deck inspectors

3 Quick Tips for Inspecting Your Deck

Regular deck inspection should be part of your must-do’s as a homeowner and here are three quick tips that you can use when inspecting your outdoor living area:

 

Check for signs of mold and mildew growth

You can expect mold and mildew growth on your deck, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. But if you already notice fungus growing on your deck, you should consult qualified deck inspectors in California right away to address the problem because it can pose a serious health hazard to your family.

 

Look for any missing nails or screws

Being an extended living space, your deck should be able to stand on its own while still being firmly attached to your house.

The ledger board does this job, but when you see that there are missing screws or the board isn’t well fastened, you need to have it fixed right away before your deck separates from your house.

You should also look out for missing nails that could make your deck weaker and dangerous to stay in.

 

Inspect posts for signs of rotting

 Finally, you have to make sure that all the posts in your deck have no signs of rotting. Over time, your deck may start to weaken because of constant exposure to the elements, which is why it’s best to have qualified deck inspectors in California over to make sure that everything is in good shape and to recommend any replacements or repairs if needed.

 

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

SB 721 Inspection

Are You Planning to Add a Balcony in Your Home? Here’s What You Should Consider

It’s almost every homeowner’s dream to have a balcony. This exterior elevated element doesn’t only add some extra space in the house, but it also adds a luxurious feel to space. Just imagine waking up and drinking coffee in your balcony.

But adding a balcony in a finished home is not an easy task. So if you’re planning on this as your next project, here are some of the things that you should consider:

 

The Materials

Most balconies are made from wood, cement, vinyl, or wood composite. Your choice of material should be based on what your existing home’s materials are so the balcony easily blends in with the rest of the house.

Cement is a popular choice because of how it can hold up to the elements, but some prefer wood because it offers that relaxing ambiance that a lot of people are looking for.

 

Accessibility

Building a balcony is more than just tearing down a wall and creating an exterior elevated element where you can look at your views outside. You also need to pick a spot in your house where you can easily build a doorway and access point from the room where you choose to connect your balcony too.

You also need to think about how the balcony will affect the overall look of your home and it should be placed in a convenient spot that doesn’t put a dent on your current living arrangement.

 

Size 

Most experts would recommend building an exterior elevated element that extends at least four feet outwards because it can already accommodate two to three people and maybe some chairs for lounging. Consult your contractor on the best size for your balcony considering your house, your need for that extended living space, and of course, your budget.

 

Balustrade 

Your balustrade will be the focal point of your balcony’s aesthetics. Depending on the look that you’re going for or the current theme of your house, you can choose from metal, wood, vinyl, concrete, and glass panel railings. You can also choose from balustrades that form a single straight line, semi-circle, and angular line.

 

Cost 

A typical balcony will cost you between $15 and $35 per square foot. This cost will depend mainly on your choice of materials, the cost of labor, the style that you want, and of course, the height and size of your balcony.

But if you’re willing to make that investment, you can guarantee a good return value once you already put your home in the market.

Of course, there are permits. Any exterior elevated element will need permits before you can start construction, especially if you’re building a second-story balcony where you need to make sure that the added structure is safe and sturdy.

This is when it matters to work with a contractor with the appropriate license and credentials, so you can make this part easier and move on with your project.

 

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

deck inspection services

4 Tips for Checking Your Deck Before an Inspection

Your deck is the focal point of your home’s outdoor space. It’s where you entertain, spend time with the family, and just relax under the stars during the summer. With all the benefits of having a deck as part of your property, you should also invest in routine deck inspection services to make sure that this outdoor space is safe and sturdy for its purpose.

But before your reliable inspectors get to your house, you should do a self-inspection first following these tips:

 

Look for Signs of Insect Damage

Being exposed to the outdoors, your deck is the ideal breeding ground for insects. Although most materials for making decks are now treated with chemicals that keep insects away, there’s still some chance that your deck might be infested with ants and termites that could cause serious damage to its framework.

If you notice even the slightest sway when you walk on your deck, it is worth noting this observation to your deck inspector to see what can be done to address this problem.

 

Look for Cracks 

Small cracks are a normal part of your deck’s wear and tear, especially if it’s been around for a long time. But cracks around fasteners and between joists could be a sign of serious damage to your deck and should be addressed right away before it causes serious problems in the future.

Depending on the recommendations of your deck inspection services, you should seal and stain your deck at least every two years to reduce cracks that are caused by water, heat, and cold exposure.

 

Look for Rusting

Your deck may look good on the outside, but it could be suffering from some serious damages on the inside. So when inspecting your deck, you should look closely at your connectors, joists, and fasteners for any signs of rusting, which could make your deck weak and potentially dangerous to use. If you detect any rust on nails, screws, bolts, and other connectors, you should call deck inspection services right away.

 

Look for Signs of Mold and Mildew Exposure

Because of its constant exposure to the elements, your deck will develop mold and mildew at some point during its lifespan. Your steps are most susceptible to mildew growth, which could make it slippery and unsafe.

If you notice any green tint on your deck, make sure to wash and stain it regularly to address the problem. But if you see mushroom-like growth in your deck, it could be mold and fungus that could be a sign of bigger problems. Call your deck inspector right away to have your deck checked.

Your deck offers a lot of benefits to your house. Aside from being an extension of your living space, it also adds value to your property and makes it more attractive to future buyers.

So if you want to make the most of this investment, you have to make sure that regular deck inspection services are done to protect your deck from any serious damages.

 

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon