Soft Story & Seismic Retrofitting In San Francisco

Secure Your San Francisco Property

In a city as seismically active as San Francisco, ensuring the structural integrity of your property is not just a recommendation—it's a necessity. Soft story seismic retrofitting is a crucial solution for older buildings with open ground floors, like those with tuck-under parking or commercial spaces.

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Soft Story & Seismic Retrofitting In San Francisco

As a trusted provider of seismic retrofitting San Francisco, EDRI Construction helps building owners comply with city ordinances and, most importantly, protects lives and investments. Our team brings years of experience to every project, providing a comprehensive approach that ensures your building is prepared for the next seismic event. We understand the unique challenges of Bay Area construction and are committed to delivering precise, professional, and lasting results.

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What is a Soft Story Building?

A soft story building is a multi-story structure where the first floor is significantly weaker or more flexible than the floors above it. This weakness is typically due to large openings on the ground floor, such as garage doors, large windows, or commercial storefronts, that lack the necessary shear walls to resist seismic forces. This design flaw makes the building vulnerable to significant damage or collapse during an earthquake. San Francisco's Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program, Ordinance 148-13, mandates that owners of these buildings must retrofit their properties to meet modern safety standards.

Our Comprehensive Retrofitting Process

EDRI Construction provides a meticulous and tailored approach to soft story retrofitting, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Our process is designed to be efficient, minimally disruptive, and effective.

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Initial Assessment

We begin with a detailed on-site evaluation to assess your building’s specific structural needs and identify the most effective retrofitting strategy.

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Engineering & Design

We work with experienced engineers to create a custom plan that addresses your building's unique vulnerabilities.

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Permitting & Approvals

We handle all necessary permits and paperwork with the city, streamlining the process and ensuring your project stays on schedule.

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Construction & Project Management

Our team handles the retrofit with precision, and a dedicated project manager keeps you informed.

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The EDRI Construction Advantage

When you choose EDRI Construction for your soft story seismic retrofitting Bay Area project, you’re not just getting a contractor—you’re getting a partner dedicated to your safety and satisfaction.

  • Experienced Professionals

  • One-Stop-Shop Solutions

  • Guaranteed Code Compliance

  • Minimal Disruption

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Common Soft Story Retrofitting FAQs

How do I know if my building needs a retrofit?
The City of San Francisco has a list of buildings identified as potentially needing a retrofit. Generally, if your building has three or more stories and an open first floor, it likely falls under the ordinance.
What are the common retrofitting methods?
Common methods include adding new steel moment frames, reinforcing existing walls with new plywood shear walls, or installing steel seismic frames to create a stronger foundation.
How long does the retrofitting process take?
The timeline varies depending on the building's size and complexity, but a typical project can range from a few weeks to several months. We work efficiently to minimize disruption.
Can I continue to live in my building during the retrofit?
In most cases, residents can remain in their units. Our team takes great care to minimize noise and maintain a safe, clean work environment.
What happens if I don't comply with the ordinance?
Non-compliance can result in legal action, fines, and liens on your property. It also leaves your building and its occupants vulnerable during an earthquake.

Investing in seismic retrofitting San Francisco is an investment in safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

EDRI Construction is your expert partner, providing the knowledge and skill necessary to protect your property from seismic threats. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your retrofitting project is handled with the highest degree of professionalism, from the initial assessment to the final inspection.

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