Seismic retrofitting is a process that involves upgrading the structural integrity of a building to make it more resistant to earthquakes. The process is an important safety measure for building owners, as it helps to reduce the risk of damage or collapse during a seismic event. However, many building owners are curious about how long […]
What is the New West Hollywood ADU Height Extension? The city of West Hollywood has recently approved an extension to their Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program, allowing for more residents to build secondary living spaces on their properties. The new extension to the ADU program in West Hollywood allows for more flexibility in the types […]
A balcony inspection is an important aspect of maintaining the safety and integrity of a building. It is essential to have regular inspections of balconies to ensure they are in good condition and to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. There are several key areas that should be covered during a […]
If you think you may have a soft story building but have not received a notice from the city, it is important to take action and determine whether or not your building is, in fact, a soft story building. A soft story building is a type of building that has a weak or vulnerable ground […]
One of the most challenging parts of establishing an ADU is getting permits. It can be overwhelming to determine whether limitations and rules are relevant to your location, including specific balcony rules and regulations if your ADU includes a balcony. The laws and norms governing ADUs and ADU types are improving all the time. Six […]
How can an ADU be beneficial for the future? These compact areas, known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), are incredibly practical, cozy, and convenient if you need more space but don't want to move entirely to a new location. Here are a few good reasons to add an ADU to your home if you've been […]
An apartment with tuck-under parking is an example of a soft story building, which is a multi-story building with a first floor that is significantly less rigid (soft) than the floors above. Due to unreinforced openings on the ground floor that produced considerably more movement than the soft story building could handle, the upper floors […]
Los Angeles passed a law requiring the retrofit of soft stories in November 2015. Depending on the structure's number of stories and housing units, the city determined which buildings were the most at risk and issued rolling orders to comply. A structure with a weak first floor frequently has a garage, a wide overhang or […]
Concrete balconies can tragically collapse, despite the fact that they shouldn't. Over time, balconies can rot or even develop termite damage, requiring immediate balcony repair. California law now mandates balcony inspections of balconies and "exterior elevated elements" on multifamily structures. For residents in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to arrange balcony inspections in Los Angeles as […]
ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) are a residential unit that adds to the usable area of a property and has its own door, kitchen, and bathroom. An ADU may occasionally stand alone from the primary residence on the land; in other instances, they may be attached yet have their own outside entrances. Some houses may allow […]
