S.C.D.I. PROCESS
Pre-Inspection Consultation, Proposal, Coordination To Scheduling The Inspection
Site Visit – At no cost to the Property Owner/HOA, and prior to presenting a proposal, we visit the site and evaluate the development/building types to determine the type of construction, and the general condition of the property. We use photos, provided site plans and Google Earth Imagery to document the property and use it in developing a proposal that is accurate.
We then develop a statistical analysis to determine the number of EEEs required to be inspected to meet the state mandated confidence levels. We run a standard and a stratified analysis depending on the type of EEES to be inspected and that helps us choose the most economical quantities. At that point we can provide you with a proposal that covers the State Mandated Visual Inspection.
A proposal is then drafted up and submitted for review with recommendations for occupant notifications, inspection guidelines, and scheduling options.
Acceptance, Notification, Coordination And Scheduling
After accepting the proposal, we work with the property owner, property management company or the HOA to identify the units/decks and other EEE’s to be inspected. A list of the units / Map is generated along with inspection date(s) and the notice process for access begins. SCDI will provide Guidelines and a Notice Template for notifications.
Phase One - Visual Inspection
Inspection Reports
After the final inspection, we begin to tabulate the inspection data and photos into an inspection report that meets the requirements of SB 326 & 721. We develop a matrix based upon our observations establishing in our opinion the severity of any water intrusion/damage observed and estimate a service life expectancy as required by law. Our reports are written with the HOA/owner in mind. The format is clear and concise and can be used as a guide for priority repairs as well as future needs. Site photos which can be used to get preliminary costs to repair are in the report. The report is to be finalized in two to three weeks after the field investigation is completed.
All Phase One Visual Inspections are legal documented SB 326 & SB 721 reports that are certified and stamped by a licensed architect or structural engineer. Our interactive reports are available in PDF format and can be used/added to for future reporting The digital reports can be updated to reflect completed repairs and provide real-time images of your property.
No Problems
identified in the subject area.
• No action required
Recommended Maintenance
is needed, but the issue is not presently a threat to health or safety.
• Recommendation to the property owner/HOA to deal with in their maintenance program
Repairs Required should be addressed as soon as possible
• Repairs to be completed and permitted in 120 days
120 day follow up After 180 days, subject to penalties
Immediate Action Required
property owner/HOA is immediately notified and the subject area is cordoned off. property owner/HOA is immediately notified and the subject area is cordoned off. Local governing jurisdiction/building department is notified15 days to be actionable towards getting the repairs done Upon completion, the repairs are inspected and permitted
PHASE II Inspection And Report
If a balcony or EEE is deemed to need further investigation from a Phase One Visual Inspection, the next step is a Non-Invasive Investigation
What Methods and Instruments are Used During Phase Two Investigations?
Endoscopic Tests
Our commitment to avoid destructive and additional costs by using endoscopes to evaluate the internal structure of your EEE. Instead, we bore a small ½” hole into the underside of your EEE and use an endoscopic camera to inspect the condition of the interior wood elements. This quick, and accurate inspection tactic will not weaken or compromise the EEE.
Moisture Sensors
Moisture is one of the leading problems for wood decks, balconies, and other EEES. To check for moisture intrusion, we use advanced moisture sensors to pinpoint and identify dry rot and assess the level of maintenance and repairs needed.
Infrared Cameras – We use infrared cameras to assess the wood’s structural integrity and identify early signs of dry rot and moisture intrusion in uncovered wood elements,
PHASE II Inspection And Report
If as a result of the Phase I and Phase II inspections, a structural integrity concern and threat of personal or property safety has been identified, additional possible removal of decking, waterproofing systems and plywood may be required. Additionally, a thorough analysis by one of our structural engineers is completed and a report with recommendations for the repairs is provided.
SO CAL DECK INSPECTION REPORTING.
What is included in the inspection and report? SB 326 and 721 requires the inspector to provide a copy of an inspection report to the owner/association immediately upon completion of the report. The written report shall contain the following information Identification of the building components
Physical condition of building components
- Expected useful life of building components
- Repair recommendations
Stamp/signature of the inspector
Once the inspections are completed, S.C.D.I. will issue a draft report for HOA/Owner review and ultimately finalized for submittal.
- The identification of the building components comprising the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing system.
- The current physical condition of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing system, including whether the condition presents an immediate threat to the health and safety of the residents.
- The expected future performance and remaining useful life of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing system.
- Recommendations for any necessary repair or replacement of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing system.
- Inspection services must deliver a comprehensive report that satisfies these requirements within 45 days of the inspection.
Record Keeping Requirements
• Inspection reports must be kept for two inspection cycles – eighteen (18) years for SB 326, and twelve (12) years for SB 721. If City/County officials request additional reports, S.C.D.I. can easily provide with the authorization of the HOA/owner approval
The Reports Are Broken Down As Follows
- 1.No Problems were identified in the subject area.
- No action is required
- Recommended Maintenance is needed, but the issue is not presently a threat to health or safety.
- Recommendation to the property owner/HOA to deal with in their maintenance program
- Repairs Required should be addressed as soon as possible a. Repairs to be completed and permitted in 120 days
- b.120 day follow up
- After 180 days, subject to penalties
What If A Phase One - Visual Inspection Identifies Areas Of Concern Or Needed Repairs?
The inspector by SB 326 & 721 law, must classify the area of concern in one of these two categories:
Immediate Action Required
Represents a real and present risk to life and safety. If an inspection reveals such issues, the inspector must notify the local building department and the HOA/building owner immediately and repairs begin within 15 days The HOA/building owner must inform tenants and prevent access to the area
Repairs Required
These issues include anything that cannot be resolved through maintenance but does not represent an immediate threat to life and safety When repairs are required, the building owner has 120 days to obtain a building permit and an additional 120 days to complete
Phase Two-Invasive Investigation
What Methods and Instruments are Used During Phase Two Investigations?
Endoscopic Tests
Our commitment to avoid destructive and additional costs by using endoscopes to evaluate the internal structure of your EEE. Instead, we bore a small ½” hole into the underside of your EEE and use an endoscopic camera to inspect the condition of the interior wood elements. This quick, and accurate inspection tactic will not weaken or compromise the EEE.
Moisture Sensors
Moisture is one of the leading problems for wood decks, balconies, and other EEES. To check for moisture intrusion, we use advanced moisture sensors to pinpoint and identify dry rot and assess the level of maintenance and repairs needed.
Infrared Cameras
We use infrared cameras to assess the wood’s structural integrity and identify early signs of dry rot and moisture intrusion in uncovered wood elements.
Phase Three-Destructive Investigation
If the testing suggests that the structural integrity is compromised, that leads to a Phase Three Investigation – removal of decking, waterproofing systems and plywood occur to evaluate the extent of the damages and area for structural repair.