How Much Does a Balcony Inspection Cost

Ever wondered about the cost of keeping your balcony safe? Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, understanding the expenses of balcony inspection or repair is crucial. These laws make inspecting and fixing damaged balconies, decks, stairs, and other outdoor structures necessary. Laws like California Senate Bills 326 and SB721 make these safety measures mandatory.  

From inspections to repairs, we’ll guide you through the costs involved, ensuring transparency in safeguarding your outdoor space. Discover the investment required to enjoy your balcony securely, and let’s navigate the path to a safer, worry-free, elevated experience together. 

To help you understand, we will discuss the factors that influence the pricing of these projects. 

How Much Does a Balcony Inspection Cost? 

The cost of checking your balcony depends on a few things: 

  1. The quantity of EEEs that need inspection to meet the law’s necessary high confidence level. 
  2. Depending on the inspection needs, it might involve (i) a basic visual check, like when you can see the framing easily; (ii) making a small hole in the part (e.g., using a borescope to see inside); or (iii) taking off a layer of stucco (e.g., if the framing is hidden by stucco). 
  3. Whether or not the EEE requires the removal of a soffit. 
  4. The elevation of the EEE above the ground means how hard it is to reach the EEE. 
  5. Whether access is granted to individual apartments or condos or not. 
  6. Determining if specialized lifting equipment is needed for inspecting the EEE. 

Generally, residential balcony inspection costs around $1,250 to $2,500 for inspection and reporting up to four EEE. For each additional part, there’s a fee of about $200 to $300.  

How Much Do Balcony Repairs Cost? 

The cost of fixing your balcony can vary based on the extent of damage uncovered during the inspection of Elevated Exterior Elements (EEEs). This includes spotting construction problems, EEE deficiencies, water damage, wood decay, and cracks in the framing. Both the elevation of the EEE above ground and the extent of replacing waterproofing materials can impact the final price. 

To accurately gauge the damage and provide a precise repair cost estimate, a comprehensive examination of the EEEs is essential. This ensures that repairs are carried out correctly, addressing any potential safety concerns. 

Beyond cost, considering the quality of the repair work is vital. Opting for a skilled and reputable contractor who uses high-quality materials helps guarantee durable repairs and maintains the balcony’s safety for residents. 

When choosing a contractor for balcony repair, it’s crucial to consider various factors to make sure you pick a trustworthy and skilled expert. These considerations may involve: 

  1. Ensure that the contractor has the necessary licenses and certifications to perform balcony repairs in your state or area. 
  2. Look for a contractor with a track record of experience in balcony repair and a successful history of completing similar projects. 
  3. Ask for references from the contractor and read reviews from previous clients to get an idea of the quality and reliability of their work. 
  4. Validate that the contractor carries sufficient liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to safeguard you from potential liability concerns. 
  5. Review the contract thoroughly, making sure it outlines a clear scope of work, project timeline, payment schedule, and any other crucial project particulars. 

What is SB 721 Inspection Cost? 

The cost of an SB 721 inspection can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the property, the number of EEEs to be inspected, and the specific requirements of the inspection. Generally, SB 721 inspections may range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. It’s advisable to contact local inspection services to get accurate quotes based on the particulars of your property. 

Contact BFPM for Balcony Inspection Cost California 

BFPM can help you schedule the balcony inspection at a convenient time and ensure that the inspector has access to all the necessary areas. Our property managers can provide the inspector with the necessary documents, such as the property’s reserve or any previous inspection reports. If the inspection reveals any repairs, our managers can follow up to ensure the repairs are done on time.  

Our experienced property managers help ensure compliance with balcony inspection requirements to avoid any fine or penalty.  

For any further queries, contact us at BFPM. 


Trevor Henson

Trevor Henson is an experienced entrepreneur (10+ highly-successful start-ups) and property investor with a demonstrated history of building and leading teams in investment property management environments, maximizing returns for property owners, and optimizing properties through construction management and re-positioning. He…
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

The pricing for a balcony, including both materials and labor, ranges between $20 to $90 per square foot, with an average cost of around $35 per square foot. For a small balcony, around 4 feet by 10 feet, suitable for a few chairs and a coffee table, the expected cost ranges between $600 and $2,400.

In California, balconies are more commonly found on apartment buildings, condos, and larger structures. According to a study in 2021, the addition of a balcony to a two-story single-family home could range from $20,000 to $70,000, with costs varying based on several factors.