Why Soft Story Retrofit Matters — And How Sinai Construction Can Help
- Isela
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
If you own a multi-unit residential or commercial building in Los Angeles, chances are you've heard the term "soft story retrofit." But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important?
Let’s break it down — and show you how Sinai Construction, a trusted name in structural repair and seismic retrofitting, can help protect your property and your tenants.
What Is a Soft Story?
A soft story building is typically a multi-story structure with large openings (like garages or retail spaces) on the ground floor and residential units above. These openings create a weak point in the building’s structure, making it particularly vulnerable during an earthquake.
Without reinforcement, these buildings face a high risk of collapse during seismic activity — putting lives and investments at serious risk.
Why Retrofit?
The City of Los Angeles passed Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 184081, requiring certain soft story buildings to be retrofitted to meet modern seismic safety standards. This isn’t just a legal issue — it’s about life safety, liability, and protecting your property value.
Retrofitting strengthens the building’s structural integrity, often by installing steel frames, shear walls, or moment-resisting systems to prevent collapse during a quake.
How Sinai Construction Can Help
With decades of experience in structural repairs and seismic retrofits, Sinai Construction offers end-to-end soft story retrofit solutions, including:
Site assessment & engineering
Permit acquisition
Customized retrofit design
Professional construction & installation
Compliance with all city codes and deadlines
We take care of everything — from start to finish — with minimal disruption to your tenants or business operations.
Why Choose Us?
At Sinai Construction, we’re known for:
Quality craftsmanship
Local expertise in LA building codes
Licensed, insured, and experienced crews
On-time project delivery
Clear communication every step of the way
Our goal is simple: make your building safer and your retrofit stress-free.
Ready to Retrofit?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let Sinai Construction help protect your investment and bring your building up to seismic code. Call us today at (323) 655-0960 to schedule your free consultation or learn more about your building’s retrofit requirements.
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