Balcony and deck compliance can raise complex questions for HOAs, property managers, and multi-family owners. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see your situation covered, we’re happy to review your property information and discuss next steps.
SB-326 and SB-721 are California laws that require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways.
SB-326 generally applies to condominium buildings governed by HOAs
SB-721 generally applies to apartment buildings with three or more units
Each law has different reporting, timing, and responsibility requirements depending on property type.
Applicability depends on factors such as:
Ownership structure (HOA vs rental)
Number of units
Building configuration
Presence of exterior elevated elements
We help clarify which law applies and what actions are required based on your specific property.
Inspections typically cover exterior elevated elements such as:
Balconies
Decks
Stairways
Walkways
Guardrails and supporting components
The scope depends on the property and the licensed professional performing the inspection.
Balcony & Deck Advisors provides compliance guidance, inspection coordination, and advisory services. Required inspections and engineering evaluations are performed by appropriately licensed professionals.
Our role is to help you understand the process and findings — not to replace licensed inspection or engineering services.
After an inspection, the property owner typically receives a written report outlining observed conditions and recommended actions. These may range from monitoring and maintenance to repairs or retrofits.
We help review and interpret these findings so you understand:
What is required
What may be recommended
What questions are worth asking before proceeding
No. Not all findings carry the same urgency.
Some conditions may require prompt attention, while others may be addressed through maintenance, monitoring, or phased work. We help distinguish between required actions and discretionary recommendations so decisions are informed and proportionate.
Depending on the project, Balcony & Deck Advisors may provide a qualified estimate for repair or retrofit work. We also encourage property owners and HOAs to review multiple bids before making decisions.
Our advisory role helps ensure scopes are clear, comparable, and appropriate for the inspection findings.
Yes. We frequently assist clients with reviewing and comparing multiple estimates to understand differences in:
Scope of work
Assumptions and exclusions
Pricing structure
Phasing or sequencing
This helps boards and owners make defensible decisions with better clarity.
Our focus is on clarity and transparency. In some cases, we may provide an estimate alongside other contractors; in others, we assist solely in an advisory capacity.
Regardless, we encourage reviewing multiple qualified bids and making decisions based on clear information and documentation.
Yes. We regularly work with HOA boards and understand the need for:
Clear explanations
Documentation for board records
Support during decision-making
Communication that stands up to owner scrutiny
Our process is designed to support fiduciary responsibilities.
Absolutely. We often assist property managers by:
Clarifying compliance requirements
Helping interpret inspection reports
Coordinating estimates and next steps
Reducing back-and-forth between stakeholders
Our goal is to make the process more manageable operationally.
Timelines vary depending on property size, inspection findings, and scope of work. Some projects move quickly, while others require phased planning.
We help set realistic expectations and identify next steps so timelines are understood early.
If you’re preparing for an inspection, we can help you understand:
What inspectors typically evaluate
What documentation is commonly requested
How to prepare questions in advance
Early guidance can help avoid confusion later.
The first step is a free project review. You can share inspection reports, plans, photos, or general property information.
You don’t need everything finalized — we’ll help you determine what matters next.
We provide guidance and support based on experience and applicable requirements, but final compliance determinations depend on inspections, licensed professionals, and local authorities.
Our role is to help you make informed, well-documented decisions.
We work with properties throughout Los Angeles and Southern California, including HOAs, property managers, and multi-family owners.