California SB 721 and SB 326
Balconies, decks, walkways and stairways on multi-family and association buildings in California are inspected under SB 721 and SB 326. NRCIA members who hold the E3GUARD™ accreditation and its California tracks inspect them and put what they find in writing.
Why it matters
Accreditation is not licensure, and we say so.
E3GUARD™ trains and accredits members to inspect exterior elevated elements. It does not confer, replace or substitute for any state licence, and some categories of this work require a licensed architect or engineer.
Whether your building is covered, when your deadline falls and who may sign your report are questions for the statute and your counsel. What we can tell you is who is trained for the inspection itself.
When you need it
Multi-family rentals with balconies, decks or elevated walkways.
Associations with a responsibility for common-area elements and a duty to their owners.
Scheduling, tenant notice and records across a portfolio of buildings.
A letter that says the elevated elements need inspecting, and no clear next step.
The inspection
Elevated elements hide their condition inside the framing. Members start with what can be seen, and go further where the evidence gives them reason to.
Balconies, decks, walkways and stairways, with their railings, located and recorded.
Membranes, flashings and drainage, where water finds its way into the wood.
Examined directly where they can be seen, and more closely where there are red flags.
Moisture meters, borescopes and infrared, used where the visible evidence warrants them.
Current condition, expected performance and any further inspection recommended.
What you receive
A written report of the condition of the elements inspected, how they can be expected to perform, and whether any further inspection is recommended, including anything that needs attention urgently.
In their words
The NRCIA is an innovative and unique organization that encourages independence but also provides structure, community and an overabundance of resources to help its members thrive. The apparatus was in place; all I had to do was plug into it.
“There’s no licensing requirement for roof inspectors in California. I can’t gamble on that. When I recommend someone, my reputation is on the line. I choose NRCIA inspectors because they’ve already proven themselves through training and accountability.”
The scope
Questions
Something else? Ask us directly.
We are not the right source for that. Whether a building is covered, when its deadline falls and who may sign its report depend on the statute and the building, and are questions for your counsel. We can connect you with members trained for the inspection.
No, and we do not claim otherwise. E3GUARD™ accreditation documents training and method. It does not confer or replace any state licence, and some categories of this work require a licensed architect or engineer.
No. A LeakFREE® deck inspection assesses a deck against the LeakFREE® deck criteria. It does not substitute for an SB 721 or SB 326 inspection.
Tell us about the property. We match your request to an accredited member who serves your area, and they confirm the details and the fee with you before anything is booked.
Search the directory by name or place, see the credentials each member holds, and request them directly.
