 walkway inspect SB 721 (by Laker Lori [CA]) May 2, 2026 10:35 AM
 walkway inspect SB 721 (by RB [TN]) May 2, 2026 11:42 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) May 2, 2026 11:42 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) May 2, 2026 1:32 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by mapleaf18 [NY]) May 2, 2026 4:50 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) May 2, 2026 5:03 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) May 2, 2026 9:37 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Tony [NJ]) May 3, 2026 6:51 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) May 3, 2026 8:02 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) May 3, 2026 10:14 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) May 3, 2026 10:41 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Salernitana [CA]) May 3, 2026 12:19 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) May 4, 2026 9:08 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) May 4, 2026 10:27 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) May 4, 2026 11:50 AM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by W [CA]) May 4, 2026 2:40 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by W [CA]) May 4, 2026 6:49 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) May 4, 2026 10:27 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) May 9, 2026 3:18 PM
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) May 10, 2026 9:49 AM
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walkway inspect SB 721 (by Laker Lori [CA]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 10:35 AM
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I am looking to hire a co to do the SB 721 stair/walkway inspection in Long Beach for a 4-unit apt w/ 2 units upstairs. So, I looked thru Yelp reviews for all those co advertising in the apt assoc magazine & contacted those w/ the best ones. I am leery they may try to generate more $ by SEEING non-existent problems, but I know there could also be real issues. The 2 w/ best reviews sent me their proposals. "D" wrote that "against advice client requested a visual inspection," which means no drilling into the stair/walkway & they don't incl any drawings. 1st, I didn't say anything ABOUT visual or drilling. So, I am annoyed by that language. 2nd, is drilling into the structure necessary? "M" contract says they do drill, but patch up & has a $450 follow up "compliance" fee. When I called them, they guy was annoying me, making comments about needing to replace the railing to make it 42" (a common need). It is 42" & was replaced in 2018. BUT, this co does have a lot of good reviews. I am leaning toward "M" unless you say that drilling isn't needed. Thoughts? Other things I need to consider? --72.203.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by RB [TN]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 11:42 AM
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walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 11:42 AM
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It’s all Greek to me. --24.152.xxx.xx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 1:32 PM
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If you have a regular contractor you work with go to him. A licensed contractor can do it for you. The companies are like most big companies who get into a new lucrative business. --162.204.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by mapleaf18 [NY]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 4:50 PM
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NE, California Senate Bill 721 (SB 721) is a mandatory safety law that requires inspection of "exterior elevated elements" (EEEs) in multifamily apartment buildings, such as balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways. It was passed in response to the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse, which resulted from severe wood decay caused by water intrusion.
Multi families with exterior stairways, hallways, balconies etc will require a safety inspection every 6 years. --64.246.xxx.xx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 5:03 PM
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walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) Posted on: May 2, 2026 9:37 PM
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Your insurance could refuse to cover you if something happens. Also some insurance companies are asking for the inspection. Lastly they can impose penalties of $500 a day and up. --162.204.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Tony [NJ]) Posted on: May 3, 2026 6:51 AM
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California wins - worse than NJ --76.117.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) Posted on: May 3, 2026 8:02 AM
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If all you need is a rubber stamp, keep calling companies until you get it. Tell them right on the phone they aren’t getting work out of it, just the inspection. In this case I wouldn’t be looking for reviews of the most reputable company, I’d be looking for the quickest stamp. If you can’t tell on your own if the stairs aren’t structurally sound, we’ve got a different problem. --24.152.xxx.xx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) Posted on: May 3, 2026 10:14 AM
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Why would any company rubber stamp an inspection and take the chance of being sued if a failure occurred?
I understand that you want to avoid the silly government mandates, but would you put your company at risk by not following thru with an inspection that was written into law?
Seems like a good way to lose it all. --47.227.xx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) Posted on: May 3, 2026 10:41 AM
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Zero, it happens ALL THE TIME. Where you been? Why would you trust an inspection company that sells you the construction work as well? --174.240.xxx.xx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Salernitana [CA]) Posted on: May 3, 2026 12:19 PM
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I agree with JS that you can go with your favorite contractor but make sure that someone in his crew has read SB 721's requirements and preferably has experience standing an inspection with a city inspector for it. The contractor(s) should know the specifications and measurements that the inspector wants to see like no rotting supporting wooden boards on balconies or anything that can't sustain a maximum weight.
Trust your gut when you choose a contractor. If any annoy you when you contact them, go to the next one. You have choices, and so many contractors are looking for work. Keep vetting until you find someone competent whom you like and trust.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, best of luck, and and please let us know what happens. --71.198.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 9:08 AM
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I do my own inspections. I have been in the industry for a long time. On the building end, not just the managing end.
What I am saying is that I see no need to try and cheat the system. If it comes back on someone you will be the one caught up. Maybe it isn't that big of a deal there, but it sounds like it is. Doesn't seem to just be a visual inspection either.
Now if OP knows and understands all that needs to happen maybe, but I still would not on something like this. As for trusting the company, well that is a case by case basis. If there was a failure and I could be sued or fined big time for it I want someone to have signed off on it. Insured and as competent as I could find.
When we bought my kids house there were active termites. I have the capability to take care of them just as well as my bug guy. What I don't have is the bug guy's company name and certifications to prove it was done right. Kid sold the house last week and one thing that was noted was old termite activity. We showed the paperwork from bug company and all was good.
If it was my house and I planned to hold for a long time I would have done it myself.
I just think there is a fine line between hating all government interference and hating it but dealing with it. --47.227.xx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by NE [PA]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 10:27 AM
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There’s a difference between cheating the system and playing the game. --174.249.xx.xx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 11:50 AM
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Realistically they could lie and cheat and do crappy inspections all day long and get away with it. An actual balcony collapse is so rare it’s like winning the lottery. The one that happened in Berkeley was tragic and a larger building. I’ve heard of a couple in a decade.
I only have one property where this applies. It’s specific to the way the elevated segments are situated. I maintain my places well and make sure they are safe myself. We’ve even opened them up to make sure there are no structural problems.
--162.204.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by W [CA]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 2:40 PM
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Suggest you get a local licensed engineer or other professional. The inspection companies try to upsell you for other services --45.149.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by W [CA]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 6:49 PM
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Heard that the balcony collapse was due to partiers getting drunk and going out of the balcony to dance and jump around - anyone else heard of this? --45.149.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by JS [CA]) Posted on: May 4, 2026 10:27 PM
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That’s exactly what happened. A bunch of them outside jumping up and down. It wasn’t even an old building. But upon inspection they found the dry rot. Since they can’t regulate stupidity they regulate landlords. --162.204.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: May 9, 2026 3:18 PM
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When I lived in San Diego, all the places I had had termite damage. Heck one of them I only had two years and it needed tented again along with another few thousand in additional work.
It made me scratch my head........it seemed like every place failed the termite inspection out there in east county --174.131.xxx.xxx |
walkway inspect SB 721 (by zero [IN]) Posted on: May 10, 2026 9:49 AM
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The termites around here are typically all subterranean and the bug juice we use kills the nest. It is rated for ten tears, but can last longer.
I know they have to tent the places in CA, but seems like it doesn't last long enough to actually be worth it. Maybe I will study up on the different types of termites. I know my bug guy hates seeing people put mulch around their house out of fear the mulch already contains termites, and those could be above ground species. --47.227.xx.xxx |
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