Earthquake Retrofitting San Francisco: Soft Story Strength
Seismic Resilience Backed by Bay Area Engineering Know-How
Living in the Bay Area means living with seismic risk, which makes earthquake retrofitting in San Francisco essential for both safety and compliance. From soft-story retrofits required under the city’s Mandatory Soft Story Program (MSSP) to custom foundation anchoring and structural upgrades, we deliver proven, code-compliant solutions that protect your tenants, preserve your property value, and ensure you’re ready for the next big quake.
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All-in-One Earthquake Safety Services for San Francisco Buildings
We manage every phase of the retrofitting process, from initial engineering to final city approval. Our integrated approach means you have a single, expert team handling every detail.
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(866) 985-6936
Soft-Story Retrofitting
Many San Francisco buildings have vulnerable soft stories — open ground floors used for parking or retail with little structural support. We retrofit these buildings with steel frames and shear walls to meet the city’s Mandatory Soft Story Program (MSSP), ensuring your property is safe, compliant, and protected against collapse.
Foundation Bracing & Bolting
In a major earthquake, older San Francisco homes without proper bracing and bolting are at serious risk of sliding off their foundations. We reinforce these properties by anchoring the wood frame to the concrete base with seismic bolts, steel connectors, and sill plate reinforcements, while strengthening cripple walls with plywood shear panels. This essential retrofit keeps your structure stable, reducing the chance of catastrophic damage and bringing your building up to modern safety standards.
Foundation Repair
Many older San Francisco buildings face foundation issues such as cracks, settling, and weakened concrete—problems that become especially dangerous in an earthquake. Our foundation repair services restore structural integrity through reinforcements, epoxy injections, and seismic upgrades that strengthen the base of your property.
Tenant Habitability Planning (THP)
We understand that protecting your tenants is a top priority. We develop and execute formal Tenant Habitability Plans (THPs) designed to minimize disruption and maintain a safe living environment during construction. This includes clear communication, scheduling, and worksite management in full accordance with local tenant protection laws.
"The Retrofit1 team was incredibly professional and made the entire retrofitting process stress-free. I can finally sleep at night knowing my building is much safer."
Is Your Building Ready to Withstand Earthquake Damage?
Living in the Bay Area means living with the constant threat of seismic activity from major fault lines like the Hayward and San Andreas. For owners of older, multi-unit properties in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda, retrofitting is essential for:
- Life Safety: Protecting residents from a catastrophic building collapse.
- Ordinance Compliance: Avoiding fines and legal action from the city.
- Protecting Your Investment: Preventing costly, or total, destruction of your property.
- Reducing Liability: Limiting your legal and financial exposure after a major quake.
Areas We Serve Across California
Our Transparent, Four-Step Retrofitting Process
We believe in a clear and predictable process, so you know what to expect at every stage.
Initial Property Evaluation
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your property’s current condition, inspecting critical structural components to identify weaknesses that could fail in a seismic event.
Custom Retrofit Design
Using our inspection findings, we design a retrofit plan tailored to your building’s specific needs and ensure full compliance with San Francisco’s seismic retrofit ordinance.
Professional Installation
Our licensed contractors install steel reinforcements, shear walls, bracing systems, and foundation anchors with minimal disruption to tenants and daily operations.
Final Inspection & Compliance Approval
We coordinate final inspections with city officials to ensure your retrofitting project fully complies with San Francisco’s safety codes, providing peace of mind for property owners and residents alike.
Why Property Owners Choose Retrofit1
Choosing a retrofitting partner is a major decision built on trust. We are proud to be the trusted choice for property owners throughout the Bay Area.
- Extensive Bay Area Experience: We have a proven track record of successful projects on buildings just like yours in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Berkeley.
- All-in-One Solution: We simplify a complex process by managing everything in-house, from engineering and permits to construction and tenant relations.
- Commitment to Quality: We use high-grade materials and expert craftsmanship to deliver a structural solution built to last.
- Transparent & Honest: We provide clear, detailed estimates and maintain open communication throughout the entire project. There are no surprises.
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Common Questions
Your San Francisco Retrofitting Questions, Answered
San Francisco’s Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance applies to certain multi-unit wood-frame buildings constructed before 1978 with open ground floors used for parking or commercial space.
Depending on building size and scope, most projects are completed within 2 to 6 weeks once construction begins.
Generally, no. Our Tenant Habitability Plans are designed to keep tenants safely in place while minimizing disruptions.
Costs depend on building size, condition, and retrofit scope. We provide detailed, transparent estimates after a full inspection.
Yes. Retrofitted properties are safer, more marketable, and can often command higher property values while lowering potential liability.
Yes. We offer flexible financing options to help make retrofitting more affordable for property owners.
Your Investment is on the Line. Don't Wait for the Shaking to Start
An earthquake doesn’t just damage buildings; it shatters financial security. The cost of inaction, from catastrophic repair bills to legal liability, far exceeds the cost of a proactive retrofit.
You have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure your building is safe. Protect your property, your tenants, and your future.
