Decks & Porches in Somerset, Massachusetts

Decks do not qualify for Mass Save rebates, so the Eversource utility designation does not affect deck project costs in Somerset. The key local regulatory factor is the Conservation Commission. The Taunton River is a state-designated wild and scenic river, and MassDEP treats its adjacent wetlands conservatively. Any deck within 100 feet of the river, Mount Hope Bay shoreline, or associated bordering wetlands requires a Notice of Intent filed under the Wetlands Protection Act with the Somerset Conservation Commission. Riverfront and bayfront properties almost always fall within this buffer.

Somerset Building Department issues deck permits under 780 CMR. The town's 1950s-to-1970s housing stock means inspectors frequently see ledger connections that lack modern flashing and proper bolting, particularly on ranches where the original deck was added years after construction. Footings must reach 48 inches for frost protection. Guardrails are required at 36 inches for decks 30 or more inches above grade, with balusters under 4 inches. Conservation Commission approval, where required, must come before the building permit.

Somerset is priced in the South Coast range, which runs below the Boston metro and South Shore. A new 300 to 450 square-foot pressure-treated deck runs $14,000 to $26,000 installed. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) adds $6,000 to $11,000 over PT. On Taunton River and bay-front properties, composite or PVC decking is strongly advisable given the salt-air and humidity exposure. Three-season porch additions start around $36,000 in the South Coast market.

Somerset is a Bristol County town of 18,266 residents with about 7,539 housing units, median home age roughly 64 years. The housing stock is dominated by 1950s through 1970s ranches and capes on modest lots, with some waterfront properties along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay. Somerset borders Fall River to the south and Dighton to the north, with the Taunton River running along its entire eastern edge before emptying into Mount Hope Bay. That coastal and riverine geography puts a significant share of the town's parcels near wetland resource areas.