If you own a soft-story apartment building or a wood-frame multifamily property in Los Angeles, Burbank, Torrance, Culver City, Pasadena, or Glendale, you've likely already heard from the city. Mandatory seismic retrofit deadlines are active, enforcement is escalating, and the clock is running. What most property owners don't realize is that not all retrofit contractors […]
The 2026 mandatory seismic retrofit deadline is no longer a distant concern for multifamily property owners in Burbank, Torrance, and Culver City — it's here. Missing it doesn't just mean a slap on the wrist. It means fines, liens, red tags, lost rental income, and serious legal exposure. Here's exactly what's at stake and why […]
Water is one of the biggest threats to your home’s structural integrity. Without proper foundation drainage, moisture can seep into your crawl space or basement, leading to mold growth, wood rot, foul odors, and even long-term structural damage. Whether you're building a new home or dealing with water issues in an existing one, understanding foundation […]
If you own a building in Los Angeles—especially a wood-frame structure with ground-level parking or open commercial space—you’ve likely come across the term soft story retrofit. In many cases, it’s not optional; it’s required by law. One of the most common questions property owners ask is: How much does a soft story retrofit cost in […]
Balcony collapses rarely happen without warning. In fact, most structural failures are the result of slow, hidden deterioration that begins years—often a decade or more—before the actual event. Understanding these early warning signs and the root causes behind balcony failures is critical for property owners, developers, and facility managers who want to avoid costly repairs, […]
As housing costs continue to rise and sustainability becomes a priority, more homeowners are turning to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and home retrofits as smart investments. Whether you’re adding a rental unit, creating space for family, or upgrading your home for energy efficiency, one key question comes first: How do you finance it? If this […]
Los Angeles properties face unique foundation challenges due to the region’s soil conditions, climate, and seismic activity. Over time, these factors can lead to serious structural issues—especially when it comes to concrete slabs. Understanding the most common foundation problems in Los Angeles and knowing when concrete slab replacement is the right solution can help protect your property […]
Planning a construction project for the first time can feel overwhelming. From initial ideas to securing permits and breaking ground, each phase requires careful coordination. At SKS Construction, we understand that many clients are new to this process—so here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you understand the full construction timeline, from design to permit […]
Earthquakes pose one of the greatest threats to buildings, especially those constructed with outdated design principles. Among the most at-risk are non-ductile concrete structures—buildings that lack the ability to deform and absorb seismic energy without failing. Understanding why these structures are vulnerable is critical for property owners, engineers, and developers aiming to improve safety and […]
Protect Your Investment Before Small Issues Become Costly Structural Failures Your property’s foundation is what everything else relies on—literally. When it starts to fail, the effects don’t stay hidden. They show up in your walls, floors, doors, and even your building’s safety. At SKS Construction, we’ve seen how minor foundation issues can escalate into major […]
