Why All The Fear Mongering?

I noticed some competitors routinely engage in a sales tactic of inducing fear, doubt and confusion to consumers and apartment owners. One ad I just saw used the word “hazard” or “hazardous” THREE times along with “collapses” and “falls” in one short paragraph! They go on to say that “repairs be completed in a timely manner” and that “the report of the inspection and repair findings be provided to the local code enforcement agency”. These words are completely false and mis-leading.

Here are THE FACTS
SB721 requires a simple inspection of the wood frame components that are outside of the building (stairs, landings, walkways and decks). The ONLY requirement to submit the report to the local BUILDING OFFICIAL aka building department is when an immediate hazard RISING TO A LEVEL OF LIFE SAFETY is observed. To put this into context, we have encountered this type of condition in about 1 in 2,000 elements we inspect. It is more common, about 1 in 200, to find a NON URGENT structural compromise that requires repair in basically 240 days. There is nothing else that is a required repair. SB721 is not about balcony perfection. It is about finding that literal “needle in a haystack” truly hazardous condition.

Bear in mind SB721 grants broad discretion to the inspector to use their best judgment in assessing conditions including what is deemed an immediate hazard. The problem with this is many inspection “experts” are engineers who have never lifted a hammer and know practically nothing about waterproofing systems and water intrusion and the complexities thereof. Cheap inspections can turn into your worst nightmare if an inspection company sells work that is not needed or reports a “hazard” that is not hazardous. As we all know, doctors can be found guilty of malpractice.

California Deck Inspection is the most experienced and proficient SB721 and SB326 compliance inspection company. We keep it real. General contractor. Waterproofing contractor. Expert witness. Since 1982.