Case Study
J&M Welding Inc. was hired by a local general contractor to fabricate and install a series of custom steel balconies for a residential home in Santa Barbara, California. These balconies were designed to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of the home, while maintaining structural durability and visual appeal. While the project was fairly straightforward, the main challenge was coordinating the installation with the general contractor and other subcontractors already working on site.
Client
Local General Contractor
City
Santa Barbara, CA
Process
- Measurements
The project began with a site visit to gather detailed measurements for each balcony location. Accurate dimensions were essential to ensure a perfect fit with the home’s architectural layout. - Shop Drawings
Using CAD software, we created precise shop drawings that captured all angles, support points, and mounting specifications. These were submitted to the contractor for approval before fabrication began. - Shop Fabrication
Once the drawings were approved, our team fabricated the balcony frames and decorative components in our Paso Robles shop. Each element was built to match the architectural style of the home and comply with safety standards.- Image 1: Shown here is a curved wrought iron detail being clamped into shape during shop fabrication. These ornamental pieces were designed to support and enhance the visual character of the balcony.
- On-Site Installation
Our field team delivered the completed balconies to the jobsite and coordinated with other subcontractors to schedule installation.- Image 2: The J&M Welding truck arriving at the Santa Barbara home, transporting the custom balcony components for final installation.
- Images 3: The completed balconies securely mounted and painted to match the exterior of the home. Each balcony includes custom scroll brackets and safety railings, all fabricated in-house.
Challenges
While the custom balcony project in Santa Barbara was technically straightforward, the biggest challenge came down to on-site coordination. With multiple subcontractors working on various aspects of the home at the same time—stucco, windows, electrical, and painting—our team had to navigate a tight installation schedule.
Clear communication with the general contractor was essential to ensure that our crew could safely and efficiently complete the balcony installation without interfering with other trades. Through flexibility, collaboration, and proper planning, we were able to avoid delays and complete the project on time.
Final Outcome
The balconies were installed on schedule and without issue, thanks to clear communication with the general contractor and strategic installation timing. The finished product offers both elegance and utility, giving the homeowner beautiful outdoor access and architectural charm.
This photo captures the beginning phase of the project, showing a custom scroll detail being carefully bent and clamped into position on a fabrication table. These decorative steel elements form part of the balcony support brackets. Precision and consistency during this step ensure not only aesthetic appeal but also structural stability when mounted to the home’s exterior.
A J&M Welding Inc. truck is shown pulling up to the residential jobsite in Santa Barbara with balcony components loaded on the trailer. This marks the transition from fabrication to installation. The crew arrives ready with tools and materials to install the custom balconies as the home construction progresses.
A wider perspective highlights the integration of the custom balcony with the overall home design. The wrought iron elements complement the traditional Santa Barbara architectural style, and the balcony installation appears clean, level, and secure. This final shot showcases J&M Welding’s craftsmanship and attention to detail in both fabrication and on-site execution.