A magnitude-6.7 earthquake rocked Northridge on January 17, 1994, this showed that due to the likelihood of earthquakes, thousands of

buildings in Los Angeles suffer from a fundamental structural weakness. Large, unreinforced spaces on the ground floors as well as the soft-story buildings' usual wood-frame structure make them particularly vulnerable.

These buildings got their name because their first stories are substantially less stiff than the stories above. In residential and commercial structures, these openings frequently allow parking spaces, huge windows, and spacious lobbies. Tuck under parking is one such example that contributes to the soft-story vulnerability.

Only 800 of Los Angeles' 20,000 soft-story structures, according to research by the California Institute of Technology, had been retrofitted. By incorporating the structural elements required for buildings to remain standing after an earthquake, soft-story seismic retrofitting corrects these shortcomings.

Steps Of A Soft-Story Retrofit

1. Examining the foundation to decide how to strengthen the building.
2. Prepare as-built plans, carry out engineering calculations, and finish a design that satisfies the requirements of the specific building and is both effective and constructible.
3. Plans have been accepted, and permits are prepared.
4. Beginning with securing the permit and posting notices to every renter, the Tenant Habitability Plan procedure will be initiated.
5. The last phase is to finish the full building project when all the inspections, blueprints, and procedures have been completed.

California Prop 13

The California Revenue and Taxation Code offers a seismic retrofit exemption! The market value of any incremental improvements or additions to your property would be added to your overall property assessment under California

Proposition 13. Buildings that undergo seismic strengthening construction may be exempt from evaluation.

The Most Earthquake-Vulnerable Buildings

1. Consist of two or more stories built of wood.
2. Built in accordance with building regulations in effect prior to January 1, 1978
3. Contains parking on the ground level or other equivalent open space

Buildings with three or less residential units do not need to be retrofitted.

SKS Construction can assist in plan check, permitting, and even build of your Soft-Story Project, making the process a breeze. A full-service design/build,

engineering, and construction firm, SKS Construction was established in Los Angeles, California, in 1987. SKS Construction is recognized as a leader in engineering and construction of New Construction, Seismic Retrofitting and Balcony Repairs.

For those interested in balcony repair, SKS Construction offers comprehensive services including balcony inspections and balcony repair contractors. From balcony structural repairs to balcony inspection companies, SKS Construction ensures that every aspect of your balcony repair and inspection needs are met. Additionally, if you're considering an ADU, SKS Construction can guide you through the different types of ADUs and steps to building an ADU. The team’s expertise extends to value engineering in construction, ensuring that every project is both cost-effective and meets the highest standards of safety and durability.

The SKS team is composed of in-house designers, licensed contractors, and experienced engineers around the clock to attend to your every engineering and construction need.

Contact SKS Today For A Free Consultation!

818-855-1181

Lic.#: AB720390

Serving The Greater Los Angeles Area