California Law SB 326 (Cal. Civil Code § 5551) requires an inspection by a licensed professional of any Exterior Elevated Elements, such as Condominium decks and walkways, to ensure their safety and structural integrity.
This new law is specific to Condominiums (Multi Family Housing) controlled by residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and applies to any building containing 3 or more multi-family dwelling units.
Notably, balconies are not the only things that must be inspected under this new law. Any elevated structures which extend beyond the wall of a building, support weight and are built with wood-supporting structures such as wood beams and plywood are also included. This covers:
The initial inspection must be completed no later than January 1, 2025. After this, periodic re-inspections must occur at intervals that are not to exceed every 9 years. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH TO HAVE YOUR INSPECTIONS PERFORMED.
Once an inspection is completed and a report of the resulting findings prepared, a homeowners association must include the report with its required Reserve Studies in compliance with the Davis Sterling Act. AVOID THE PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGES AND LAWSUITS THAT ARE BOUND TO RESULT FROM FAILURES TO PROPERLY INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EXTERIOR ELEVATED ELEMENTS!
Only a properly licensed architect or structural engineer may conduct these required inspections. Given that associated waterproofing systems must also be inspected, however, you should ensure that the individual you hire possesses the requisite waterproofing expertise or includes someone on his/her team who does. With a Deck Inspector professional, you are assured of hiring a waterproofing expert with a wealth of experience to help ensure the integrity of the waterproofing systems at your property.
Deck Inspectors will provide a final report that advises the HOA of repairs or maintenance that may be needed to ensure the safety of the EEE at your property.
There are two types of repairs that your HOA may need to make:
Ensuring that your property is safe is a priceless investment. With Deck Inspectors, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your inspections are performed by qualified professionals with the requisite waterproofing expertise. Our inspections may include any or all of the following:
If you are part of a homeowners association or own a multi-family dwelling like an apartment complex with at least 3 units in California, we encourage you to contact Deck Inspectors to get your exterior elevated elements such as decks, balconies and walkways inspected without delay. The state-mandated deadline for doing so is fast approaching! Book your inspection from qualified deck inspectors today!
Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Orange County as well as San Diego County and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Los Angeles, Irvine, Long Beach, La Jolla, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Encinitas, Chula Vista, Vista, Mesa, San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon.
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