Is it more cost-effective to repair an old deck or build a new one?

In many instances, we review an existing structure only to find that there are several failure points:

• The deck was not permitted and therefore not built to code or inspected.
• The attachment to the house is incorrect and creates catastrophic failure leading to injury or death.
• Incorrect footings (depth, circumference, attachment, or lack thereof)
• Undersized or wrong framing members used.
• Stairs and handrails are not up to code.

When any or all of the points of concern are identified, it is almost always recommended that we rebuild the entire structure.