If you’re a property owner in the Bay Area preparing for a seismic retrofit, your biggest question is likely the most obvious one: How much is this going to cost me?
It’s a fair question — but it’s also more complex than many realize.
There are four key factors that shape the total cost of a seismic retrofit: measuring the building, engineering, permitting, and construction. On paper, it looks straightforward. In reality, one of these factors accounts for the most unpredictability — and the biggest potential risk to your budget.
“Construction is the largest and most variable of those costs,” says Connor Daly, founder of Connor Daly Construction.
And while that variability may be invisible at the start, it becomes painfully clear once work begins — especially if the wrong team is involved.
Construction Isn’t Just a Line Item — It’s the Make-or-Break Phase
Engineering and permitting costs tend to be relatively stable. But construction? That’s where the real-world conditions of your building collide with the capabilities (or limitations) of the team doing the work.
“It depends on when the building was built, how it was built, and what materials were used and how it’s put together,” explains Daly.
That complexity means surprises are common — but they don’t have to be expensive. They only become costly when your contractor isn’t equipped to handle them efficiently.
The Wrong Contractor Could Cost You Thousands — In Money and Time
No owner wants to get halfway through a retrofit only to be hit with change orders, delays, or code violations. And yet, it happens — often because construction teams don’t fully understand how to solve issues on-site without slowing the project down.
“When it comes time to construction, the company that you choose will make a huge difference in the price and the experience of doing the job,” Daly says.
That experience is not just about cost — it’s about confidence. It’s about knowing the team on your site has done this hundreds of times and can navigate any challenge without drama or delay.
Why Experience on the Ground (and in the Plan Set) Matters
Connor Daly Construction isn’t just skilled — they’re specialists. Daly’s team has completed hundreds of seismic retrofits across the Bay Area, giving them the insight to anticipate issues before they happen and resolve them quickly when they do.
“We are elite framers, great concrete pours,” says Daly. “We have experience doing all aspects of these retrofits”.
But that hands-on skill is paired with high-level technical understanding, which is rare in construction firms.
“I also have a master’s degree from Stanford in construction management and structural engineering,” Daly adds. “Which allows me to be able to communicate with both the building department and the engineer on the higher level to understand our end goal”.
That blend of field experience and engineering fluency makes Connor Daly Construction uniquely positioned to deliver retrofits that are code-compliant, cost-effective, and conflict-free.
Questions You Should Be Asking Before You Choose a Retrofit Contractor
As you prepare to move forward with your seismic retrofit, here are some important questions to consider:
- What experience does this contractor have with my specific type of building and materials?
- How will unexpected structural conditions be handled — and how quickly?
- Is the contractor able to coordinate smoothly with the city and my engineer?
- Have they worked on buildings in my neighborhood or with similar permit requirements?
- Do they understand how to avoid delays that could impact my tenants or financing?
If you don’t feel confident in your answers to those, it may be time to talk to someone who does.
Contact Connor Daly Construction today to learn how we can manage your retrofit from start to finish with clarity, speed, and cost control. [License #546425]
Why More Bay Area Owners Are Choosing Connor Daly Construction
When a retrofit goes off track, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about stress, lost time, and tenants left in the dark. Connor Daly Construction eliminates that uncertainty.
“My guys understand how to do them inside and out on buildings and we understand the fixes to make every time we encounter an unexpected condition,” Daly shares.
From the first permit to the final inspection, our process is designed to avoid rework, reduce delays, and help you move forward with total confidence.
Let’s get your retrofit done right — the first time.
