Multi-Unit Suspended Balcony Deck Replacement in Redondo Beach, CA

What HOAs Should Know About Multi-Unit Balcony Replacement Projects

Balcony systems in older condo buildings can deteriorate long before property owners realize there’s a problem. When an HOA in Redondo Beach, CA discovered eight suspended balcony decks with major water damage and structural decay, they hired Bay Cities Construction to design, engineer, and replace the entire system.

This project highlights what HOAs should expect when dealing with aging balcony structures, especially in South Bay communities with properties built throughout the coast in the 1960s–1980s.

Why This Redondo Beach Condo Building Needed Complete Balcony Replacement

The condo complex was built in the 1960s and originally featured wood-framed suspended balconies with a distinctive 50-foot bridge that connected two separate structures. Over time, the balconies developed:

• Severe water intrusion

• Dry rot in framing and support members

• Areas of termite damage

• Structural weakening that made the decks unsafe

Like many older buildings in coastal cities, years of exposure and limited maintenance eventually created conditions where repairing individual boards was no longer enough, the structure itself needed to be redesigned and rebuilt.

Included in This Balcony Replacement Project

Bay Cities Construction was responsible for the full design-build process, including:

1. Architectural & Engineering Plans

Before any balcony work can be performed, HOAs need complete plans showing:

• • Existing conditions

  • Structural load requirements

  • Updated materials

  • Waterproofing layers

  • The method of connection between structures

Our team produced full architectural and engineering documents and submitted them to the City of Redondo Beach for plan review.

2. City Submittals & Permit Management

Projects of this scale require:

• • Structural engineering approval

  • Building permits

  • On-site inspections

  • Documentation for the HOA’s long-term maintenance file

We managed all correspondence with the city to keep the project moving and avoid delays.

3. Designing a New LVL Beam Bridge System

The most unique part of this building was the 50-foot wooden bridge connecting the units. The original wood beams were no longer structurally sound.

Our engineering team designed a new system using heavy-duty LVL beams capable of spanning the distance safely while preserving the building’s existing layout. LVL beams provided:

• • Higher load capacity

  • Greater stiffness

  • Longer lifespan

  • Better resistance to future moisture damage

4. Rebuilding All Eight Suspended Balconies

Each balcony was fully reconstructed with:

• • New structural framing

  • Trex composite deck boards for longevity

  • Stronger connectors and fasteners

  • Updated waterproofing layers

  • Proper sloping for drainage

Trex composite decking was selected for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and improved weather resistance. It is ideal for coastal buildings.

5. Project Management & Installation

Because this was a multi-unit HOA project, our team coordinated:

• • Unit access

  • Noise control

  • Staging

  • Resident communication schedules

  • Safety measures for shared walkways and the bridge

A multi-unit balcony replacement requires more than carpentry; it requires logistics, safety, sequencing, and communication. Our team handled it end-to-end.

What HOAs Should Expect With Balcony Replacement Projects

Balcony replacement for older condo buildings is a major undertaking. Depending on building age and structural design, HOAs should be prepared for:

Extensive rot discovery

Once demolition begins, hidden damage often becomes visible.

Engineering-driven reconstruction

Older buildings rarely meet today’s standards; engineered plans are typically required.

City involvement

Plan check, permitting, and field inspections are mandatory.

Material upgrades

Most HOAs choose composite decking, LVL beams, and modern waterproofing to reduce future maintenance.

Longer lifespan and improved safety

A properly rebuilt balcony system will last decades with routine maintenance.

Project Outcome

The HOA received:

• Eight fully rebuilt, safe, and durable balcony decks

• A new, engineered LVL beam bridge system

• Trex composite decking for long-term performance

• A structure that meets current building code requirements

• Reduced maintenance costs and improved property value

The project restored safety, improved appearance, and extended the life of the building for many years.

Working With Bay Cities Construction

We specialize in multi-unit balcony replacement, structural repairs, waterproofingwaterproofing, and HOA-managed renovation projects throughout the South Bay and Los Angeles.

Our team provides:

• Architectural & engineering plans

• City submittals and permit management

• Construction and installation

• Full project oversight

📍 We serve Redondo Beach and surrounding South Bay communities, as well as Los Angeles and Orange County.

Need an Assessment for Your HOA’s Balcony Structures?

If your HOA is dealing with aging balcony decks or structural concerns, we can help you assess the damage and outline the right repair approach for your property.

📞 Schedule a Consultation