Managing a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) portfolio means constantly balancing profit, compliance, and tenant needs. But in earthquake-prone regions, REIT seismic retrofitting isn’t just smart—it’s essential. It’s tempting to delay seismic retrofits—especially when budgets are tight and daily demands pile up. But waiting to retrofit or repair is often the most expensive choice, as […]
Seismic retrofitting isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about how those numbers are interpreted, turned into design plans, and built in the real world. The structural engineer you choose will shape nearly every aspect of your project—from cost and complexity to safety and long-term value. But not all engineers approach seismic retrofits the same way. […]
Structural wall repair is essential to keeping your commercial or industrial building safe, strong, and aligned with SEL and SUL targets. Cracks, moisture damage, and shifting walls may seem minor, but they could signal deeper issues that put your structure (and your tenants) at risk. If you’ve noticed signs of wall damage, this guide will […]
When you’re planning a seismic retrofit, unexpected challenges can drive up costs fast. Value engineering helps you plan smarter—identifying cost-saving alternatives early, before changes become expensive or complex. With the right guidance, you can reduce expenses without sacrificing safety or long-term performance. What Is Value Engineering? Value engineering is the process of reviewing a project […]
Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are among the most vulnerable structures in an earthquake. Many were built before modern seismic codes existed, and their brittle construction makes them prone to severe damage or collapse during ground shaking. In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, dozens of URM buildings in Southern California suffered partial or total collapse. Many had […]
As we move into the second half of the year, it’s a smart time for commercial and industrial property owners to take stock of their building’s health—beyond routine maintenance. One often-overlooked area? Seismic design risks—structural vulnerabilities built into a property’s layout that can increase earthquake damage, even in newer or well-maintained buildings. Some buildings carry […]
Considering a seismic retrofit but unsure what to expect? You’re not alone. Many building owners, REITs, and property managers worry about the cost, complexity, or potential disruption, sometimes delaying upgrades longer than they should. In this article, we clear up the most common misconceptions about seismic retrofitting and share what we’ve learned from decades of […]
Did you know that heat damage to commercial roofs can quietly weaken structural components? Prolonged high temperatures, combined with hidden moisture damage, can stress roof components in ways that often go unnoticed—until an earthquake causes something to fail. Summer is the ideal time to inspect, identify, and address these issues before they lead to costly […]
Earthquake safety is a serious topic, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. For apartment building owners and property managers, communicating with tenants about seismic risk is not just a legal or ethical responsibility—it’s also an opportunity to build trust. In a world where tenants appreciate transparency and expect proactive management, how you […]
Apartment soft-story retrofits are now critical for older buildings that were constructed before modern seismic codes accounted for major earthquake forces. If your property has tuck-under parking or an open ground floor, it’s probably a soft-story building. That puts it at serious risk during an earthquake. In cities across California and the West Coast, seismic […]