Is Your Building Ready for El Niño?
10 Things Property Owners Should Check Before Southern California's Rainy Season
Southern California may see a strong El Niño this fall and winter. Heavy rain and wind can quickly expose small issues. Here's what to check now.
Pre-Season Checklist
10 Ways to Prepare Your Property for Heavy Rain & El Niño
Clear Balcony Drains & Scuppers
Remove leaves, dirt, and debris. Clogged drainage can pond water against walls, doors, and waterproofing.
Clean Roof Gutters & Downspouts
Keep them clear and directing water away from the building.
Inspect Balconies for Cracks & Waterproofing Failures
Look for cracked coatings, bubbling, soft spots, exposed wood, staining, and dry rot.
Check Roofs for Leaks or Damage
Inspect flashing, penetrations, drains, and parapet walls.
Inspect Exterior Walls, Windows & Doors
Watch for failed caulking, stucco cracks, gaps, and deteriorated sealants.
Clear Property & Area Drains
Check courtyard, driveway, parking, trench, and nearby storm drains.
Secure Balcony, Patio & Rooftop Items
Store or tie down furniture, umbrellas, planters, and loose objects.
Check Trees & Overhanging Branches
Look for dead limbs near buildings, roofs, cars, balconies, and electrical lines.
Inspect Retaining Walls, Slopes & Drainage
Watch for cracking, movement, erosion, blocked drainage, and landslide or debris-flow risk on hillside properties.
Fix Known Problems Before the First Major Storm
Address existing dry rot, leaking balconies, failed waterproofing, and roof leaks. Emergency repairs get harder once storms begin.
Don't wait for the first big storm.
Fix drainage or waterproofing issues early, before a storm makes them worse.
Compliance
SB 721 & SB 326 Inspections
These are balcony and exterior elevated element inspection laws — not seismic laws. Here's how they may apply to your property.
Apartments & Multifamily Rentals
- Applies to buildings with 3 or more multifamily units.
- Focuses on load-bearing components and associated waterproofing.
- At least 15% of each type of element is inspected.
- Inspections are generally required every 6 years.
Condominiums & HOAs
- Applies to condominium and homeowner associations.
- Inspection by a licensed civil engineer, structural engineer, or architect.
- Uses a random, statistically significant sample of elements.
- Inspections are generally required every 9 years.
End to End
How It Works
One company, two service lines — a coordinated path from inspection to repair.
- Step 1
Inspection Coordinated
Balcony & Deck Advisors coordinates the inspection and helps you stay on schedule with SB 721 / SB 326.
Balcony & Deck Advisors - Step 2
Qualified Inspection
A qualified inspection professional inspects the balconies and exterior elevated elements.
- Step 3
Report & Findings
You receive the report and findings, with clear documentation of any issues.
- Step 4
Review & Repairs
LA Construction Consultants reviews findings, prepares a proposal, and performs approved repairs.
LA Construction Consultants
Owners are encouraged to review multiple qualified bids before selecting a contractor.
Built For
Who We Serve
HOA Boards & Condo Associations
Guidance on SB 326 timelines, sampling, and coordinating inspections across shared elements.
Property Managers
A single point of contact from inspection through approved repairs across your portfolio.
Multifamily Owners & Investors
Practical help meeting SB 721 requirements and protecting the value of your buildings.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your property type. SB 721 generally applies to apartments and multifamily rentals with 3 or more units, while SB 326 generally applies to condominiums and HOAs. Requirements vary by property, so it's best to confirm with a qualified professional.
Free Estimate
Get Your Free Estimate Before the Storms Arrive
Tell us about your property and we'll follow up with next steps. There's no obligation.