteners through at least one freeze-thaw winter. Get the warranty length, its start date, and exactly what’s covered written into the signed contract.

Workmanship and materials are two different promises — a 25-year board warranty means nothing if the builder won’t come back when a footing heaves. Ask what happens if the deck moves over winter, and choose your boards with our composite vs wood decking guide so the material warranty actually fits your climate.

Frequently asked questions