⚠️⚠️DEADLINE ALERT: All Apartment Buildings (3+ Units) Must Be Inspected by January 1, 2026. Demand for inspectors is spiking. Schedule now to avoid the 2025 rush and potential fines.
Structural Safety • Exterior Walkways • Balconies • Stairs • Decks • Landings
California’s Balcony Laws (SB721 & SB326) require recurring inspections of elevated walkways, balconies, decks, and exterior stair systems. These inspections are more than a visual check — they are structural safety evaluations.
As a licensed General Contractor (License # 797603) with decades of multifamily repair experience, Spargo Construction provides construction-backed SB721 inspections through our inspection division, Spec Rite Inspections.
This combination offers property owners a level of accuracy and expertise far beyond standard home inspections. Call Now 661-802-2946
Why a Contractor-Backed SB721 Inspection Matters
Most SB721 inspections in California are performed by general home inspectors or large engineering firms who evaluate only what they can visually see. But SB721 isn’t a traditional “home inspection” — it’s a structural and waterproofing safety evaluation of components that support human loads, often in older multifamily buildings with hidden deterioration.
A contractor-backed inspection brings a completely different level of expertise.
1. SB721 Requires Understanding of How Structures Actually Fail
Balconies and elevated walkways frequently hide:
- Ledger rot deep inside stucco
- Rim-joist decay
- Beam-end deterioration
- Water intrusion behind fascia boards
- Rusted stair brackets and supports
- Failing waterproofing membranes
- Joist and support framing that looks “fine” until opened
You only recognize these patterns after years of physically rebuilding them, something general inspectors simply haven’t done.
2. SB721 Inspection = Structural + Waterproofing + Load Path Expertise
We evaluate:
- Structural framing
- Ledger attachments
- Support posts & columns
- Metal stair stringer integration
- Load-bearing failure points
- Membrane waterproofing
- Flashings
- Fascia coverings
- Penetration points
- Drainage systems
This is contractor level expertise, not general inspection work.
3. Accurate Repair Guidance (Others Can’t Do This)
Most SB721 inspectors can tell you what is wrong.
Standard inspectors can tell you what’s wrong.
A contractor can tell you:
- How serious it is
- How soon it may fail
- What the repair should be
- Whether engineering is required
- How much repairs will cost
- Whether it can be done with tenants in place
- Whether shoring is needed
- Which materials are best for longevity in the AV climate
Owners value this clarity more than anything.
4. We Identify Hidden Problems Early
Many SB721 issues are concealed behind stucco or decking.
We spot:
- Hairline cracks at ledger lines
- Early-stage deflection
- Minor rust bleed marks
- Irregular drainage patterns
- Soft edges that signal deeper decay
Contractor experience = early detection.
5. Seamless Inspection + Repair Workflow (Two Separate Contracts)
California law requires SB721 repairs to be separate from the inspection.
Our workflow keeps everything compliant:
- SpecRite Inspections performs the SB721 inspection
- Spargo Construction performs the repairs
One team.
Two divisions.
Zero confusion.
This is exactly how large firms operate — and it’s what small owners prefer.
What Our SB721 Inspection Includes
Exterior Structural Evaluation
We examine:
Waterproofing & membrane performance
Elevated walkways
Balconies
Decks
Exterior stair assemblies
Platforms & landings
Beam, joist, and post conditions
Guardrails and handrails
Structural attachments
Rust, corrosion, cracking, settlement
Interior Evaluation (Where Applicable)
Units directly below elevated structures may be evaluated for:
- Ceiling or wall staining
- Drywall bubbling
- Moisture meter elevation
- Past or active leaks
- Structural cracking
Interior clues often confirm hidden decay.
Immediate Hazard Reporting
If we identify any immediate hazard (a condition posing imminent risk of structural failure), SB721 requires the inspector to notify:
- The property owner, and
- The local building department
We manage this process in full compliance with state law.
Note: Non-structural issues such as guard spacing or code upgrades do not qualify as immediate hazards.
SB721 Structures We Inspect
We inspect all Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs), including:
Walkways
- Elevated walkways
- Wood-framed or concrete
- Stucco-wrapped edges
- Cantilevered systems
Balconies
- Shared or private
- Ledger-supported or cantilevered
- Waterproofed or coated
- Exposed framing
Exterior Stairs
- Steel stair assemblies
- Wood-framed stairs
- Treads, risers, stringers
- Guardrail systems
Landings & Platforms
- Entry decks
- Upper landings
- Transitional platforms
Support Components
- Posts
- Columns
- Beam ends
- Joist connections
- Hardware & fasteners
If it’s elevated and accessible — we inspect it.
Service Area
We provide SB721 inspections and repair coordination throughout:
- Rosamond
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Quartz Hill
- Mojave
- Acton
- Little Rock
- Kern County
- Antelope Valley
Need an SB721 Inspection?
Pricing for SB 721 Inspections
Our Compliance Package starting at ($2,200 Flat Rate):
- Site visit by a Licensed General Contractor.
- Official stamped report for the City/County if needed for immediate hazards
- 6-Year Certification (if compliant).
- Repair cost estimates (if non-compliant).
If your property requires an SB721 inspection, we provide fast scheduling, clear reporting, and accurate repair planning.
Call or Text: 661-802-2946
Email: [email protected]
License Number: 797603