Does Your Building Need a Seismic Retrofit?
If you own or manage a commercial or industrial property in the western US, you’ve likely wondered whether your building needs a seismic retrofit. It’s a common concern–especially for owners of older structures who want clarity before investing in any upgrades.
This guide explains how to determine whether your building qualifies for a seismic retrofit, what factors influence the cost, and what to expect before, during, and after construction.
Why a Seismic Retrofit Matters
A seismic retrofit strengthens an existing structure so it can better withstand the shaking forces of an earthquake. Without reinforcement, weak points— roof-to-wall connections, continuity ties, soft stories, and unreinforced masonry walls (URM)—can fail, leading to partial or total building collapse.
In our work with REITS, property owners, and building managers, we’ve found that retrofitting goes beyond just building safety. It protects your investment, reduces liability, and helps preserve your building’s market value.
In addition, retrofitted properties often qualify for better insurance coverage and attract more buyers—since roughly half of buyers will not consider purchasing a building that still needs a seismic retrofit. These benefits are even stronger when the Scenario Upper Loss (SUL) is below 20%.
How to Tell If Your Building Needs a Seismic Retrofit
1. Check When the Building Was Constructed
If your building was built before 1997, it likely predates modern seismic codes. Those older standards didn’t account for the vertical and lateral forces produced by major earthquakes, leaving structures more vulnerable to damage—even if they appear sound and are not located on a fault line.
Older structures often have weak connections between the framing and walls, insufficient lateral load resistance, and unbraced cripple walls—all of which can compromise their stability during an earthquake.
We’ve seen many buildings that look stable on the surface but lack the hidden strength to resist serious ground motion. That’s why the year the building was built is often the first—and most telling—clue.
For commercial properties built before 1997 in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco are singled out by municipal ordinances for mandatory evaluation and seismic upgrades, with new compliance timelines now enforced in many cities.
2. Review Local Seismic Retrofit Requirements
Many cities in California, Oregon, and Washington now have retrofit ordinances requiring owners of older commercial, industrial, or multifamily properties to evaluate and strengthen their buildings. We can help you understand how local programs may affect your property.
3. Schedule a Professional Retrofit Evaluation
A qualified retrofit contractor or structural engineer can determine whether your building needs seismic upgrades. During an assessment, they will:
- Make a site visit (when possible)
- Review as-built drawings and construction details
- Identify weak points or code deficiencies
- Recommend the most effective retrofit methods
For commercial buildings, a comprehensive retrofit should address the most common structural vulnerabilities. These often include:
- Out-of-plan wall anchorage
- Continuity ties
- Roof and floor diaphragm improvements (such as new plywood sheathing or re-nailing)
- Re-entrant corners, drag lines, footing and steel work (if needed)
- Parapet bracing (usually for URM buildings; footings and steel for soft-story conditions)
These measures are now widely referenced in city and state seismic guidelines and form the foundation of a well-designed retrofit.
How Much Does a Seismic Retrofit Cost?
No two retrofits are alike. Costs vary based on:
- The building’s size, height, and construction type
- Existing structural conditions or previous damage
- Type and extent of reinforcement required
- Accessibility and site constraints
- Engineering and permitting requirements
Because every building is different, we always start with a professional site evaluation. In our experience, that’s the only way to provide an accurate estimate and a realistic completion timeline
Note: Owners of commercial buildings may be eligible for city or state retrofit grants, especially for certain building types and locations. Grant programs—including some new for 2025—can offset costs if your property qualifies. Contact your local building department for details.
At Saunders Seismic, we also develop detailed project budgets so you can plan with confidence before the design phase begins.
We coordinate directly with trusted engineers to ensure your design and budget align with your financial goals. We’ve found that collaboration early in the process leads to smoother approvals, fewer surprises, and more cost-efficient construction.
This early involvement helps our clients avoid significant change costs—averaging several million dollars across our projects each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seismic Retrofits
Over the years, we’ve heard many of the same questions from building owners preparing for a seismic retrofit. Here are a few of the most common ones we’re asked.
Do I Need to Hire an Engineer?
Yes. A licensed structural engineer (the only type of engineer you should use) must prepare all seismic retrofit designs—but the timing matters. Contact us before you hire one.
We collaborate with experienced engineers who specialize in seismic retrofits and understand the nuances of commercial and industrial structures. By involving us early, we can connect you with the right structural engineer for your project, coordinate budgeting, and ensure the final design aligns with both your goals and your site conditions.
We do not recommend design-build contracts that skip independent engineering review.
Can I Do It Myself?
It’s technically possible but not recommended. Seismic retrofitting requires specialized knowledge and must meet strict building code standards. Only licensed contractors and engineers with experience in seismic design should perform this work.
Will My Business Need to Close During Construction?
In almost all cases, no. Saunders Seismic is known for completing retrofits in fully occupied buildings with minimal tenant disruption. We routinely work in sensitive environments—from warehouses to medical offices and even clean rooms—while keeping operations running safely and smoothly.
We coordinate closely with property managers and tenants to plan each phase around normal operations—scheduling work strategically, isolating construction areas, and maintaining safe access at all times. When needed, our crews can work after hours to minimize impact on tenants and keep your business running smoothly.
Our experience enables us to anticipate challenges before they affect your tenants so that business can continue with confidence throughout the project.
How Long Do Seismic Retrofits Take?
Timelines depend on building size, complexity, and permitting requirements. Some smaller projects take just a few days, while larger retrofits may last several weeks or months. We’ll provide a detailed schedule once the scope of work is defined so you can plan confidently.
Retrofit projects for commercial buildings are increasingly subject to city deadlines, so we recommend proactive scheduling and rapid permit submission to avoid penalties or delays.
Safeguard Your Building Before the Next Earthquake
If your building was constructed before 1997—or if you’re unsure whether it meets today’s seismic standards—now is the time to act.
At Saunders Seismic, we understand that seismic retrofitting can feel overwhelming. Many of our clients come to us expecting a complicated process—but they quickly realize how smooth it can be with the right team in place.
We take pride in handling the details, communicating clearly, and completing every retrofit with minimal disruption and maximum confidence.
Contact Saunders Seismic today to schedule an easy, no-pressure conversation. We’ll help you take the right steps toward a safer, stronger, and earthquake-ready property.