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The long-awaited Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) has finally been enacted by the California Legislature to protect property owners from building defects. According to the bill, there are three main objectives to accomplish.

Inspection for Exterior Elevation

Associations having 3 or more multifamily dwelling units now need to meet new requirements in accordance with the Civil Code Section 5551 of the SB 326.

So all exterior elevated elements supported in substantial part by wood or wood-based products must be inspected by a licensed structural engineer or architect every 9 years.

Part of this bill also requires the inspector to submit a report to the association board to provide specified information. This includes the current physical condition and the remaining useful life of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing systems.

Moreover, the inspector must provide a copy of the inspection report to the association right after the completion of the report. A copy must also be furnished to the local code enforcement agency within 15 days after completing the report.

If the inspection of any exterior elevated element has already been carried out, the inspector advises that the exterior elevated element poses an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants.

In this case, the bill will authorize the local enforcement agencies to recover the enforcement costs in connection to these requirements. Then, the association board will also be able to enact rules or bylaws to impose requirements more than those imposed by these provisions.

Membership Vote Requirements to Act Against Developers

The association has the authority to bring formal and informal legal proceedings versus a declarant or developer of the community. Thus, developers can add provisions together with the governing documents limiting or restricting the ability of the association to bring such actions against a developer without the consent of the membership.

Nevertheless, the addition of section 5986 to the Civil Code aims to invalidate the ruling and outright prohibit the governing documents of the association to limit the authority of the board to initiate legal proceedings versus a developer.

Since section 5986 applies retroactively to any association to limit the language in the governing documents, associations are no longer required to comply with the restrictive provisions in the governing documents.

Provide Written Notice

Within the Civil Code section 6150, associations looking to bring action versus a developer for construction defects are required to provide written notice. This is intended to discuss problems that may lead to formal legal action and available options to address the problems.

The new bill SB 326 will amend the Civil Code section 6150 to require associations to notify the membership and discuss the potential impacts of filing a civil action, which includes financial impacts.

Authority for Legal Proceedings

The act also states that an association has the standing to institute, defend, intervene, or settle in the litigation, arbitration, mediation, or doing administrative proceedings in its own name.

SB 326 requires the board to determine whether an association may start to make legal proceedings versus a builder, declarant, or developer of a common interest development unless specified.

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

There are 40 million estimated decks in the United States with half of these existing decks are safety and code compliant. While decks and balconies give added aesthetics to the exterior beauty of your homes, these can also cause tragic accidents or death without a proper safety inspection.

A deck safety inspection can save lives. But for peace of mind and overall safety, certified deck inspectors can do an excellent deck safety inspection.

• Check for improper or loose connections. Use nuts, bolts, and washer for the new installation of decks. If the wood deck is connected using nails, have this replaced immediately by a certified contractor.
• Routinely check the joints between the deck and the house for rust or corrosion. If this can eventually cause the deck to collapse.
• Deck inspectors will check for rotted support posts. Rotted deck supports become weak and can no longer support the deck’s weight. Your hired deck inspector will recommend if deck posts require replacement.
• Check if your deck wobbles every time you walk across it. Most of the time, deck inspectors will fasten an angle bracing under the deck.

Regular deck inspections carried by certified deck inspectors and corrective measures prevent fatal injuries and accidents from happening.

The National Institute of Clinical Research is an SMO/CRO with offices and labs in the following cities and states: New Jersey, North Carolina, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Bakersfield 93309, Fountain Valley 92708, Garden Grove 92840, Hacienda Heights 91745, Huntington Beach 92648, Las Vegas 89106, Long Beach 90806, Los Angeles 90048, Ontario 91762, Rosemead 91770, San Antonio 78207, Santa Ana 92704, Upland 91786, and Westminster 92683.

Pedestrian lanes and walkways are an integral part of a community’s identity. Pedestrian infrastructures are a part of progress and are integral to people’s safety. Elevated walkways provide health and safety benefits to pedestrians and those who explore destinations on foot.

Safety for Pedestrians

According to the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, there are around 4,500 pedestrians killed in the United States due to traffic crashes with motor vehicles.

Almost 8 percent of these deaths are pedestrians walking along the roadway. But these mishaps are avoidable through walkways separated from vehicle lanes. These accidents can be prevented through the availability of pedestrian walkways.

• Health safety – making a living these days and the pressure to keep up with the fast-paced society can be very stressful. Proper and safe walkways provide a readily accessible venue for residents to exercise and de-stress. Everyday walks to and from the parking lot, grocery, cafes, or nearby establishments is a cheap yet effective way to reduce stress, improve health and mood.
• Pedestrian safety – elevated walkways offer a safe environment for pedestrians local and tourists alike for travel and exercise. Walkways keep pedestrians from any road danger, at all times. Children in the community can also walk safely to school.
• Improved Life quality and safety – better quality of life is not only based on monetary. Quality of life also includes environment, physical and mental health.

Providing safety walkways to pedestrians give them the peace of mind that the neighborhood is safe from a lot of potential road accidents. By providing a safe environment for adults and children helps motivate people to socialize and be more active.

Residential Properties

Walkways for pedestrians do not only offer safety benefits but improves property value. The same with schools, hospitals, and other public amenities, safe walkways augment residential home values.

According to case studies, residential properties near well-maintained walkways have higher property value. A safe walkway is highly regarded as a place for recreation or physical activity promoting healthy life and community.

Also, safe elevated walkways provide better transportation options for people who do not have cars or cannot drive.

The wider the separation of pedestrian sidewalks from the roadways means more comfort for individuals. Comfort and physical exercise contribute to healthier mental and physical well-being.

Sidewalks should be best designed to make sure pedestrians are safe from traffic and any road dangers at all times. Walkways should be pleasant and comfortable to walk; should be well-maintained.

Providing sidewalks in the community motivate people in the community of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, knowing that their needs are being met.

Developing Elevated Walkways

Safe walkways should not only be considered in urban areas but also for rural areas. Development and progress must always be considered in areas where there is less pedestrian traffic.

Less developed areas with occasional pedestrian traffic should not forget the importance and benefits of elevated walkways. Sooner or later, these will serve its purpose; providing comfort and safety to pedestrians: adults and children.

The National Institute of Clinical Research is an SMO/CRO with offices and labs in the following cities and states: New Jersey, North Carolina, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Bakersfield 93309, Fountain Valley 92708, Garden Grove 92840, Hacienda Heights 91745, Huntington Beach 92648, Las Vegas 89106, Long Beach 90806, Los Angeles 90048, Ontario 91762, Rosemead 91770, San Antonio 78207, Santa Ana 92704, Upland 91786, and Westminster 92683.

A railing is an essential part of any deck not only for aesthetics but also for safety. In fact, it’s one of the elements that qualified deck inspectors look for, which is why it’s very important to invest in good railings for your deck if you want to fully enjoy your outdoor living space.

Now if you’re building your own railings, here are five useful tips that you can keep handy for your project:

Take your measurements first

The size of your deck railing will depend on the size of the deck itself and it’s also very important to incorporate an anchored handrail system to make this area safer, especially if you have young children or seniors in your house.

Take your measurements first to know exactly what materials you need and how you should cut them. The standard height for deck railing posts is 10 inches while the rail height should be between 36 and 42 inches.

You can also ask your qualified deck inspectors about the ideal measurements for your deck railings so you can stay within the rules.

Choose the right materials for your railings

There are many options for deck railing materials depending on what matches the rest of your deck and of course, your budget. Aluminum railings are considered the most durable and they also need very little maintenance, although they could be pricier than other options.

Tempered glass railings are also another great option, especially since they give the illusion of a wider space while still keeping your deck secure. Of course, there are classic wood railings that have always been the go-to choice for many homeowners because of their timeless look.

Cut and secure your posts

You can start by cutting the posts according to your measurements and securing them inside the rim joists. Keep in mind that bolts should not be places less than 5-1/8 inch apart and posts need to maintain a maximum space of 72 inches in between.

Install your top and bottom rails

If you’re doing the installation yourself, make sure that the top and bottom rails are secured properly inside the posts by placing two 3-inch screws diagonally 2 inches apart.

When the time comes, elements like this will be checked closely by qualified deck inspectors so it really helps to follow the ideal measurements to avoid any hassles later on. You can then attach the top cap to the posts using the same screws.

Secure your balusters

To complete the installation, screw the balusters into the top and bottom rails. Proper baluster spacing is indicated on your local building code so it’s very important to read about it or ask your qualified deck inspectors. The standard maximum baluster separation, however, is about 4 to 5 inches in the center.

Having the right decking will allow you more freedom to move in your deck without having to worry about any accidents. This makes a deck railing the perfect investment for your outdoor living space.

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

Dry rot on your roof doesn’t just look horrible. It can also seriously undermine your home’s structural integrity. Neglect it and you’re setting up your house for wreck and ruin, not to mention significantly diminishing its sale value.

Understanding the cause of dry rot allows you to make the call on whether a repair is still possible or if it is best to replace the damaged part completely. Note that repairs may require inspections as mandated by SB 721.

What is dry rot and what causes it

The definition of dry rot is a type of fungal decay with the name Serpula lacrymans. It occurs in timber that has become too wet, with over 20% moisture. When this happens, the wood-destroying fungus attacks the timber.

Damp timber results in dry rot spores develop into the wood-destroying fungus. This type of fungus thrives in moist, damp, poorly ventilated conditions.

Damp timber in the home can be attributed to one or two of the following:

• Penetrating damp, condensation
• Leaking pipes
• Faulty drainage
• Broken roof tiles
• A leaking washing machine that creates the ideal environment for fungi growth

Rescuing the Home from Dry Rot

Some types/amounts of dry rot can be repaired. However, repairs aren’t recommended if the affected areas provide structural stability to your home, such as with beams and joints, or even with flooring for that matter. In those cases, you should replace the wood instead of repairing it.

You’ll also need to eliminate the conditions that allowed the rot to grow. Locate the cause of moisture buildup and if you think you’re not able to do it, you can hire inspectors to check for roof leaks, damaged gutters, plumbing leaks, and/or poor ventilation.

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