SB326 Balcony Inspections & Repairs in San Diego

What Is SB326?

SB326 is the California law that added Section 5551 to the Civil Code. It requires condominium associations to have the “exterior elevated elements” they maintain inspected. These are load-bearing parts of balconies, decks, stairways, walkways and their railings that sit more than six feet above the ground, are built for people to use, and are supported mostly by wood or wood-based materials. The inspection also covers the waterproofing that protects that framing: flashings, membranes, coatings and sealants.

Key points for HOA boards and property managers:

• Who inspects: The inspection must be done by a licensed architect or a licensed structural or civil engineer. The inspector reviews a random, statistically significant sample of the elements the association maintains.
• Deadlines: The first inspection was due by January 1, 2025. After that, inspections are required at least once every nine years.
• The report: The inspector issues a written report that covers the current condition of the load-bearing components and waterproofing, their expected remaining life, and recommended repairs or replacement.
• Urgent conditions: If the inspector finds a condition that is an immediate threat to residents’ safety, the association must restrict access to the area and complete emergency repairs.

Woodmark Construction is a contractor, not an inspector. We don’t perform SB326 inspections or engineering. We work with your HOA’s architect or engineer to carry out the repairs their report calls for.

SB326 Repairs We Handle

Most SB326 findings trace back to water in wood framing. We fix the damage and the cause:

• Balconies and decks: Joists, ledgers, beams, posts, blocking and footings, plus new decking or resurfacing.
• Stairs and landings: Stringers, treads, landings and support posts, repaired or fully rebuilt.
• Walkways and breezeways: Framing repair and new walking surfaces on elevated walkways.
• Railings and handrails: Railing posts, rails and attachment hardware brought up to code.
• Waterproofing membranes and flashing: Deck coatings, membranes, flashing and sealants that keep water out of the framing.
• Dry rot and termite damage: Removing and replacing damaged wood so the structure is sound again.
• Structural framing: Wood and steel beams, joists and connections, built to the repair details your engineer or architect provides.

Our Process

1. Review the report. We go through your SB326 inspection report and any repair plans from your architect or engineer.
2. Free site walk. We walk the property with your board or property manager to review conditions, access and scheduling.
3. Clear bid. You get a written estimate tied to the report’s recommendations, so the board can compare and approve.
4. Permits and coordination. Where permits are required, we coordinate them and work with your architect or engineer on the repair details.
5. Repair and communicate. Once framing is open we often find hidden damage. When we do, we tell you right away and talk through the options before we go further.
6. Close out. We finish the waterproofing and surfaces, clean up, and provide documentation for your HOA’s records.

Why Woodmark Construction

• HOA focus. We work with HOA boards and property managers every day and know how to keep residents informed.
• Balcony and stair experience. We rebuild balconies, decks, landings and staircases, from the footings to the railings.
• Structure and waterproofing in one crew. We handle dry rot, framing and waterproofing, so the repair holds up.
• Licensed and local. CSLB License #541402, based in Lemon Grove and serving San Diego County.
• Free estimates and site walks. Every project starts with a no-cost visit.

SB326 Repair FAQ

Does Woodmark Construction perform SB326 inspections?

No. California Civil Code §5551 requires SB326 inspections to be done by a licensed architect or a licensed structural or civil engineer. We are a licensed contractor. We work with your HOA’s inspector or engineer and complete the repairs in their report.

How often are SB326 inspections required?

After the first inspection, which was due by January 1, 2025, inspections are required at least once every nine years. Ask your inspector or HOA attorney about your community’s schedule.

What parts of a building does SB326 cover?

Balconies, decks, stairways, walkways and their railings that are more than six feet above the ground and supported mostly by wood, along with the waterproofing that protects them.

Can you give us a bid from our inspection report?

Yes. Send us the report and any repair plans. We’ll schedule a free site walk and give you a written estimate based on the recommendations.

What if you find more damage once the work starts?

Hidden rot is common once framing is opened. We stop, show you what we found, and discuss the options and cost with your board or property manager before we go further.

Ready to Schedule Your SB326 Repairs?

Get your balconies, decks and stairs repaired and back in safe service. Call Woodmark Construction at (619) 303-5538, email wmcsalesteam@gmail.com, or request a free estimate and site walk.

Woodmark Construction Inc. · 3774 Grove St, Suite B, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 · CSLB #541402