What Happens If You Ignore a Deck or Balcony Inspection? The short answer: liability, fines, and a property you can't sell.
Read MoreDeck Inspections
- SB326/721 CA Compliant
- Section 604 San Francisco Housing Code
- Structural stability
- Owner Representative
Reclaim your Deck Space, Outdoor living is back
Time to comply with State of California safety requirements
the "balcony bill"
Not sure if your building needs a Section 604 affidavit? Get a free lookup, no obligation.
Mission
Mission
Deck Check utilizes cutting-edge engineering methods to help property owners and their tenants to reclaim use of their outdoor decks by ensuring compliance with California's balcony safety regulations, including SB 721 and SB 326 (for the Bay Area and San Diego), and Section 604 of the San Francisco Building Code.
These regulations aim to improve safety and prevent tragic incidents. Non-compliance carries significant fines (up to $500 per day per deck!).
With thousands of HOAs and property managers across the Bay Area and San Diego facing these deadlines, proactive compliance is crucial. Don't wait until the last minute. Contact Deck Check today to ensure your properties are safe and compliant
These regulations aim to improve safety and prevent tragic incidents. Non-compliance carries significant fines (up to $500 per day per deck!).
With thousands of HOAs and property managers across the Bay Area and San Diego facing these deadlines, proactive compliance is crucial. Don't wait until the last minute. Contact Deck Check today to ensure your properties are safe and compliant
Pricing Table for SB326/721
1-4 Decks
$400
- Price per Deck
- Min $1,000 per report
1-4 Decks - Discounted
MOST POPULAR $375
- Price per Deck
- Discounted price for group setting when the HOA offers collaboration to scheduling
- Min $1,000 per report
5+ Decks - Group Price
$300
- Price per Deck
- Accounting for group discount
5+ Decks - Group Price Discounted
MOST POPULAR $290
- Price per Deck
- Discounted price for group setting when the HOA offers collaboration to scheduling
Match the price
$0
- We're confident in our pricing. However, if you receive a lower quote from a competitor, we'll gladly match that price and offer an additional discount. Call us.
Services
Get in contact for a direct conversation.
Read MoreCoffee with the Engineer
Complementary Coffee (or Tea) with an Engineer: Join us every Tuesday from 9 AM to 2 PM in our lounge for a casual chat, ask any questions, Let's connect and see if an engineer is the right fit for your needs. If you don't have time for in-person just call to ask any question at 415 407 4640
Please RSVP for in-person in advance.
Please RSVP for in-person in advance.
Why Deck Check
Local Business
Vincenzo Melchiorre - Owner
I feel fortunate to live and work in both Marin and San Diego, where I can embrace and share the values I cherish, such as simplicity, connection with nature, beauty, and the joys of the outdoors.
Relevant Projects
During my 20 years of experience in the local engineering consulting space, I've touched many aspects of the business, including assessing the structural health for the County of Los Angeles' buildings, NASA Ames' campus, and the Amazon distribution and data centers.
Licenses and Certifications
California Professional Engineering License (P.E.) CalOES Safety Assessment Program certified Master in Civil Engineering (La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy).
Testimonials
Blog
Wondering what an SB326 or SB721 inspection costs in the Bay Area or San Diego? Here's a transparent breakdown of pricing factors, what's included, and how Deck Check structures its fees — including the price match guarantee.
Read MoreCalifornia's SB721 deadline is January 1, 2026. Bay Area apartment owners with 3+ units must complete their balcony and deck inspection before then — or face fines up to $500 per day. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Read MoreSB326 and SB721 both require deck and balcony inspections in California — but they apply to different property types, have different deadlines, and require different inspectors. Here's how to know which law covers your building.
Read MoreContact
- Mill Valley, California, United States
Connect for a free consultation
Who Performs SB 721 and SB 326 Inspections in the Bay Area and San Diego?
Deck Check provides PE-signed SB 721 and SB 326 exterior elevated element inspections for apartment owners, HOA boards, and property managers across the Bay Area — San Francisco, the Peninsula, the East Bay, the South Bay, and Marin — and in San Diego.
Every inspection is performed and signed by Vincenzo Melchiorre, a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE), personally — not a subcontractor, not a rotating crew. Twenty years of structural and civil engineering experience, including work for the County of Los Angeles, NASA Ames Research Center, and Amazon, stands behind every report.
What SB 721 and SB 326 Require
SB 721 applies to apartment buildings with 3 or more rental units. It requires inspection of all exterior elevated elements — decks, balconies, stairways, and walkways six feet or more above grade — on a 6-year cycle, enforced under Health & Safety Code §17973.
SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOAs with 3 or more attached units. It requires the same category of inspection on a 9-year cycle, to a 95% statistical confidence standard, and by law can only be performed by a licensed architect or a licensed civil or structural engineer — not a general contractor. It's enforced under Civil Code §5551.
Both laws require the inspection to identify emergency conditions and report them to the building owner and local enforcement agency within 15 days of discovery.
Every inspection is performed and signed by Vincenzo Melchiorre, a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE), personally — not a subcontractor, not a rotating crew. Twenty years of structural and civil engineering experience, including work for the County of Los Angeles, NASA Ames Research Center, and Amazon, stands behind every report.
What SB 721 and SB 326 Require
SB 721 applies to apartment buildings with 3 or more rental units. It requires inspection of all exterior elevated elements — decks, balconies, stairways, and walkways six feet or more above grade — on a 6-year cycle, enforced under Health & Safety Code §17973.
SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOAs with 3 or more attached units. It requires the same category of inspection on a 9-year cycle, to a 95% statistical confidence standard, and by law can only be performed by a licensed architect or a licensed civil or structural engineer — not a general contractor. It's enforced under Civil Code §5551.
Both laws require the inspection to identify emergency conditions and report them to the building owner and local enforcement agency within 15 days of discovery.
Who Performs SB 721 and SB 326 Inspections in the Bay Area and San Diego?
Areas Served
Bay Area and San Diego County.
Why Choose Deck Check
Every report is PE-signed, not contractor-signed — backed by the full weight of professional engineering accountability. Deck Check is a local Bay Area owner-operated practice, not a national franchise, and uses boroscopic camera inspection for balconies with enclosed or obstructed framing. See the full list of what sets Deck Check apart.
What Clients Say
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Vincenzo at Deck Check. He recently handled both the SB 326 and SF Section 604 inspections for my clients for a 5 unit residential building in San Francisco and his level of service was outstanding. Vincenzo was timely, highly accessible, and incredibly patient throughout the entire process. What really set him apart was his ability to walk the clients through the reports and next steps in a manner that allowed everyone to make informed decisions. He was also extremely helpful in connecting us with reputable vendors to handle the necessary work. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to addressing difficult issues were invaluable, especially for clients who were actively preparing to sell their property. I highly recommend Vincenzo and Deck Check for anyone needing thorough, reliable structural inspections!"
— J. Ramon Estevez
Bay Area and San Diego County.
Why Choose Deck Check
Every report is PE-signed, not contractor-signed — backed by the full weight of professional engineering accountability. Deck Check is a local Bay Area owner-operated practice, not a national franchise, and uses boroscopic camera inspection for balconies with enclosed or obstructed framing. See the full list of what sets Deck Check apart.
What Clients Say
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Vincenzo at Deck Check. He recently handled both the SB 326 and SF Section 604 inspections for my clients for a 5 unit residential building in San Francisco and his level of service was outstanding. Vincenzo was timely, highly accessible, and incredibly patient throughout the entire process. What really set him apart was his ability to walk the clients through the reports and next steps in a manner that allowed everyone to make informed decisions. He was also extremely helpful in connecting us with reputable vendors to handle the necessary work. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to addressing difficult issues were invaluable, especially for clients who were actively preparing to sell their property. I highly recommend Vincenzo and Deck Check for anyone needing thorough, reliable structural inspections!"
— J. Ramon Estevez
Do I Need Section 604?
- Mill Valley, California, United States
- +1-415 407 4640
- vin@deck-check.com
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00
Free LOOKUP, no obligation. Send us your building address and how you'd like to hear back, and we'll check San Francisco's official Section 604 records and let you know your status — usually within a business day. We'll only contact you to answer this question. Your information is never shared.