Common Questions and Answers about Soft Story Retrofits. Q: What is a soft story retrofit? A: A soft story retrofit is a structural modification made to a building with a weak or "soft" ground floor, typically characterized by open parking or commercial space. The retrofit aims to strengthen the building's ability to resist seismic forces […]
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have emerged as a popular choice for homeowners and investors. ADUs, also known as granny flats or backyard cottages, are secondary dwellings built on the same property as the main residence. One important consideration when contemplating the addition of an ADU is its potential impact on property values. Increased Rental Income: […]
Are There Any Specific Safety Standards or Regulations for Balconies? Balconies provide a space for outdoor activities and increase the value of the property. However, like any other part of a building, they require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their safety and integrity. During balcony inspections, a number of common problems can be identified […]
When it comes to improving our homes, there are many different projects that can be done to make them more functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Two popular types of home improvement projects are additions and ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units. Additions: An addition is a type of home renovation project where you add extra space […]
If you own a building, it is essential to be aware of the upcoming seismic retrofitting 2024 deadline. In 2015, the City of Los Angeles passed the Ordinance 183893, mandating mandatory retrofitting of buildings with certain types of structural weaknesses that can cause catastrophic damage during an earthquake. The deadline for compliance with this ordinance […]
When it comes to choosing a construction company, we want you to work with a team you can trust. After all, construction projects are a significant investment of time and money, and clients want to be sure that they are getting their money's worth. So, what makes a construction company trustable to clients? Experience and […]
Repairing a balcony involves more than just patching up a few cracks or replacing a couple of boards. When conducting a balcony inspection, a borescope can be used to inspect areas that are difficult to access, such as the underside of the balcony or the joints and connections between the balcony and the building. The […]
Common Questions about ADU’s Q: What are the benefits of having an ADU? A: ADUs can provide additional living space for family members or guests, generate rental income, and increase property value. They can also be a more affordable housing option for renters. Q: What are some common types of ADUs? A: Common types of […]
The two massive recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, with magnitudes as high as 7.8 and 7.5, have claimed over 40,000 lives so far. This death toll is certain to rise as more bodies are discovered in the rubble of collapsed multistory concrete buildings. With the high frequency of California earthquakes, one can look at […]
Santa Monica is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California that is prone to various natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. To mitigate the impact of these hazards on the city and its residents, Santa Monica has established the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP"). What is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP")? The […]
