Frequently Asked
Questions

Many older homes were built before modern seismic standards were adopted. In an earthquake, houses without proper foundation anchorage or wall bracing can shift off their foundation or suffer major structural damage. A retrofit strengthens the connection between the framing and the foundation so the home performs much better during seismic movement.

Homes built before the early 1980s often do not have adequate anchor bolts or cripple wall bracing. If your home has a raised foundation and a crawl space, there is a strong chance it would benefit from evaluation. We can usually determine this during a short site visit or by reviewing clear crawl space photos.

A retrofit plan set is prepared specifically for your home. It includes foundation anchorage details, cripple wall bracing requirements, connection specifications, and structural notes required for permitting. The drawings are stamped by a licensed structural engineer and are ready for submission to your local building department.

Yes. Most cities require a building permit for seismic retrofit work. The permit ensures the work meets current safety standards and qualifies for inspection. We provide the stamped structural drawings needed for approval.

The Earthquake Brace and Bolt program offers financial assistance to eligible California homeowners who complete a qualifying seismic retrofit. The grant currently provides up to $3,000 in reimbursement. Homes generally must be built before 1980, have a raised foundation, and be located in an approved area. We design retrofit plans to meet the program requirements.

No. The program reimburses up to $3,000. In most cases the total construction cost exceeds that amount, so homeowners are responsible for the remaining balance.

Structural engineering is required for nearly all accessory dwelling units. The engineer designs the foundation, floor and roof framing, and the lateral system that resists wind and earthquake forces. Stamped structural plans are typically required before a permit can be issued.

Yes. Most ADUs require a new slab or perimeter footing foundation designed for the soil conditions and structural loads at your site. Even if the main house is older, the ADU must meet current building code requirements.

Garage conversions often require structural improvements. Many garages were not built to current seismic standards, and the slab may not meet residential requirements. Openings for new doors or windows may also require beams or headers. We evaluate the existing structure and determine what upgrades are necessary for code compliance.

It can. An attached ADU may introduce additional loads or change how seismic forces are transferred through the structure. In some cases foundation strengthening or additional shear walls are required. We review both the new and existing structure to make sure they work together safely.

Most ADU structural plans take between two and four weeks to complete. The timeline depends on the size of the project, complexity of the design, and coordination with the architect or designer.

Engineering fees vary depending on the size and complexity of the project and site conditions. After reviewing your architectural plans or project details, we provide a clear proposal outlining the scope and fee.

Structural engineering is required when a project affects load bearing walls, foundations, or the way the home resists seismic forces. This includes removing walls, enlarging openings, adding new floors, or building an addition. Proper structural design ensures loads are safely transferred to the foundation.

Possibly. Some interior walls are simply partitions, while others support floor or roof framing above. A site review allows us to determine whether the wall carries structural load and whether a beam or post is required to replace it safely.

Yes. Additions typically require new footings or slabs to support the added weight. Depending on the layout, portions of the existing structure may also need reinforcement to maintain proper load transfer.

Most remodel and addition projects require one to three weeks for site review, structural calculations, and plan preparation. The schedule depends on the complexity of the design and coordination with the project team.

Fees depend on the scope and complexity of the work. A straightforward retrofit typically requires less engineering than a full addition or ADU. Once we review your project information, we provide a proposal with a clearly defined scope and fee.

If the project affects structural elements, most building departments require stamped structural drawings. Even if not explicitly required, having proper engineering protects you from costly mistakes. We can review your project and confirm what is necessary.