E3 Repair Services for Decks, Balconies, and Walkways in the Greater East Bay Area

If your property includes elevated exterior structures like decks, balconies, walkways, or stairways, staying compliant with the E3 Program isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about keeping your residents safe and preserving the value of your investment.

At Schafer Construction, we specialize in comprehensive repair services that bring aging or damaged exterior elements back into compliance with the Exterior Elevated Elements Program, as required by the State of California EE Program. Based in the Greater East Bay Area, we provide full-service solutions to help property owners meet the demands of California’s Balcony Inspection Law while ensuring structural safety and long-term performance.

With deep expertise in water damage, structural repairs, and code-compliant construction, we don’t just inspect—we repair. From minor fixes to full rebuilds, our team is here to help your building meet requirements with quality work and peace of mind.

What is the Exterior Elevated Elements (E3) Program?

The E3 Program was established to improve safety and prevent structural failures on multi-unit residential buildings throughout California. The program came into effect after the devastating 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley that resulted in six fatalities and highlighted the dangers of poor construction and hidden dry rot. In response, California enacted SB721 and SB326, which are now known as part of the Balcony Inspection Law or EEE Law.

Under these laws, all buildings with three or more residential units must have their elevated elements inspected regularly if those structures are more than six feet off the ground and supported in part by wood. The State of California EE Program requires that inspections identify dry rot, corrosion, waterproofing failures, and structural deterioration.

But inspection is just the beginning. When issues are found, they must be repaired promptly and in accordance with state codes. That’s where Schafer Construction plays a critical role.

Schafer Construction: Your E3 Repair Partner in the Greater East Bay

Schafer Construction is not just a design/build firm, we are your dedicated partner in navigating and complying with the E3 Program. Once an inspection identifies problems with your elevated elements, we’re ready to step in and provide the expert repairs needed to restore safety and bring your property back into compliance with the EEE Law.

Our team manages the entire process, from reviewing the inspection report and developing a scope of work to completing construction and coordinating final approvals. Because we’re a full-service company, you won’t have to juggle engineers, contractors, or permitting agencies. We handle it all, so you can focus on what matters most—keeping your property secure and your tenants safe.

We proudly serve property owners, managers, and HOA’s throughout the Greater East Bay Area, including:

Whether you oversee a small apartment building or a large HOA, Schafer Construction is here to provide the solutions you need under the State of California EE Program.

Why E3 Repairs Matter

Regular inspections required by SB721 and SB326 are intended to catch problems early—but they only work if repairs are completed in a timely manner. Issues like wood rot, water intrusion, rusted connectors, and outdated construction practices can seriously compromise structural safety. Left unaddressed, these problems may lead to dangerous failures and extensive property damage.

Our focus is on quality repairs that not only meet the minimum code but deliver lasting results. We’re equipped to handle everything from waterproofing improvements and dry rot removal to complete reconstruction of failing balconies, decks, and stairways. Our knowledge of building codes and materials ensures every project is handled correctly the first time.

The Cost of Delaying Repairs

Failure to make the necessary E3 repairs doesn’t just increase the risk of injury—it can lead to significant financial consequences. Under the Balcony Inspection Law, non-compliant properties may face penalties of up to $500 per day. In addition, unresolved structural deficiencies can affect insurance coverage, lower property value, and expose you to lawsuits in the event of an accident.

Schafer Construction helps you avoid those risks by delivering high-quality, code-compliant repair work that satisfies the requirements of both SB721 and SB326.

What Our E3 Repair Services Include

We make the process simple by offering a complete set of services designed to bring your elevated elements up to code, including:

  • Inspection Report Review: We assess the findings from your E3 inspection and outline a clear plan for necessary repairs.
  • Structural Engineering: Our team ensures repairs meet current standards for load-bearing safety and material performance.
  • Waterproofing and Dry Rot Repair: We fix what’s damaged and install solutions to prevent future deterioration.
  • Design and Architectural Services: When structures require major rebuilds, we provide functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.
  • Permit Coordination and Compliance: We handle all permit applications and coordinate with inspectors for smooth approvals.

With our design/build model, everything stays under one roof—from the initial plan to the final walkthrough.

Protecting Your Property and Tenants

Schafer Construction takes safety seriously. Every deck, balcony, and walkway we repair is treated as if our own families would use it. We aim to restore peace of mind, minimize future maintenance issues, and keep your building aligned with California’s most important structural safety laws.

  • Certified professionals: Our experienced team understands the complexities of E3 repairs and local code compliance.
  • Minimal disruption: We schedule work efficiently to reduce impact on your residents.
  • Long-term durability: We don’t believe in quick fixes—we build to last.

Schedule Your E3 Repair Consultation Today

Staying compliant with the Exterior Elevated Elements Program requires more than a routine inspection—it requires timely, skilled repairs performed by a trusted partner. If your E3 inspection has revealed issues or if you’re preparing for your first review under the State of California EE Program, now is the time to act.

Contact us to set up a time for your personal consultation today. Schafer Construction is your go-to team for E3 repairs in the Greater East Bay Area—ensuring your decks, balconies, and walkways are safe, compliant, and built for the long haul.

“Everyone who has seen our new decks are blown away by the transformation. Our new decks now provide an exquisite setting for entertaining and simply enjoying the beauty of the Bay. We heartily recommend Schafer Construction.”

Aileen & Bud E.
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“For such a large, complex project the execution was remarkably smooth and we couldn't be happier with the way the decks turned out. I recommend Schafer unconditionally for deck remodels, especially if you have a complex project.”

Nathaniel S.

“If you need a new deck in the Berkeley Hills or anywhere in the East Bay Area, give these guys a call!”

Steph A.

“Everyone who has seen our new decks are blown away by the transformation. Our new decks now provide an exquisite setting for entertaining and simply enjoying the beauty of the Bay. We heartily recommend Schafer Construction.”

Aileen & Bud E.

“I received regular communication throughout the project and couldn't be happier with the finished product. Everyone on Rudi's team was accessible and quick to respond to questions.”

Tom W.