San Francisco, CA

Soft Story Retrofits in San Francisco, CA

Seismic Retrofitters excels in soft story retrofitting, enhancing structural safety in San Francisco, CA.

Strengthen Your Building with Soft Story Retrofitting

Seismic Retrofitters in San Francisco, CA, is a leader in soft story retrofit services, crucial for enhancing the structural resilience of your building. Our expert team focuses on reinforcing vulnerable areas, reducing the risk of damage during an earthquake. We employ advanced techniques to ensure your property meets stringent safety standards, providing a secure environment for occupants and minimizing potential seismic impact. Trust us to elevate your building's integrity with our comprehensive soft story retrofitting solutions.

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Enhancing Structural Resilience for a Safer Tomorrow

Garage door openings and/or large unreinforced ground-floor spaces are the most vulnerable to collapse under the strong lateral forces of an earthquake. In San Francisco, there are thousands of multi-unit buildings and homes with these “soft-story” conditions.


With the passing of San Francisco’s Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance, seismic building codes have been updated, so it is important to know your building is being retrofitted to current seismic standards, which include the right hardware and installation methods of bolts, clips, holddowns, foundation footings, steel frames, and shear walls.


At Seismic Retrofitters, we work only with qualified engineers and reputable suppliers to offer both custom-engineered and pre-certified bracing systems to reduce costs and turnaround times.

Steels frames
Installed steel frames
Preventing collapse of building
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Proud to Protect Your Investment and Save Lives

We take pride in our commitment to safeguarding your investment and, more importantly, the lives within your property. Our seismic retrofitting services go beyond fortifying structures; they are a pledge to enhance safety and resilience.


By meticulously implementing measures such as foundation inspection and replacement, seismic bolting, shear wall applications, and upgrading various structural elements, we aim not only to protect your valuable assets but also to ensure the well-being of those who inhabit them.


Trust us to be the guardians of your investment, dedicated to saving lives and providing peace of mind in the face of seismic uncertainties.

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Why Clients Trust Us for Soft Story Retrofits

Clients trust Seismic Retrofitters for soft story retrofits in San Francisco, CA, due to our specialized expertise in addressing the unique challenges of soft story structures. We prioritize safety, using advanced engineering solutions to reinforce buildings, ensuring they meet and exceed local seismic standards. Our commitment to quality, thorough assessments, and customized retrofit plans, combined with transparent communication and reliable service, makes us the preferred choice for property owners seeking to enhance their building's earthquake resilience and protect occupants.

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Why Retrofitting Now is the Best Choice

According to the USGS, a high-magnitude earthquake will likely strike the Bay Area within the next ten years. Considering this, ask yourself these questions:


  • Is my building properly retrofitted to avoid tenant displacement after a large earthquake?
  • Can I afford the 25% insurance deductible in the case of catastrophic damage?
  • Was previous work done with permits and the oversight of a qualified engineer?


There is no predictable earthquake season. And even if your building has survived previous quakes, buildings and foundations deteriorate over time. You cannot assume your building will hold up when the next “big one” hits.

Meet the Owner of Seismic Retrofitters

Meet the owner

Mark Barbagelata, owner of Seismic Retrofitters, has nearly three decades of experience in construction and real estate. He operates his business and raises his family in San Francisco. Mark understands the importance of safe and secure structures and, in particular, the uniqueness of San Francisco’s soft-story buildings.


After over a decade of high-end remodels, including one home that was recently showcased in the Gems of San Francisco tour, Mark created Seismic Retrofitters to bring fairly priced quality services and the latest seismic technology to property owners.
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What Our Clients Think About Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services? We're here to help.

  • Why is Seismic Retrofitters so popular?

    Seismic Retrofitters has earned its popularity through an unwavering commitment to excellence in seismic retrofitting services. Our extensive experience and expertise in seismic retrofitting set us apart as industry leaders. Clients choose us repeatedly for our thorough on-site evaluations and expert consultations, ensuring a tailored approach to their unique needs. Our detailed construction bids and comprehensive plans, coupled with our proficiency in all aspects of seismic retrofitting, from foundation inspection and seismic bolting to upgrading shear walls and ensuring fire code compliance, make us the go-to choice for property owners seeking unparalleled protection. With Seismic Retrofitters, you can trust that your investment is in the hands of experts committed to delivering top-notch seismic retrofitting solutions.

  • What services do you provide?

    1. On-site evaluations and expert consultations
    2. Detailed construction bids and preliminary plans
    3. Permitting
    4. Construction:

    • Foundation inspection and replacement.
    • Anchoring a dwelling to its foundation through seismic bolting.
    • Increasing the shear strength of existing garage or chimney walls by applying shear panels.
    • Addition of new shear walls or upgrading existing interior walls, where applicable.
    • Improving the lateral shear strength of garage doors and large open spaces.
    • Replacing crumbling or sinking foundations and stem walls.
    • Upgrading electrical and plumbing.
    • Mitigating asbestos and ensuring fire code compliance.
    • Reinforcing and/or bracing fireplace chimneys.
    • Installing automatic gas shut-off valves.
    • Installing electric vehicle (EV) outlets in the garage.
    • Increasing parking space in the garage (when feasible).

  • What is Seismic Retrofitters philosophy?

    We are a third-generation San Francisco family business.


    Our philosophy is to improve the strength and safety of soft-story, multi-use, and residential buildings with a reasonable investment. We understand the financial and emotional connections our clients have with their homes and investment properties. Protecting what is most valuable to you—your property and the people who occupy it—is our business.

  • What is the best way to contact you?

    You can reach us by calling 415-822-4200. You can email us at mark@quakeprep.com. Or fill out the contact form here on our site.


    We can't wait to hear from you!

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