"Decks and balconies fail more often than people realize — usually at the attachment. Tom evaluates the structure, connection, and safety before it becomes dangerous."
Decks and balconies are among the most common sources of structural failure and injury in a home — usually failing under load, at a gathering, when it matters most. Tom Cely evaluates the deck or balcony's structure, ledger attachment, framing, railings, and hardware across CSRA homes, where humidity and wood rot make deck safety a genuine concern.
Tom evaluates the ledger board attachment to the house (the most common failure point), the framing, joists, beams, and support posts, and the footings, railings, guardrails, and stairs.
He looks for the dangers that build up in our climate: wood rot, corroded or improper fasteners, loose railings, missing flashing, and inadequate connections. Everything is documented with photos.
You get a plain-language report on the deck or balcony's condition and any safety concerns, so you know whether it's sound to use.
Most deck failures happen at the ledger board — where the deck attaches to the house. When that connection is improperly built or has rotted, the deck can pull away and collapse, often under the weight of a crowd.
The CSRA's humidity accelerates wood rot and fastener corrosion, so a deck that looked fine a few years ago can quietly become unsafe. The damage often hides exactly where it matters most.
An inspection identifies these hidden dangers before someone gets hurt — and before you host that next gathering on an elevated structure you assumed was sound.
Before buying a home with a deck or balcony, especially an older or elevated one, so you know it's safe and not a looming repair.
Any deck that feels bouncy, has loose railings, shows soft or discolored wood, or hasn't been evaluated in years warrants a look — particularly before entertaining on it.
Homeowners also schedule deck inspections as seasonal safety checks, since our climate wears exterior wood quickly.
From your first phone call to the report in your inbox — clear communication and no surprises at every step.
Call Tom at 706-840-4907. We'll answer your questions and book a time that fits your timeline.
Tom performs a careful, focused evaluation, documenting every finding with clear, high-resolution photos.
You receive a detailed, jargon-free report — typically within 24 hours — plus a summary of the major points.
Tom explains what was found and answers your questions, so you know exactly where you stand.
An inspection is only as good as the inspector behind it. Tom's experience and credentials make the difference.
A South Carolina licensed Residential Home Inspector who inspects per the ASHI Standards of Practice on every job.
Real-world experience built since 2014 across the CSRA — and the eye for detail that comes with it.
15+ years in residential and light commercial construction quality control informs every inspection Tom performs.
Plain-language reports with high-resolution photos and a field summary of the major points.
Decks and balconies fail more often than people expect — usually at the ledger attachment — and the CSRA's humidity accelerates rot and corrosion. A focused evaluation of the structure and connections catches dangers before they cause injury.
Improper or deteriorated ledger-board attachment where the deck meets the house. That connection is the most common failure point and often the hardest for an owner to evaluate.
Our humid climate drives wood rot and fastener corrosion, so a deck can become unsafe within a few years even if it looks fine at a glance. Regular evaluation matters here more than in drier regions.
No — Tom is an independent inspector. He identifies the structural and safety concerns so you can have a qualified contractor make any needed repairs.
You're welcome to be. Afterward, Tom provides an informative field summary of the major points and answers any questions or concerns you have, so you understand the findings clearly.
Call or text Tom directly at 706-840-4907, or use our contact form. Tom personally handles all scheduling and is happy to answer any questions before booking.
SC License RBI 48737 • Certified Residential Mold Inspector • 3,000+ Inspections • Serving the CSRA Since 2014