WHY YOU NEED IT
Senate Bill SB326 Balcony Inspection
SB 326 is a new Law and it is important. For existing HOAs the first inspections must be completed by January 1st, 2025, and completed again, once every nine years, thereafter.
New HOAs for which a building permit application was submitted after January 1, 2020, must have the inspections completed within 6 years of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy and once every nine years thereafter.
THINGS TO KNOW
Requirements for SB 326
Who can perform SB-326 inspections?
The inspector must be either a licensed structural Engineer or Architect. EmpireWorks has experienced Inspectors on our team.
How much of the community needs inspecting?
The bill requires inspecting a “random sample” of 95% of the community EEEs . EmpireWorks inspects 100% of your communities EEEs to ensure all concerns are discovered.
Do all communities require these inspections?
Associations with 3 or more units with “Exterior Elevated Elements” will require an inspection– This includes balconies, decks, stairways, walkways and railings that are supported by wood or wood-based products and are more than six feet above the ground.
When is the inspection deadline?
The first inspection must be completed by the end of 2024 and must be completed every 9 years. The written report must be stamped by the inspector.
What is the inspection looking for?
The inspections are to confirm the community is in “generally safe condition” and “performing in accordance with applicable standards.” If the inspector sees signs that the waterproofing system has been compromised, or that there is risk of damage to the load bearing components of the building, they are to use best judgment to recommend further inspections. If there are any threats to safety of residents, the inspector must notify the association immediately and governmental inspection agencies within 15 days of issuing their report. The association must act immediately to prevent access to dangerous areas and take other appropriate preventive measures necessary to protect the safety of the residents.
What if our community has damage or unsafe conditions?
It is not uncommon for Associations to discover damage after their inspection. EmpireWorks is the one of the few inspection companies that will provide scope of work for your communities repairs.
- We provide a full summary of the conditions rather than a sample size.
- If repair or maintenance is needed, we provide a scope of work and a cost estimate during the same site visit.
- Other reports are simply "pass or fail" per the state requirements leaving the HOA without a path forward. If repair is required, we provide the community with a budgeted phase approach to get their community back on track.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say About Us
Working with Empireworks was the best choice that my community made for their SB 326 inspection. They provided us with a competitive price, a report that was easy to understand and complimentary scope of work for the repairs that other companies would have charged for.
As Community Manager, because of the recent law it is required that many of my communities have this inspection. I would recommend EmpireWorks to any Home Owners Association looking to get their inspection completed with ease and confidence.
-Anise W.
Associa Community Management
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