Building Investigation Services

We conduct forensic building investigations to assess structural integrity, perform Exterior Elevated Element evaluations in accordance with California SB-326 requirements, and offer thorough assessments of commercial and industrial properties.

Structural Forensic Inspections

Forensic Building Inspections are performed by a licensed Civil Engineer to detect structural deficiencies and evaluate construction quality. The assessment covers retaining walls, foundations, framing, and other building materials to pinpoint issues from design, construction, or environmental factors, and provides solutions for any problems found.

Structural Forensic Inspections

Our Forensic Inspections Include

  • An in-depth assessment of a building’s structural condition.
  • Identification of potential problems that may arise.
  • Identification and classification of structural deficiencies.
  • A recommendation for needed corrective actions.
  • Confirmation if any observed conditions are problematic.
  • A comprehensive report summarizing conclusions.

California Balcony Inspections

We perform California mandated SB-326 inspections of balconies, stairs, and certain other Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) for condominium developments. The site assessment and our report are provided by a licensed Civil Engineer, and meet or exceed statute requirements.

Understanding SB-326 – California’s “Balcony Law”

SB-326 Overview

Enacted August 30,2019, SB 326 requires inspections of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE) in condominium buildings containing three or more units, ensuring their structural integrity.

Exterior Elevated Elements Defined

EEE are elevated load-bearing components and waterproofing: “Load-bearing” denotes elements that support decks, balconies, stairs, walkways, and railings extending beyond exterior walls, with walking surfaces over 6’ high, meant for people, and are mainly supported by wood or wood-based materials.

Required Inspection Quantities

A sufficient number of EEE must be inspected to ensure 95% confidence that the sample represents the whole, with a margin of error within +/- 5%.

Who Performs SB-326 Inspections?

The inspection must be performed by a licensed civil engineer, structural engineer, or architect.

Commercial Building Inspections

We offer comprehensive and detailed evaluations of commercial properties, including an engineering assessment of a building’s structural integrity, and a thorough evaluation of its systems and components. These inspections are designed to specifically identify significant material defects and any potential safety concerns within a property.

Our Commercial assessments are offered in two formats:
  1. Standard Commercial Assessment:  Follows ASTM Standard E 2018-08, but omits interviews, document review, and cost estimates.
  2. Property Condition Assessment:  Conforms to ASTM Standard E 2018-08 and includes interviews, document review, and cost estimates.
Types of Facilities Evaluated
  • Office buildings
  • Retail
  • Hotels
  • High-rise
  • Shopping Malls
  • Country clubs
  • Manufacturing
  • Banks
  • Churches
  • Warehouses