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.
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.
Bay Cities Construction was responsible for the full design-build process, including:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Balcony replacement for older condo buildings is a major undertaking. Depending on building age and structural design, HOAs should be prepared for:
Once demolition begins, hidden damage often becomes visible.
Older buildings rarely meet today’s standards; engineered plans are typically required.
Plan check, permitting, and field inspections are mandatory.
Most HOAs choose composite decking, LVL beams, and modern waterproofing to reduce future maintenance.
A properly rebuilt balcony system will last decades with routine maintenance.
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.
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.
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.