The Deck That Left the House

The listing photos called it a sunset deck; the home inspector called it detached. Twenty years old, nailed to the house over the siding, and pulling away at the top — the new owners want it rebuilt before the housewarming, 'just like the old one, but solid.' The yard slopes hard: the walk-out corner stands 45 inches above grade, the uphill corner about 28. Your framer walks it with you, pry bar in hand.