Finland's Building Owners Association warns of unqualified balcony inspectors

Homeowners in Finland should carefully verify the qualifications of balcony inspectors, as unqualified individuals may attempt to sell unnecessary or poorly conducted inspections, warns Sara Rintamo, a lawyer for the Finnish Association of Building Owners and Managers (Isännöintiliitto).

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Homeowners should ensure the balcony inspector's qualifications, as housing companies may be offered unnecessary or poorly executed inspections.

The building inspectorates in the Helsinki metropolitan area recommend that housing companies inspect the glass railings on their balconies for potential safety risks. The Association emphasizes that inspectors must possess adequate qualifications. Rintamo notes that it can be difficult for a housing company's board to assess an inspector's competence. She advises companies to inquire in writing about an inspector's qualifications and experience with glass-balcony inspections.

"An inspector should ideally have experience in both the design and installation of glass-balconies," Rintamo states. She identifies common red flags, such as an inspector being unable to provide references or lacking prior experience with the specific type of balcony being inspected. The demand for inspectors is likely growing following balcony accidents, Rintamo estimates, leading to an influx of individuals who may not have the necessary experience.

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An inspector should ideally have experience in both the design and installation of glass-balconies.

Even if a housing company struggles to find an inspector immediately, they should not hire just anyone. "Housing companies must keep a cool head and thoroughly review the inspector's qualifications," Rintamo advises. Building owners are responsible for ensuring their structures are safe. Housing companies must assess whether an inspection is needed and if the inspector is qualified. "However, it is not in the housing company's interest to undertake unnecessary repairs," Rintamo adds.

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Housing companies must keep a cool head and thoroughly review the inspector's qualifications.

If a board neglects its duties, its members could face liability for damages. In severe cases, this could even lead to charges of causing death, as seen in Kuopio in 2004, Rintamo says. If a safety risk is identified, the balcony must be taken out of use, and residents must be notified. "However, the housing company must ensure access to the balcony, as it is usually an alternative emergency exit route," Rintamo explains. Residents should also report potential safety risks, such as glass movement or cracks and fractures in the balcony, to the housing company.

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However, it is not in the housing company's interest to undertake unnecessary repairs.