Balcony Inspection Checklist: What You Need to Know

A thorough home inspection accounts for the inside and the outside parts of the home, including balconies. Whether you’re keeping up with maintenance on your own apartment or considering 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 built to code can decay or get damaged over time. Keep your family safe, and complete every section of this balcony inspection checklist.

Why Is a Balcony Inspection Important?

A balcony inspection is important because it ensures the structure is safe. Your entire home needs to be structurally sound, but balconies require immediate safety measures given their height. You'll notice similarities between a structural inspection and a home inspection. During either of these two, balconies are typically included in the inspection. 

Preliminary 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, 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

• The direction the balcony faces

• Inspection date and time

• Relevant building history

• Dimensions of balcony

Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection Checklist

Balconies are one type of exterior elevated element (EEE). In some areas, they might also be called decks, faux balconies, or even porches. A balcony inspection checklist focuses on EEEs 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 Inspection

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 costs $250. Checklists for balcony inspections and ground-level deck inspections can be pretty 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 Inspection

The actual deck surface is another essential 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

• The presence of tripping hazards or uneven surfaces

• Floor structure and stability

Flashing and Waterproofing Systems Inspection

Waterproofing materials help protect a balcony’s structural integrity and components from the elements. This is especially important in areas that experience more rain and snow. 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 cracks.

Inspecting the waterproofing systems of a balcony includes checking the following:

• Quality and condition of waterproofing materials

• The 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, including an inspection of stucco if that is used on the exterior walls

• 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 guardrail failure is the most common cause of deck or balcony injury. Therefore, it is vital to check all the guardrails, handrails, and other safety measures before completing any balcony inspection checklist. 

Look for signs of corrosion and damage, like other balcony parts. Also, while the exact laws can vary from state to state, some essential elements to keep in mind include:

• Balusters (the vertical parts of a guardrail) should be spaced close enough together that a four-inch sphere cannot pass through.

• The triangle-shaped spaces between stairs and railings should stop a six-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 look closer 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. Familiarize yourself with hiring a home inspector, so you know you’re hiring the right person for you.

The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) recommends regularly inspecting your balcony. 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 wood shrinkage or if the settling foundation has impacted any structural elements.