License# 1026051,18455 Burbank Blvd. Ste 411 Tarzana, CA 91356 [email protected] 310-349-3223

Balcony Inspection Certification & Repairs

Contact us for a free project evaluation either by email or phone

310-349-3223

One Stop Retrofit can help you comply with the balcony law requirements!

  • The law affects any building with 3 or more units that have exterior balconies, staircase, or walkways that are higher than 6 feet off the ground
  • The law affects apartment and condominium buildings, SB-721 regulates inspections of apartment buildings and SB-326 regulates inspections of condominium buildings 
  • Any building with Exterior Elevated Element (EEE) needs to be inspected and certified by a licensed civil/structural engineer or general contractor 
  • Inspections must include the condition of the framing, the guardrail, and waterproofing elements
  • The initial inspection must be completed by January 1st, 2025 and every 6 years thereafter for apartment buildings and every 9 years thereafter for condominium buildings
  • New apartment buildings must be inspected 6 years after completion and new condominium buildings must be inspected 9 years after completion 

California’s New Balcony Laws SB-721 & SB-326

One Stop Retrofit performs one main type of inspection: Destructive Exploration.

Method: Destructive exploration: Remove sections of the exterior finish as needed to expose the framing for the visual inspection. This process will cost $2950/elevated exterior element location. This will include the cost of walk-through, demo, engineer report, etc.    

  • This is for an inspection only and includes the price of the destructive exploration but does not include the cost of repairs for the construction work. All work to be performed with a building permit.

  • Cost will be determined on a per case basis. Please call us to schedule a free inspection at 310-349-3223

Balcony Inspection Certification and Repair

Berkeley balcony collapse article

There are 4 tiers of inspection outcomes

  • Tier 1 – Everything is ok
  • Tier 2 – Further inspection needed (damage found & need to proceed with destructive exploration)
  • Tier 3 – Needs repairs (non emergency/not immediate)
  • Tier 4 – Balcony is failing (needs shoring and immediate repairs. The owner will have limited amount of time to perform repairs cited in engineer reports).

If repairs are not done in a timely matter, potential daily penalties may be assessed by the governing official

Does my building fall under SB-721 & SB-326

If your balcony, deck, porch, stairway, walkway or entry structure has a walking surface that is elevated over 6 feet above the ground level or is designed for occupancy or use, then you must complete an inspection.

  • Does your building have 3 or more units?
  • Does your building have wood framing?
  • Do you have exterior balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways?
  • Are the walking surfaces and/or balconies and decks higher than 6 feet above ground?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THESE QUESTIONS, CALL US IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE BALCONY INSPECTION AND EVALUATION!

SB-326 (Condo Balcony Bill)

Approximately 20%-50% of each element will be inspected by non-destructive exploration first. Percentage and location of each element inspection will be determined by the engineer. If there are signs of rot or damage to the framing, exterior cover may need to be removed and have the exposed framing inspected.

Once inspection is completed, the engineer will issue a report addressing the conditions of all inspected elements and specify what repairs (if any) needs to be performed.

Typical places of water intrusions is sheet metal opening around the deck perimeter, connection of the railing system to the balcony, at the corner/connection of the exterior wall and the balcony floor, or if the waterproofing elements are damaged.

Cost of inspection will be determined by number of elements needed to be inspected and whether the inspection is non destructive method or destructive exploration method of exploration

For more information​

Contact us for a free project evaluation either by email or phone 310-349-3223

SB-721 (Apartment Balcony Bill)

For more information​

SB-721 (apartment balcony bill)

The Importance of Balcony Inspection and Certification

Balconies are a popular feature of many residential and commercial buildings, offering a relaxing outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy. However, over time, balconies can deteriorate and become a safety hazard if not properly maintained and inspected. That’s why it’s important to have regular balcony inspections and certifications, conducted by a licensed and certified professional.

Regular balcony inspections and certification can help identify any potential safety hazards and ensure that your balcony is up to code. By identifying any problems early on, you can take steps to address them before they become a more significant issue, saving you time, money, and potentially even lives.

Some of the potential safety hazards that can arise if balconies are not properly maintained or inspected include rusted or corroded metal, weakened support structures, loose or damaged railings, or degraded concrete. These issues can lead to structural failure, collapse, and injury or even death. Regular balcony inspections and certification can help prevent these issues by identifying them early on and taking appropriate action to address them.

When it comes to balcony inspection and certification, it’s essential to work with a licensed and certified professional who has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to properly assess and repair any issues. A qualified professional will be able to conduct a thorough inspection, identify any potential safety hazards, and make necessary repairs to ensure that your balcony is safe and up to code.