Shade Structures That Look Built-In
Louisiana’s sun, rain, and humidity are tough on decks. Fasteners rust, wood rots, railings loosen—and most of it happens slowly enough that you don’t notice until there’s a real safety issue.
Metairie Deck & Outdoor offers detailed, safety-focused deck inspections for homeowners and real estate agents in Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, New Orleans, Lakeview, and surrounding Jefferson & Orleans Parish areas.
Whether you’re worried about soft spots, planning a remodel, or need documentation for a sale or insurance, we’ll give you a clear picture of what your deck needs—and what can wait.
Book your free estimate today!
When to Schedule a Deck Inspection
You should consider a professional deck inspection if:
-
Your deck is 10+ years old and hasn’t been checked recently
-
You notice wobble, bounce, or sway when people walk on it
-
Railings feel loose or posts are starting to lean
-
There’s visible rot, rusted hardware, or cracked boards
-
You’re buying or selling a home and need a real estate report
-
You’re thinking about resurfacing with composite and want to confirm the frame is solid
A yearly or every-few-years inspection is cheap insurance compared to the cost of a structural failure.
Footings & Posts
-
Check for settling, heaving, or lean
-
Look for rot at grade, insect damage, and improper post-to-footing connections
-
Confirm posts are sized correctly and properly anchored
Beams & Joists
-
Inspect for rot, splitting, sagging, and over-spanned lumber
-
Check beam splices and how they’re supported on posts
-
Verify joist spacing and condition, especially around hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, or heavy furniture
Ledger Board & House Connection
The ledger is the critical connection between deck and house—and a common failure point.
We:
-
Look for proper flashing to keep water out of your wall
-
Check that the ledger is bolted or lagged, not just nailed
-
Inspect for rot behind and under the ledger
-
Note any siding or trim details that could be trapping water
Decking, Stairs & Railings
-
Identify cracked, cupped, or loose boards and trip hazards
-
Check stair stringers, treads, and landings for damage and code-correct rises/runs
-
Inspect rail posts, balusters, and connections for movement and proper height
-
Note any openings that are unsafe for children or pets
Hardware, Fasteners & Corrosion
Louisiana humidity and salt in the air (especially closer to Lake Pontchartrain) are rough on metal.
We:
-
Check for rusted or undersized fasteners
-
Verify use of exterior-rated hardware
-
Identify any hardware that’s incompatible with treated lumber or coastal conditions
What You Get After Your Deck Inspection
We turn our findings into a clear plan—not a pile of confusing building-code notes.
You’ll receive:
-
A walkthrough in plain language while we’re on site
-
A written summary of your deck’s condition
-
Photos of key issues (rot, ledger problems, loose railings, etc.)
-
Priority list: safety-critical, recommended, and optional upgrades
-
If you’d like, a fixed-price estimate from Metairie Deck & Outdoor to handle the repairs or upgrades
You can use this report to:
-
Decide whether to repair, resurface, or rebuild
-
Negotiate during a home purchase
-
Provide documentation for insurance or property records
Deck Inspection Types We Offer
Homeowner Safety & Maintenance Inspections
Perfect if you:
-
Haven’t had your deck checked in years
-
Just moved into a home with an existing deck
-
Notice small issues and want to catch problems early
We focus on safety, lifespan, and budget-friendly fixes.
Real Estate Transaction Inspections
Selling or buying a home in Metairie, Lakeview, or New Orleans East with a large deck?
We can:
-
Complete timely inspections tied to your contract dates
-
Provide clear written documentation and photos
-
Offer repair or replacement estimates so buyers and sellers can negotiate fairly
We’re happy to coordinate with your realtor, inspector, or contractor as needed.
Pre-Resurfacing & Remodeling Inspections
Thinking about upgrading to composite or adding an under-deck drainage system?
Before you invest in new boards, we:
-
Confirm your frame can safely support the new materials
-
Check spans and hardware against modern standards
-
Identify any rot, undersized beams, or ledger issues that must be fixed first
From there, you can confidently move forward with:
-
Deck Resurfacing / Re-Decking
-
Under-Deck Drainage (Dry-Space)
-
Stair & Railing Upgrades
Our Deck Inspection Process
Schedule & Pre-Visit Questions
We’ll ask a few quick questions:
-
Deck age (if known)
-
Any problem areas you’ve noticed
-
Whether this is for personal peace of mind, a sale, or a remodel
Then we set a time that works for you.
On-Site Inspection
Most inspections take about an hour, depending on deck size and complexity. We’ll:
-
Walk the deck surface, stairs, and landings
-
Inspect under the deck (posts, beams, joists, footings, ledger)
-
Check railings, hardware, and visible connections
-
Take photos of concerns and areas to watch
Findings & Recommendations
Before we leave, we’ll walk you through:
-
What’s safe and solid
-
What needs attention soon
-
What’s critical to fix now
We’ll also talk through options: targeted repairs, full resurfacing, or replacement, depending on your goals and budget.
Repair or Upgrade Estimate (Optional)
If you’d like us to handle the work:
-
We’ll put together a line-item estimate
-
You’ll see options like basic repairs versus upgraded materials
-
For bigger projects, we can phase work to match your schedule and budget
FAQs About Deck Inspections
How often should my deck be inspected?
At minimum, we recommend a professional inspection every 3–5 years in our climate, and sooner if your deck is older than 10 years or shows signs of movement or rot. Heavy use, large gatherings, or proximity to water may justify more frequent checks.
Do you only inspect decks you built?
No. We inspect any deck, whether it was built by another contractor, the previous homeowner, or a builder. Many of the decks we inspect were installed years ago, and owners just want an honest, up-to-date safety assessment.
Will you tell me if I don’t need work?
Absolutely. If your deck is in good shape, we’ll tell you that and give you simple maintenance tips to keep it that way. Our job is to give you the truth—not to invent problems.
Can you fix problems you find?
Yes. Metairie Deck & Outdoor offers deck repairs, structural restoration, resurfacing, and complete rebuilds. If we find issues, we can quote:
-
Targeted repairs (ledgers, posts, joists, stairs, rails)
-
Deck Resurfacing with composite or new wood
-
Upgrades like new railings, lighting, or under-deck drainage
You’re never obligated to hire us for repairs—but it’s available if you want a turnkey solution.
Do you provide photos and written documentation?
Yes. Your inspection includes written notes and photos of key areas. For real estate transactions, we can tailor the report to what your agent or buyer needs to see.
How much does a deck inspection cost?
Pricing depends on deck size, height, and whether multiple structures (like balconies or secondary decks) are involved. During your initial call or message, we’ll ask a few questions and give you a clear price before scheduling.
Service Area for Deck Inspections
We provide deck inspections throughout:
-
Metairie, Old Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge
-
New Orleans – Lakeview, Uptown, Mid-City, Gentilly, parts of New Orleans East
-
Nearby areas in Jefferson & Orleans Parish
If you’re just outside this area, reach out—we’ll let you know if we can help or recommend a solution.
Upgrade Your Deck Stairs—Get a Design & Price
If your deck stairs feel too steep, too narrow, or just plain unsafe, now is the perfect time to fix them.
Metairie Deck & Outdoor designs and builds code-correct deck stairs and landings for homes in Metairie, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany.
Ready to upgrade your stairs?
Schedule a visit, and we’ll bring design ideas, safety expertise, and a clear price to help you turn your deck access into something you actually love using every day.