Soft-story buildings, characterized by open spaces such as ground-level parking, are particularly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes due to their weaker first-level lateral support structures. A soft-story retrofit involves strengthening these susceptible areas to enhance the building's ability to withstand seismic forces. This process is crucial in Los Angeles soft story retrofits, where seismic activity poses a significant risk. The main goal is to ensure the building remains standing after an earthquake and to ensure the safety of everyone in and around the building.

The retrofit typically aims to lessen the effect of side-to-side shaking, which may cause the first floor of soft-story buildings to collapse. Every soft-story building is different and requires a specific design to maintain the functionality of the building. Our in-house architects take precise measurements of existing conditions and pay special attention to the functionality of the existing building, while our in-house team of engineers utilizes state-of-the-art engineering programs to design the most efficient and cost-effective retrofit solutions. This approach is part of SKS Construction's commitment to value engineering in construction, ensuring that projects are not only safe but also economically sound.

A soft-story retrofit is a necessary investment in the safety of everyone in and around these buildings. Property owners who do not retrofit their building within the given timeframe are breaking the law. There may be legal consequences and fines for not complying with the retrofit ordinance, depending on the local jurisdiction, particularly in areas with strict enforcement like Los Angeles. SKS Construction Company provides comprehensive retrofit services, from design to completion, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.