About, Team & Licensing
RetroCal is a DBA of Private Builders Inc., CSLB License #985586. Contracting services are provided by Private Builders Inc. d/b/a RetroCal.
Who you are hiring
- Customer-facing brand
- RetroCal
- Alternate customer-facing name
- RetroCal Balcony Division
- Legal entity / contracting entity
- Private Builders Inc.
- California contractor license
- CSLB #985586 — General Building Contractor, held by Private Builders Inc.
- Bonding & insurance
- Bonded and insured.
- Service area
- Los Angeles County, California
Verify the license directly with the state: CSLB license record for #985586. General license lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
How the names relate — in plain English
- Private Builders Inc. is the California corporation that holds contractor license CSLB #985586. It is the entity that signs contracts, pulls permits, and performs construction work.
- RetroCal is a DBA (fictitious business name) of Private Builders Inc. It is a brand name, not a separate corporation, and it does not hold its own contractor license.
- RetroCal Balcony Division is a customer-facing division name used for the SB 721 balcony inspection and repair service line. It is also not a separate legal entity or license holder.
- Engineering work. This site does not operate a separate engineering firm and does not offer engineering services under a professional engineer's license. Where a project requires a licensed architect or a licensed civil or structural engineer, that work is performed by an appropriately licensed professional in that discipline.
Who does what
Contracting entity. Private Builders Inc. d/b/a RetroCal contracts for the work, applies for permits, performs or supervises structural repair, waterproofing, and guardrail replacement, and carries the permitted work through building-department inspections.
Inspection professional. SB 721 inspections and the signed inspection report are performed and signed by a professional holding one of the credential classes listed in California Health and Safety Code §17973 (see below). The signing professional is identified on the report you receive.
Engineers and other licensed professionals. When a repair requires structural design, calculations, or a stamped drawing, a licensed engineer or architect is engaged for that scope. Their license and stamp appear on their own deliverables.
Named professionals
We publish a person's name, role, and professional license number only after that information has been verified. No individual credentials are published on this page at this time. The credentials of the professional who signs your inspection report are stated on the report itself, and we will provide them on request — call (818) 900-1233.
Who may perform an SB 721 inspection
California Health and Safety Code §17973 limits SB 721 inspections of exterior elevated elements to a defined set of qualified professionals: a licensed architect; a licensed civil or structural engineer; a building contractor holding one of the license classifications identified in the statute, with at least five years' experience in that classification; or a certified building inspector or building official from a recognized state, national, or international association. The statute also requires that a contractor performing the inspection not bid on the resulting repair work unless the owner is notified in writing of that limitation as the statute provides. Confirm the current statutory text before relying on any summary: Health and Safety Code §17973.
Condominium and homeowners-association buildings are covered by a separate statute, SB 326, at California Civil Code §5551, which has its own inspector-qualification and reporting rules.
Contact and office
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Bonded and insured.
Official sources
- California Health and Safety Code §17973 (SB 721 — apartments)
- California Civil Code §5551 (SB 326 — condominiums and HOAs)
- Los Angeles Housing Department — E3-Apartments guidance
- Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
- California Contractors State License Board
- California Building Standards Commission
General-information notice
Regulatory content on this site is general information, not legal advice. Statutes and building codes are amended, and local enforcement agencies set their own notice periods, submission procedures, and case-resolution standards. Whether a notice or enforcement matter is resolved is determined by the agency with jurisdiction over your property. Confirm requirements and deadlines for your specific property with your local building or housing department and, where appropriate, your own counsel.
RetroCal is a DBA of Private Builders Inc., a California licensed contractor, CSLB License #985586. Contracting services offered under the RetroCal name are performed by Private Builders Inc. SB 721 inspection and professional services are performed by qualified, appropriately licensed professionals as required by applicable law. Bonded and insured.
The SB721 deadline has passed.
Get compliant and document your response.