Why Your Deck or Balcony Should Be Inspected
Decks, balconies, and porches have been important elements to many houses for many years. Although home designs have evolved immensely throughout the years, these external structures have remained staples because of how they add that extra space perfect for entertaining and how they can increase the overall value of a property.
But this great addition to your home can easily be catastrophic if you don’t pay attention to your responsibilities as a homeowner. A deck inspection is one of the most important tasks that you should invest in for your home and here’s why:
Many Decks or Balconies may not be Safe
It is said that only 40% out of the 45 million decks in existence are completely safe. This is mainly because not many people realize how important it is to build a deck properly thinking that it’s just an extension and wouldn’t need as much investment as the main structure of a house.
But while building a deck looks easy, it actually requires proper calculations and good craftsmanship to make sure that it can support the weight of the people on it, the objects placed on it and the other elements that could add to its load. A deck inspection is necessary to identify any faults in a deck’s structure so it could be addressed immediately.
A Deck Failure can Bring Devastating Consequences
A deck collapse that killed six people in Berkeley, California in 2015 is just one of the proofs that when a deck inspection is taken for granted, it could lead to devastating consequences. This incident prompted the passing of Senate Bill 721 in California that required all buildings with decks to be inspected for safety. But even if you don’t live in the sunny state, it’s your responsibility to keep your family and guests safe whenever they’re on your deck or balcony by making sure that it is inspected for any defects before a deck failure can happen.
A Well-Maintained Deck or Balcony can Bring you Better Revenues
There will come a time when you would want to sell your property, and when that time comes, you will surely thank yourself for investing in a deck inspection even if you think that it’s only an added expense now. The thing is, home buyers these days are more meticulous than ever. They don’t only look for the obvious selling points of a house, but they also get into the nitty-gritty of it.
Some would even go as far as hiring a building inspector to check a property they’re eyeing on before they seal the deal. Now, if you want to get ahead of the game, having a well-maintained deck or balcony can really give you that advantage. Plus, you’ll also get excellent returns since your property would increase in value.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you take care of your home. By making sure that you have everything covered including your deck inspection, you’ll feel safer at home knowing that you can host those dinner parties on your deck or balcony without any worries of collapse or accident.
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