The Balcony Inspection Checklist and What You Need to Know
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A thorough home inspection accounts for both the inside and the outside parts of the home, including balconies. Whether you’re keeping up with maintenance on your own apartment or you’re thinking about buying a new condo, a complete balcony inspection checklist ensures your outdoor space is enjoyable. Many decks were built before states implemented balcony code requirements, and even balconies that were built to code can decay or get damaged over time. Keep your family safe, and complete every section of this balcony inspection checklist.
Basic Property Information
When you hire a pro for the job, they’ll provide you with a complete home inspection report when they’re done. Whether it’s part of a more general home inspection or you’ve requested a balcony inspection on its own, the licensed technician typically starts by collecting basic information about the property. You can gather this information from public records, the seller, or the property manager.
Property address and unit number, if applicable
Governing city and state
Contact information for the building manager
Type and age of the building
Number of levels in the building
Direction the balcony faces
Inspection date and time
Relevant building history
Dimensions of balcony
Exterior Elevated Elements
Balconies are one type of exterior elevated element (EEE). They might also be called decks, faux balconies, or even porches in some areas. A balcony inspection checklist focuses on any EEEs that are at least six feet above the ground. In addition to actual balconies, this also includes any:
Elevated decks
Elevated walkways
Stairways and stairway landings
Structural Integrity and Condition
Evaluating the structural integrity of a balcony is well worth the cost of a home inspection, which is usually only $200 to $400. Having your balcony checked during a general home inspection is ideal since a balcony-only inspection starts at $250. Checklists for balcony inspections and ground-level deck inspections can be quite similar. However, the structural integrity of balconies in multistory buildings is especially important for safety reasons. The higher the balcony, the bigger the risk.
As you or a professional inspector look at the various load-bearing components, which consist of anything that keeps the balcony securely elevated and attached to the building, keep an eye out for such warning signs as:
Visible cracks and other signs of structural weakness
Missing screws or other hardware
Loose or improper connections
Excessive wobbling, sagging, or instability
Corrosion of metal components, like fasteners
Decaying or damaged wood elements, including dry rot
Wood dust (a sign of possible insect infestation)
Condition of framing, ledger board, support posts, beams, and joists
Decking and Walking Surfaces
The actual deck surface is another important part of a good balcony inspection. Damage to walking surfaces can expose structural elements to possible water damage. They can also be tripping or safety hazards. Be sure to check:
Deck surface condition, like cracking or loose tiles
Walkway and entry point condition
Condition of the treads and risers on stairways
Presence of tripping hazards or uneven surfaces
Floor structure and stability
Flashing and Waterproofing Systems
Waterproofing materials help protect a balcony’s structural integrity and components from the elements. This is especially important in parts of the country that experience more rain and snow. Namely, flashing provides a physical barrier that prevents moisture from collecting between the ledger board and the main building. Water that seeps in can corrode metal connectors, damage wood components, and worsen any cracks.
Inspecting the waterproofing systems of a balcony includes checking:
Quality and condition of waterproofing materials
Presence of flashing and caulking in the correct places
Effectiveness and condition of drainage systems
Condition of any waterproof coating on the deck
Gaps and cracks between the wall and balcony deck
Signs of rust and corrosion
Signs of deteriorating wood elements
Other signs of leakage or water damage
Guardrails, Handrails, and Other Elements
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) claims that the most common cause of deck or balcony injury is guardrail failure. Checking over all the guardrails, handrails, and other safety measures is vitally important for any balcony inspection checklist.
Look for signs of corrosion and damage, like other parts of the balcony. Also, while the exact laws can vary from state to state, some important elements to keep in mind include:
Balusters (the vertical parts of a guardrail) should be spaced close enough together that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through.
The triangle-shaped spaces between stairs and railings should stop a 6-inch sphere from passing through.
Guardrails and handrails should be firmly secured with no loose, unfastening, or wobbling connections.
The International Residential Code (IRC) states guardrails must be at least 36 inches tall for residential homes.
The International Building Code (IBC) states guardrails must be at least 42 inches tall for commercial properties.
All railings should be stable and not give way under significant weight or pressure.
Safety glass panels would be free of cracks or other damage.
Inspect the condition of outdoor electrical components, like power outlets and lighting fixtures.
When to Get a Balcony Inspection
Potential buyers of condos and other multistory properties can benefit from calling local home inspection companies to take a closer look at their balconies. Professional home inspectors with knowledge of local building codes and weather conditions can notice potential issues that you may otherwise miss. Checking outdoor spaces, like balconies and decks, is typically part of a more general home inspection. This can help potential buyers make a more informed decision.
The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) recommends regularly inspecting your own balcony, and basic maintenance can go a long way in preserving its safety and condition. In the first few years following a new home inspection, check the balcony for any wood shrinkage or if any structural elements have been impacted by the settling foundation.