How much does an SB 721 or SB 326 balcony inspection cost?
It depends on how many elevated elements your building has. There is one minimum per report. Above that, the more balconies, decks, stairs and walkways you have, the lower the price per element. I give you one total, in writing, before I come out. Tell me your count below and I email you the price. Watching your deadlines is free.
How the price works
- One minimum per report. Every inspection needs a site visit, a stamped report and the paperwork, even on a small building.
- A price per element. Each balcony, deck, stair or walkway takes my time on site, so the count sets the price.
- Lower per element as the count rises. A larger building pays less for each element than a small one.
- One total, in writing. You see the full price before I come out. No surprises on the invoice.
- Found a lower quote? Show me. I will match it.
What is included
- I walk the building myself. No technician.
- A report stamped by a California Professional Engineer.
- A plain-English answer: pass, or exactly what must be fixed to pass, and why.
- In San Francisco, the Section 604 affidavit prepared and filed with the Department of Building Inspection.
- A call from me right away if I find something unsafe.
- A report ready to hand to a lender, an insurer or a buyer.
What is not included
Repairs. I do not build, repair, install or clean decks. I have nothing to sell you but the inspection, so I have no reason to pad the report with extra work. If something must be fixed to pass, the report says what and why, and you hire whoever you want.
How to count your elevated elements
An elevated element is a balcony, deck, porch, stairway, walkway or entry structure more than six feet above the ground that carries weight and extends past the building's walls. Count each one you can see from the outside.
Not sure? Give me a rough number, or just the address. I count them for you, free.
Why the law sets part of the work
For apartments, SB 721 asks the inspector to look at no less than 15 percent of each type of elevated element. For condos and HOAs, SB 326 asks for a random sample large enough to be statistically meaningful. I follow exactly that scope. Nothing added, so nothing added to your bill.
Questions about the price
Why do you not post a price list?
Every building is different. I would rather give you one written price for your building than a table you have to decode. Tell me how many elevated elements you have, and I email you the total.
What counts as an elevated element?
A balcony, deck, porch, stairway, walkway or entry structure that is more than six feet above the ground and carries weight. Not sure how many you have? Send me the address and I count them, free.
Is there a minimum?
Yes. There is one minimum per report, because every inspection needs a visit, a report and the paperwork, even for a small building. Above that, the price per element goes down as the count goes up.
Does the price include repairs?
No. I do not do repairs, and I do not sell them. The price is for the inspection and the report. If something must be fixed to pass, the report says what and why, and you hire whoever you want.
Will you match a lower quote?
Yes. Show me the quote and I will match it.
Do property managers get a better price?
Yes. If you have several buildings, I quote the whole portfolio by email.
Is the deadline watch really free?
Yes. Watching your deadlines costs nothing. You pay only if you choose me to do the inspection.