When property owners begin researching seismic retrofits, especially for soft-story buildings in cities like Oakland and San Francisco, one of the first questions they ask is: How much is this going to cost me?
It sounds simple — but the real answer is far from it.
Many assume building size is the biggest driver of cost. Others think age or materials are the main factors. In reality, all of those matter — but the biggest influence is something few understand upfront: how your building was originally constructed.
“The factor that influences the cost of a seismic retrofit the most is the original construction of the building,” says Connor Daly, founder of Connor Daly Construction.
And that insight can mean the difference between a manageable investment — and a budget that quickly spirals out of control.
Original Construction: The Hidden Variable That Determines Retrofit Scope
A retrofit isn’t just about adding strength. It’s about bringing a building up to today’s code. So, the weaker the original construction, the more work — and cost — it takes to meet modern standards.
“If the building was built with lots of grade beams and shear walls and was built in the more recent years, it’s going to be less construction,” Daly explains. “If the building’s 120 years old, we’re looking at more major renovation in order to complete the retrofit.”
In other words, the more outdated your building’s bones, the more surgical the retrofit becomes.
That creates a unique dilemma for property owners. Two buildings might appear identical from the street — same square footage, same number of units — but have dramatically different price tags once the retrofit begins.
So Where Does That Leave You?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Most owners don’t have access to blueprints or structural knowledge about their buildings. And the last thing anyone wants is to budget based on a general estimate, only to be surprised halfway through construction.
This uncertainty is why early guidance matters — not just from an engineer, but from a team who understands every aspect of these projects from the inside out.
“We walk people through the entire process — small, medium, or large buildings — and help them understand what their building actually needs,” says Daly.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
If you’re facing a seismic retrofit — or are simply trying to prepare for one — start by asking:
- Do I know how my building was originally constructed? If not, who can help me figure that out?
- Have I accounted for the possibility that my building may require more reinforcement than newer structures?
- Am I basing my cost expectations on someone else’s project without knowing how different our buildings really are?
- Do I have a partner who can evaluate the structure holistically — not just engineer it or build it, but help me understand the scope from day one?
If these questions feel daunting, Connor Daly Construction is here to help. We bring deep structural expertise and decades of experience to your corner — no fluff, just facts.
Contact us today to start a real conversation about what your building needs and how to approach it strategically. [License #546425]
Why Bay Area Owners Trust Connor Daly Construction
Your retrofit isn’t just a construction job — it’s a structural upgrade that protects your tenants, your property value, and your peace of mind.
Connor Daly Construction brings unmatched insight into the retrofit process, with a hands-on approach shaped by experience, not guesswork. We’re not just contractors — we’re collaborators who understand how to minimize cost by designing smarter from the start.
“The cost of the retrofit is the cost to bring the building up to current code today. That depends on how it was originally built and how much strength needs to be added to the building,” Daly says.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But with the right team, there is a clear path forward — one that avoids surprises, reduces stress, and gets the job done right the first time.
