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FAQs

IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED TO MAKE REPAIRS?

We do not opine on this issue. Each repair is unique and it is up to the owners of a community to make that determination.

ARE YOU INSURED?

Yes, we have full insurance coverage including auto, workman’s comp, and liability. We also have errors and omissions underwritten by a carrier insured by The Hartford.

WHAT IS SB721 AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

On September 17, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB 721 – “The Balcony Inspection Bill.” The bill arises in response to the tragic deaths of six UC Berkeley students in 2015 at a downtown apartment complex due to the collapse of a balcony.

ARE YOU FULLY LICENSED AND ACCREDITED TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK?

All team members doing inspections or reports have full certifications from NACHI, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, to conduct deck and moisture intrusion inspections. We also hold a Class A Engineering License as well as a Class B General Contractors License.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH SB 721?

Owners and managers of California apartment buildings with three or more multifamily units are required to comply with SB 721.

HOW IS STC STRUCTURED?

We are a California Corporation with a Class A Engineering License including NACHI Certifications for anyone doing inspections or preparing reports.

HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?

Every community is unique. The age and condition of the community, the accessibility to decks and landings for inspections, and the number of decks and landings to be inspected are certainly major factors. There is a written proposal prepared for each community and we believe we are very competitively priced. For an average-sized community with 30 or more decks and landings to inspect the costs would likely be in the $350 to $750 per inspection range.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM START TO FINISH?

This is dependent on many factors. The process can go very quickly if there are no repairs necessary. We can normally perform minimally invasive destructive testing at a rate of 5 to 7 per day per crew. To assimilate all the data and prepare a final Compliance Report takes about 10 business days. The time for the repairs, including buying any permits if necessary and doing and documenting reinspection is what extends the time period.

DO YOU ALSO DO REPAIRS?

STC does complete repairs to better serve our clients. We believe this service eases the workload of our clients by giving them the option to work with one company. However, there is no obligation to use our team for any needed repairs. The work can also be done by the owners or third-party companies.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SB 721?

Non-compliance with SB 721 can result in penalties of up to $500 per day, with local enforcement agencies also entitled to recover their enforcement costs through fees and liens.

WHAT TYPES OF STRUCTURES NEED TO BE INSPECTED UNDER SB 721?

Structures that require inspection under SB 721 include exterior elevated elements such as decks, balconies, stairway systems, walkways, guardrails, handrails, and fire escapes. Ensuring these elements are safe is essential for the well-being of their users.

HOW CAN PROPERTY OWNERS PREPARE FOR AN SB 721 INSPECTION?

Property owners should ensure all exterior elevated elements are accessible, conduct regular maintenance, and document their condition prior to the SB 721 inspection. This preparation will facilitate a smooth inspection process.

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