You’re not chasing the cheapest quote. You just want the job done right—something that looks beautiful, passes inspection, and lasts for years.
Here in the NC Piedmont, we’ve seen too many decks and porches fail inspection because of one small, preventable step missed in the permit or code process. This guide walks you through what really matters before you build.
Do You Actually Need a Permit?
“Skip the permit? Everyone does it, right?” That thought crosses more minds than you’d think.
It’s frustrating when red tape slows your dream project, but the truth is simple: most counties in our corridor require a building permit for any Deck, Screened Porch, or addition attached to your home.
Statesville / Iredell County
Iredell Building StandardsNote: Plan review required for attached decks > 30" high
The Code Checklist (Appendix M)
Every deck or porch must meet the 2024 NC Residential Code. If an inspector finds a missing ledger flashing or undersized footing, the rebuild cost lands on the homeowner.
- Guards & Rails: Must resist 200 lbs at the top and be ≥ 36 inches high.
- Ledger Attachment: Proper flashing & bolt spacing is critical to prevent rot at the house connection.
- Joist Spans & Footings: These depend heavily on the lumber species and load.
- Stairs: Must meet strict rise/run requirements with graspable handrails.
Verify Your Contractor’s License
Hiring an unlicensed builder can lead to disaster. Counties have forced homeowners to remove entire decks built without proper licensing. Before signing a contract, take 30 seconds to confirm licensing:
- Visit the NC Licensing Board Search.
- Type the company name (e.g., Little Creek Construction).
- Ensure the license is active.
- Confirm the business name matches the person you are talking to.
Little Creek Construction holds a current NC Residential Building License and pulls every permit on behalf of our clients. During your consultation, we’ll show you the license verification live—because trust should never require blind faith.
From Design to Final Inspection
It can feel like permits add weeks of waiting. In reality, with correct drawings and a licensed contractor, most deck and porch permits in the Statesville to Greensboro corridor clear within a few business days.
Design & Measure (1-2 Days)
We verify property lines and draw the structure.
Permit Submission (3-5 Days)
We submit to the county. Review times vary by season.
Inspections
Footing inspection (before concrete), Framing inspection, and Final sign-off.
The Low-Pressure Next Step
Little Creek Construction offers free consultations to confirm your design meets current NC code, verify your permit path, and show you our license verification live.
If you are in the Piedmont—from Salisbury to Pilot Mountain—we are here to help you do it right the first time.