The Short Version
This covered porch had a column resting on the deck, which was supported by various pieces of rotted wood stacked on top of a broken cinder block — no footing. The porch deck framing needed to come out completely, new footings were poured, and new posts were set. The permit process was straightforward — the city did their own structural calculations at the desk and issued the permit at a walk-in appointment. Clean job, no engineering required. One note: a metal post to the right of the porch opening was outside the original scope and remains to be addressed separately.
What We Found
The posts supporting the porch roof had rotted at the base — the classic grade-level rot failure. Once moisture gets into the end grain of a wood post that’s sitting on or near concrete, it’s a slow deterioration that eventually compromises the post’s ability to carry load. By the time the porch is visibly sagging or moving, the rot is often significant. The deck framing had also deteriorated to the point where full replacement was the right call.
The Build
Ready for framing.
How It Was Permitted
No structural engineer was required. The City of Spokane reviewed the scope, ran their own desk calculations, and issued the permit at a walk-in appointment. This is the permit path for straightforward porch structural repairs where the scope is clear and the spans are within standard tables. Not every porch repair requires a full engineering package. The permitting path depends on scope and complexity. We assess that on the front end and tell you what’s required before you commit to anything.
The Result
New footings, new posts, new deck framing. Porch structure is sound and permitted. Full documentation of the work for the homeowners — which matters at resale and for insurance purposes. A new landing was required to meet code.