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Earthquake Retrofitting
Simply stated, it’s a process that ties a home together. It increase the resistance to earthquake damage and decreases the risk of injury. In short, it significantly strengthens the house.
Each project will vary on a case to case basis, depending upon the scope of work. For example, a small apartment building with six units and one ordinary steel moment-resisting frame (OMF) and concrete grade beam footing may cost as low as $30,000 to retrofit, while other, larger apartment buildings, may be in the range of several hundred-thousand dollars to complete. Each project will vary depending upon the structural integrity of the property. The damage that is caused from a Soft Story collapsing can cost you the entire building. The damage can be so bad that it is not even possible to repair. This can be completely avoided if you have your Soft Story repaired. It is a very small price to pay to get your Soft Story retrofit completed compared to how much it can cost to repair the building damage following an earthquake.. You will be saving money on repairs and saving the lives of the people that live inside.
Do you drive your car without insurance? If not, why would you live in a home that hasn’t been earthquake retrofitted? We can say with certainty that it is much more affordable to retrofit your home against earthquakes, than it is to repair your home after it is damaged in an earthquake! The standard earthquake retrofitting job may cost a few thousand dollars, but the damage from a single earthquake can easily cost more than 10 times that amount. Moreover, in some circumstances, the extent of earthquake damage may be so severe and extensive that the property is not repairable, forcing the home owner to either rebuild the home from scratch or purchase and move into a new home. And so the question is, how can you put a cost on sleeping better at night, knowing that you and your family are safe? Of course such peace of mind is priceless! And don’t forget that you might even receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premiums!
If you home was built before the 1970s, then you may very well need earthquake retrofitting. Proper earthquake retrofitting in the greater Los Angeles area was not a standard practice for most homes built before the 1970s. Moreover, even if your home was retrofitted in some fashion in the 1970s, or was even built after the 1970s, there’s still a substantial chance that your home will need additional support. Why take the chance? Call Weinstein Construction professionals for a free, no-obligation assessment of your home’s needs. The next “Big One” can strike anytime, and you need to make sure that your home and family are as safe as they can possibly be. Remember, when we talk about earthquakes, it’s not “if” the next “Big One” hits, it’s “when” it hits…
It is not always easy to tell if your building needs earthquake retrofitting. Depending on what type of building you have, and when your structure was built, it may not have proper earthquake protection (e.g., braced cripple walls, anchor bolts, or reinforcing of crawl spaces) . If your commercial property was once an older home, then you may be especially vulnerable. But no matter what kind of building you have or when it was built, if many people use it daily, not only is your investment at risk during an earthquake, but also at risk are the lives of all who happen to be inside the structure at the time. Even if there are no obvious problems with your building and you are not sure whether it needs to be retrofitted, call one of Weinstein Construction’s experts for a free, no-obligation review of your situation. We will be happy to come to your building and provide you with some much-needed peace-of-mind, helping you know for sure whether there are any problems that need to be fixed.
The cost of commercial retrofitting depends on the building in question, as well as the problems that the building is manifesting. You can always be sure of one thing: there is no doubt that the cost of having a building repaired after it is damaged in an earthquake is much more than having the same building retrofitted before an earthquake hits. If you don’t retrofit, you are putting your entire investment at risk! We have seen time and time again buildings that were so severely damaged during earthquakes that they were considered a total loss. Weinstein Construction professionals have many different options for you to choose from, at various price points. We pride ourselves on always making sure our clients receive the best quality at the most reasonable prices! Please call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation where we can consult you on your retrofitting needs.
Residential Retrofitting House Bolting
Simply stated, it’s a process that ties a home together. It increase the resistance to earthquake damage and decreases the risk of injury. In short, it significantly strengthens the house.
Do you drive your car without insurance? If not, why would you live in a home that hasn’t been earthquake retrofitted? We can say with certainty that it is much more affordable to retrofit your home against earthquakes, than it is to repair your home after it is damaged in an earthquake! The standard earthquake retrofitting job may cost a few thousand dollars, but the damage from a single earthquake can easily cost more than 10 times that amount. Moreover, in some circumstances, the extent of earthquake damage may be so severe and extensive that the property is not repairable, forcing the home owner to either rebuild the home from scratch or purchase and move into a new home. And so the question is, how can you put a cost on sleeping better at night, knowing that you and your family are safe? Of course such peace of mind is priceless! And don’t forget that you might even receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premiums!
Yes, of course. There are a variety of options from you to choose from, all at various prices points that most homeowners can afford. Weinstein Construction professionals can come to your home as soon as the next day for a free, no-obligation inspection and consultation. From there, we will give you as many different choices and prices to choose as are available, based upon the condition of your house and the amount of work we will need to do to make your home safer. No matter what services you need and what kind of budget you are on, we will have the right solution for you!
Yes. You will need a permit for most earthquake retrofitting services. However, Weinstein Construction professionals will take care of the entire permitting process for you (unless of course, you would like to do it on your own). Weinstein Construction can partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project. In most cases, home owners want us to make sure that all of the right permits are pulled correctly for the job we do.
If you home was built before the 1970s, then you may very well need earthquake retrofitting. Proper earthquake retrofitting in the greater Los Angeles area was not a standard practice for most homes built before the 1970s. Moreover, even if your home was retrofitted in some fashion in the 1970s, or was even built after the 1970s, there’s still a substantial chance that your home will need additional support. Why take the chance? Call Weinstein Construction professionals for a free, no-obligation assessment of your home’s needs. The next “Big One” can strike anytime, and you need to make sure that your home and family are as safe as they can possibly be. Remember, when we talk about earthquakes, it’s not “if” the next “Big One” hits, it’s “when” it hits…
Typically, your home will have protection in 1-3 days. Having said that, much depends on your home’s condition and what needs to be accomplished. This type of a job typically does not take a very long time to complete, and it will do so much good for your home. Don’t delay or take a chance that an earthquake will damage your home – call Weinstein Construction today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
Soft Story Retrofitting
Simply stated, it’s a process that ties a home together. It increase the resistance to earthquake damage and decreases the risk of injury. In short, it significantly strengthens the house.
A Soft Story retrofit cost in Los Angeles varies, depending on the type of building and its size. The following rule-of-thumb often holds true: for a “tuck-under” parking garage, one must design and build one reinforcing structure (either a “moment frame” or a “cantilever column”) for every six parking stalls. Each such reinforcing structure will cost about $35,000 to $40,000. Following this math, if a building has under-tuck parking for 12 cars, the cost of Soft Story retrofitting will range from $70,000 to $80,000.
Los Angeles Soft Story cost of retrofitting may vary depending on other factors, for example, the type and location of the building: can heavy equipment access the building easily? Can a full-size truck (or just a small car) get onto the property? Is the parking area uphill, or downhill? What is the distance from the parking lot to the street? All these questions factor into cost considerations.
Moreover, other concealed and/or unforeseen site conditions may affect pricing, for example, the existence of any of the following (which may need to be disconnected, removed, or altered): concrete footing below ground, water/electric or gas pipes, plumbing or sewer lines, fire sprinkler lines, landscaping/irrigation lines, large tree roots, low voltage lines (e.g. communication), etc.
The time it takes to retrofit a Soft Story building will of course depend on a variety of factors, for example how many reinforcing structures must be built, how easy is access to the building from the street, whether or not concealed and/or unforeseen site conditions are encountered (e.g., concrete footing underground which must be broken up), the weather, how quickly the custom steel is prepared, etc.). Some Soft Story retrofitting jobs may take as few as five working days, and others may take a few additional working days or even weeks. Before we begin the retrofitting job, we will give you a rough estimate about how long it will take. We know how important your time is and always try to do the best job in as little time as possible.
Your building has a “Soft Story” if it was built under building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978, is made of a wood frame construction, and has a ground floor (e.g., “tuck-under”) parking or other similar open floor spaces.
Yes, indeed, the City of Los Angeles’ Tenant Habitability Program, as administered by the Housing and Community Investment Department (“HCIDLA”), can approve a rent increase if a property owner/landlord submits a temporary rent increase request within one year of completing the Soft Story retrofit. The HCIDLA will notify tenants of the increase and the tenants will have the opportunity to submit any objections in writing. If the rent increase is approved by the HCILDA, the property owner/landlord can typically recover up to 50% of the Soft Story retrofit costs in a rent increase which is spread out over 10 years.
Commercial Building Retrofitting
It is not always easy to tell if your building needs earthquake retrofitting. Depending on what type of building you have, and when your structure was built, it may not have proper earthquake protection (e.g., braced cripple walls, anchor bolts, or reinforcing of crawl spaces) . If your commercial property was once an older home, then you may be especially vulnerable. But no matter what kind of building you have or when it was built, if many people use it daily, not only is your investment at risk during an earthquake, but also at risk are the lives of all who happen to be inside the structure at the time. Even if there are no obvious problems with your building and you are not sure whether it needs to be retrofitted, call one of Weinstein Construction’s experts for a free, no-obligation review of your situation. We will be happy to come to your building and provide you with some much-needed peace-of-mind, helping you know for sure whether there are any problems that need to be fixed.
The cost of commercial retrofitting depends on the building in question, as well as the problems that the building is manifesting. You can always be sure of one thing: there is no doubt that the cost of having a building repaired after it is damaged in an earthquake is much more than having the same building retrofitted before an earthquake hits. If you don’t retrofit, you are putting your entire investment at risk! We have seen time and time again buildings that were so severely damaged during earthquakes that they were considered a total loss. Weinstein Construction professionals have many different options for you to choose from, at various price points. We pride ourselves on always making sure our clients receive the best quality at the most reasonable prices! Please call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation where we can consult you on your retrofitting needs.
The answer to this question varies, as it depends on the size of your structure and the nature of the structural weaknesses found, if any. Look, we are keenly aware that you are running a business and that your time and resources are valuable. We will make sure to give you valuable insight into any potential problems we find, and if you choose us for the job, we will get the job done as quickly as we can, without ever sacrificing quality or safety in the process. If you invite us for a free, no-obligation inspection, we will typically be able to provide you with a time estimate on how long it will take to complete the job!
Yes. A permit is typically needed to service a commercial property. Weinstein Construction professionals always make sure that all the proper permits are pulled before we begin a job. We will be glad to take care of this entire process for you, unless you would like to do it on your own. Weinstein Construction can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project.
House Leveling
Are any of the floors in your house sloping? Do you have cracks in your walls or ceilings? Are you having trouble closing any of the doors or windows? When you walk around the house, do the floors squeak? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is more than likely that you need leveling done to your home. Some of these problems may sound very common, but they should not be ignored. If you are have any further concerns about leveling your home, feel free to give us a call. We will come out to your home for a FREE inspection and let you know if there are any leveling problems.
While the cost of leveling your home depends on what you need done, most homes don’t require much work to get them level, and the costs are often quite affordable at about 1% – 2% of a home’s average value. No matter how much the repair costs, it will ALWAYS be much cheaper than the damage that can occur if it is not repaired. Unleveled floors can ruin an entire house if they are not properly taken care of. If your floor is not leveled, your home is not stable. Floor leveling services cost only a fraction of the price it would be to repair the damage once it has occurred.
Most leveling jobs require a permit, besides self-leveling. You do not need a permit for this job because it is a much more basic job. We will take care of the permits for all other leveling jobs. Weinstein Construction can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project. However, you are free to get the permits on your own if you like. We make sure that every job is done up to city code.
A typical house leveling project takes only a few days and the homeowner can remain inside the property throughout this process! Note, however, that sometimes when a home is experiencing such issues it will also need additional help such as basement waterproofing, drain repair, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, basement wall cracks repair, and foundation cracks repair. If other services are needed, this may increase the number of working days for the project.
Foundation Repair
If your home was built before 1970, then the answer is YES. There are a variety of different signs that your foundation needs repair. One of the most common signs is if you have cracks in your walls or ceilings. As well as squeaky floors when you are walking around. Cracked concrete floors are another major sign that your foundation is in need of repair. There are other problems that may not be even more serious, but can not be seen as easily. If you have any doubts about the stability of your home, do not wait! If you are not sure if you need a foundation repair, we will come to you for a FREE inspection. If there is a problem, we will find it!
We offer a variety of effective methods at different price ranges in order to fit every property owner’s needs. You can take a look above at some of our different service types, so that you can properly assess which method may be right for you. Many property owners are quick to make repairs on their own because we do not always realize the severity of the problem and of course we are always looking to save a few bucks. However, foundation repair is not something that you want to take any shortcuts with. The subsequent damage that can occur from not having your foundation repaired in a timely manner can be extremely costly. In some cases, the damage can be so bad your property is irreparable and can cause your entire investment to crumble. Having your foundation repaired is only a small fraction of what the subsequent damage can wind up costing you.
Early repairs of minor damage are always going to be quicker and cheaper than waiting for the damage to become more severe. If you catch foundation damage early, you may just need to repair a few cracks and improve the drainage around your house to funnel rainwater away from your property. Such early repairs to a damaged foundation, even a raised foundation, are not very costly and can be taken care of for about 1% – 3% of the value of the home. In comparison, waiting for the damage to spread to the point where foundation repair is no longer an option can be a very costly mistake, as the cost of completely replacing a foundation can easily run 5% – 10% of the value of the home! In cases of severe damage, replacing the entire foundation is the only way to maintain the strength and sturdiness of a home.
In most cases, we can repair your foundation in 3-5 days. Some jobs may take longer depending on the work that needs to be done. We will let you know how long the job will take before we begin. We know how important your time is. We try to complete every job as fast as possible, without taking away quality.
Foundation Replacement
Oh no, not every contractor is skilled enough to remove an old foundation and pour a new one! Unfortunately, some contractors hold themselves out as foundations experts even when they don’t have the right tools and experience to do this work. At the end of the day, foundation work must be done carefully, according to strict codes, and using correct, top-quality materials. This is not an easy process and if the job is not done right, the entire home can be seriously damaged. If you’re now asking, “are there foundation specialists near me” then the answer is yes! The professionals at Weinstein Construction are deeply experienced in foundation repair and replacement and are leaders in their field. We are all committed to helping you with all your foundation work!
Yes, while you won’t always know if your foundation is damaged just from walking around your home, there are some warning signs that, if you see them, should alarm you enough to call a foundation professional to come have a look. These warning signs include sloping, sagging, or cracking floors, gaps appearing between walls and floors, walls that begin to lean and bow, or sticking windows and doors. If you see any of these warning signs, give the foundation specialists at Weinstein Construction a call immediately!
Yes, foundation damage is most common in older homes. For example, foundations built earlier than the 1950s are very susceptible to cracking and damage, as they were typically made out of unreinforced concrete or bricks / river rocks, held together with simple mortar. Moreover, foundations built during the building booms of the 1950s and 60s are also very fragile, as they were also made from unreinforced concrete slabs as thin as two inches that were poured over unstable top soil that was not properly compacted. As a result, many old foundations are often found damaged today. If you live in an older home, you must inspect the condition of your foundation regularly!
Very much so! Homes in Los Angeles typically have foundations that are built on soft clay soil that expands during our rainy season and contracts during our dry season. This back-and-forth movement often causes concrete foundations to shift and crack. Moreover, the strong seismic activity and violent shaking that is so common to Southern California puts incredible stress on already-brittle foundations, easily cracking them in multiple places. Finally, other local geographical natural forces such as water runoff also damages local foundations. If your home was subjected to earthquakes and water runoff, you may need basement waterproofing, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, basement wall cracks repair, or in the worst case, a full foundation replacement!
Typically a full foundation is replaced only when the foundation is on its “last legs” and when undertaking a repair is no longer an option. This doesn’t happen very often, for example, only when landslides, flooding, or a strong earthquake caused a sudden erosion of soil under the foundation. But, when replacing a foundation is warranted, the experts at Weinstein Construction can replace a foundation without lifting the house, and even while folks continue to live inside of the home!
Foundation Crack Repair
Oh no, not every contractor is skilled enough to remove an old foundation and pour a new one! Unfortunately, some contractors hold themselves out as foundations experts even when they don’t have the right tools and experience to do this work. At the end of the day, foundation work must be done carefully, according to strict codes, and using correct, top-quality materials. This is not an easy process and if the job is not done right, the entire home can be seriously damaged. If you’re now asking, “are there foundation specialists near me” then the answer is yes! The professionals at Weinstein Construction are deeply experienced in foundation repair and replacement and are leaders in their field. We are all committed to helping you with all your foundation work!
Yes, while you won’t always know if your foundation is damaged just from walking around your home, there are some warning signs that, if you see them, should alarm you enough to call a foundation professional to come have a look. These warning signs include sloping, sagging, or cracking floors, gaps appearing between walls and floors, walls that begin to lean and bow, or sticking windows and doors. If you see any of these warning signs, give the foundation specialists at Weinstein Construction a call immediately!
Yes, foundation damage is most common in older homes. For example, foundations built earlier than the 1950s are very susceptible to cracking and damage, as they were typically made out of unreinforced concrete or bricks/river rocks, held together with simple mortar. Moreover, foundations built during the building booms of the 1950s and 60s are also very fragile, as they were also made from unreinforced concrete slabs as thin as two inches that were poured over unstable top soil that was not properly compacted. As a result, many old foundations are often found damaged today. If you live in an older home, you must inspect the condition of your foundation regularly!
Yes, indeed. Homes in Los Angeles typically have foundations that are built on soft clay soil that expands during our rainy season and contracts during our dry season. This back-and-forth movement often causes concrete foundations to shift and crack. Moreover, the strong seismic activity and violent shaking that is so common to Southern California puts incredible stress on already-brittle foundations, easily cracking them in multiple places. Finally, other local geographical natural forces such as water runoff also damages local foundations. If your home was subjected to earthquakes and water runoff, you may need basement waterproofing, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, basement wall cracks repair, or in the worst case, a full foundation replacement!
Typically, no, because most homeowners do not choose to purchase the expensive insurance policies that cover subsidence or landslide damage. As such, it is incredibly important for homeowners to be vigilant and inspect regularly their home’s foundation. It’s always going to be much cheaper and quicker to take care of minor damage today than have to pay for a full foundation replacement later on!
Even if your foundation is already damaged, you could get it repaired fairly easily if the damage is not too extensive. For example, foundation cracks up to a ¼ inch wide can be filled with epoxy that solidifies and reconnects the two portions of the foundation together. In other cases, reinforced steel rods can be anchored in place and sealed with new concrete. The professionals at Weinstein Construction can fill you in on all of these details – they have a solution to fit every budget!
There are a variety of different signs that your foundation needs repair. One of the most common signs is if you have cracks in your walls or ceilings. As well as squeaky floors when you are walking around. Cracked concrete floors are another major sign that your foundation is in need of repair. There are other problems that may not be even more serious, but can not be seen as easily. If you have any doubts about the stability of your home, do not wait! If you are not sure if you need a foundation repair, we will come to you for a FREE inspection. If there is a problem, we will find it!
Concrete Slab Repair
Oh no, not every contractor is skilled enough to remove an old foundation and pour a new one! Unfortunately, some contractors hold themselves out as foundations experts even when they don’t have the right tools and experience to do this work. At the end of the day, foundation work must be done carefully, according to strict codes, and using correct, top-quality materials. This is not an easy process and if the job is not done right, the entire home can be seriously damaged. If you’re now asking, “are there foundation specialists near me” then the answer is yes! The professionals at Weinstein Construction are deeply experienced in foundation repair and replacement and are leaders in their field. We are all committed to helping you with all your foundation work!
Yes, while you won’t always know if your foundation is damaged just from walking around your home, there are some warning signs that, if you see them, should alarm you enough to call a foundation professional to come have a look. These warning signs include sloping, sagging, or cracking floors, gaps appearing between walls and floors, walls that begin to lean and bow, or sticking windows and doors. If you see any of these warning signs, give the foundation specialists at Weinstein Construction a call immediately!
Yes, foundation damage is most common in older homes. For example, foundations built earlier than the 1950s are very susceptible to cracking and damage, as they were typically made out of unreinforced concrete or bricks / river rocks, held together with simple mortar. Moreover, foundations built during the building booms of the 1950s and 60s are also very fragile, as they were also made from unreinforced concrete slabs as thin as two inches that were poured over unstable top soil that was not properly compacted. As a result, many old foundations are often found damaged today. If you live in an older home, you must inspect the condition of your foundation regularly!
Early repairs of minor damage are always going to be quicker and cheaper than waiting for the damage to become more severe. If you catch foundation damage early, you may just need to repair a few cracks and improve the drainage around your house to funnel rainwater away from your property. Such early repairs to a damaged foundation, even a raised foundation, are not very costly, and can be taken care of for about 1% – 3% of the value of the home. In comparison, waiting for damage to spread to the point where foundation repair is no longer an option can be a very costly mistake, as the cost of completely replacing a foundation can easily run 5% – 10% of the value of the home! In cases of severe damage, replacing the entire foundation is the only way to maintain the strength and sturdiness of a home
Very much so! Homes in Los Angeles typically have foundations that are built on soft clay soil that expands during our rainy season and contracts during our dry season. This back-and-forth movement often causes concrete foundations to shift and crack. Moreover, the strong seismic activity and violent shaking that is so common to Southern California puts incredible stress on already-brittle foundations, easily cracking them in multiple places. Finally, other local geographical natural forces such as water runoff also damages local foundations. If your home was subjected to earthquakes and water runoff, you may need basement waterproofing, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, basement wall cracks repair, or in the worst case, a full foundation replacement!
Caissons
Yes, building caissons is definitely not a “Do It Yourself” activity, and you will need to get a qualified, experienced contractor to do this work. You will also need a competent engineer to design the caisson system, and inspect the work after its completed. Weinstein Construction can partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project. The City’s building inspector will also inspect the work. In short, you will need experts such as the professionals at Weinstein Construction to do this work for you!
There are many types of caissons construction (e.g., excavated, box, open, floating, etc.) and they are generally structures built above ground, then sunk below ground and filled with reinforcing steel and cement concrete. There are also many types of piles (e.g., end-bearing piles, friction piles, anchor piles, compaction piles, etc.), and they are generally columns of material which are driven into the ground by a piledriver. Piles, like caissons, don’t have a footing. A Pier Foundation, is a type of a deep foundation that consists of a large diameter cylindrical column, which is intended to support a large load, and is built in the ground. There are a few types of pier foundations as well and they do have a footing.
Interestingly, the price for caissons can vary depending on the expertise of the contractor who is building it as well as the availability of the contractor’s equipment and materials used on the job (i.e., having the right equipment and materials on-hand). Contractors who are experienced in building caissons often provide customers with a better price. Weinstein Construction professionals are expert caisson builders, and can design caissons to fit most budgets – give Weinstein Construction a call for all your caisson needs!
Caissons (or piers) are a type of a deep foundation, whereby a hole is excavated in the ground, and a reinforced steel structure is built above ground level, and is then sunk into the hole. Cement concrete is then poured into the caisson to add strength, durability, and weight. Caissons can be a good way to secure a foundation to bedrock for hillside homes or homes built on an “active” soil such that they can sink or slide (e.g., during an earthquake, mudslide, or landslide).
Crawl Space Protection
A crawl space is just what the name says. It is typically an unfinished space in your home’s basement or under its roof that you cannot stand up in, but need to crawl through. Crawl spaces are used to access wiring or plumbing pipes and other fixtures in your home that are typically difficult to control. It is very likely that you have no desire to go crawl into such a space! If you are adventurous and go looking for, but cannot find, a crawl space below your house, you may not have one. However, if you have a crawl space and never inspected it, or if you are unsure, we will gladly come to your home for a free, no-obligation inspection and give you a definitive answer. Crawl spaces should always be inspected, or you risk damaging your home!
Yes, of course. Some of our customers choose to simply seal their crawl space without adding waterproofing. Having said that, Weinstein Construction’s experts will always recommend waterproofing options, just to be on the safe side, in case you experience a pipe leak or other damaging water intrusion.
Actually, no! In most cases, this is a simple and cost-effective job that does not require a permit. Occasionally, an extensive job may require a permit, but when this happens, we can take care of the whole permitting process for you. If required, Weinstein Construction can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for such a project.
Crawl space services are very affordable, especially when you compare their cost to the damage that can happen to your home from water intrusion, damp, rot, termites or pest infestation. When crawl space problems get bad, the cost of repairing them can be very pricey. In a worst-case scenario, the damage can be so bad that it is not even repairable (for example, when deadly bacteria and mold spores overtake a home). The price of having your crawl space protected is an investment that you make in your future. You know what they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Crawl space problems can be very serious and should not be ignored. If a problem exists in a crawl space, it must be taken care of ASAP. The trouble is, most people never go into their crawlspace, which means they cannot see if there is a problem exists until it’s too late, and the damage is done! Why take a chance? The longer crawl space issues fester, the greater the damage to your home. If you haven’t been inside your crawl space in a while, go inside and have a look. If you want Weinstein Construction’s experts to go in, free-of-charge, and without obligation, just give us a call! If you’ve been inside your crawl space and noticed any water, mold, damp areas, or dead critters, then you must take action immediately! Water and dampness are a crawl space’s worst enemy and mold can be very dangerous to the health and well-being of all who live in the home. Beyond the health issues discussed above, water can rot the wood that is holding up your home, which may present a serious risk when the next earthquake hits. If you are not sure whether you need crawl space repairs, call Weinstein Construction, and one of our expert inspectors will come to your home and inspect your crawl space at no charge, and without any obligation on your part!
Basement Systems
Yes. Weinstein Construction professionals can build a brand-new basement in your home from scratch. We can custom design the basement so that that it fits your specific needs. Your new basement can literally be used for anything, from storage space to a home theater or gym. Don’t let the extra space in your home go to waste – call Weinstein Construction today!
Water can leak into your basement from a variety of places, for example, gutters, downspouts, leaking pipes, or improper grading around the foundation. If there is any sort of entry way for water to come into your basement, be sure that water will find it! While not all of the entrances into your basement can be closed off, Weinstein Construction professionals can always find a way to direct water away from your basement. If you want to understand how water is seeping into your basement, give the professionals at Weinstein Construction a call – we will come to your home for a free, no-obligation evaluation and consultation!
Basement repairs are actually more affordable than you may think. Moreover, fixing a faulty basement is much cheaper than the cost of repairing the damages that can happen by not having the basement fixed. It has been our experience that damages caused from basements can be very costly because they can wind up causing damage to the entire structure. The professionals at Weinstein Construction will work with you to understand your basement issues and figure out the best and most affordable methods available for repairing your basement.
Your basement repair may, or may not require a permit. Moreover, different basement jobs may require different permits. It really all depends on the service you need. Rest assured that Weinstein Construction will always make sure the correct permits are pulled and that everything is done up to code. We can take care of the whole permitting process for you, unless you wish to do so on your own. Weinstein Construction can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project. Our goal is always to provide you with the best possible service with the least amount of cost or hassle.
Most people in Southern California do not use their basement on a daily basis. This fact can make it difficult for a home owner to tell if a basement needs repair (unless of course there are obvious problems!). The difficulty is that by the time a home owner spots a basement problem, it may be too late for a quick, inexpensive fix. The right thing to do is to prevent basement issues from happening in the first place! Please be proactive and go down to your basement today and have a look around to see if you can spot any issues. For example, can you see any water or dampness where it should not be? Can you spot any leaky pipes, water seeping in from the walls or ceilings, a bad or musty smell? If you do, you must fix these issues immediately. If you do not notice any of these problems, this does not mean that there are no problems in your basement. Many problems, especially when they first appear, are not always observable to home owners. However, Weinstein Construction professionals are very experienced in spotting issues and will be happy to come to your home for a free, no-obligation inspection of your basement. If you have a problem basement, we will be able to find the issues and offer you the right mitigation strategies that can not only fix the problem today, but help ensure you don’t have costly repairs in the future.
Drainage Solutions
Does your home have at least one of the following: a basement, a crawl space, a yard, or a hillside? If so, then your home needs a drainage system. While no one can stop rain from falling, Weinstein Construction professionals can control the way in which water drains, and in fact help drain water away from your home! It is a common mistake for people to ignore water issues because they do not think water can cause problems. However, such thinking can lead to expensive mistakes that can wind up costing home owners a lot of money. If you are still wondering if you need a drainage system, give us a call! We will come to your home and identify any drainage problems that you may have and our consultation is 100% free of charge and is undertaken on a no obligation basis!
Drainage services range in price, and depend on the size and particular requirements for each specific job. However, rest assured that Weinstein Construction professionals will have a variety of drainage control options to offer you, and all of them will be cost-effective and affordable measures. No matter what you do, do not delay on ensuring that your home is properly draining water away from the structure. Even a top-of-the-line drainage system will only cost a fraction of what it costs to repair water damage!
It does take quite a bit of experience and know-how to perform drainage services on a property, as you want to make sure you are not affecting any water lines, gas lines, or other buried utilities. As with most contracting jobs, it is probably not a good idea to do this on your own! Having said that, drainage service projects do not take very long to complete, unless they are very involved.
Typically, you will not need a permit from the city to do drainage work on your property. Having said that, if the work will involve trapping or diverting a local stream, or affecting a wetland or navigable waterway, a permit likely will be required. Likewise, if the job involves building or enhancing a structure on your property, or doing electrical work (e.g., installing a sump pump) then a permit may be required to proceed. In all cases, Weinstein Construction will be able to pull the permit and can partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project.
Gabion Systems
Gabion baskets are galvanized wire containers that are filled with decorative rocks or glass chunks. These ornamental baskets have tremendous curb appeal and can be used in a variety of ways to protect homes and commercial structures. Weinstein Construction offers gabion baskets as an innovative and cost-effective solution to fight soil erosion or protect against high-velocity water flow (gabions disperse water pressure through openings in the rocks).
The word “Gabion” is derived from the ancient Italian word, “Gabbione” which means a big cage. Originally, such cages were made from wicker and used as military fortifications, but now they are made out of a strong, welded, galvanized steel wire, that can hold its shape when filled with heavy rocks.
No, gabion baskets are actually very affordable to construct, as they are made of economical materials that are also inexpensive to transport and build on-site. Give the professionals at Weinstein Construction a call to discover all the wonderful aspects of gabion baskets!
Possibly, gabion walls and baskets may require a permit. For example, if your gabion wall goes over a certain height, you may need a permit for such work. Weinstein Construction can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project if necessary. The professionals at Weinstein Construction are gabion basket/wall experts, and have undertaken many such jobs, and we will be pleased to advise you on this subject and put together a cost-effective proposal to fit your needs and budget – give us a call!
Retaining Wall Systems
Water from rain and other irrigation runs down a slope, causing erosion problems and damage to structures that are in the way. Moreover, dirt and debris that run down can also create a lot of pressure on your home, which then puts the stability of the structure in jeopardy. Weinstein Construction professionals can build retaining walls that hold back water, dirt, debris, and other substances from running down a slope and damaging your home. An additional, nice benefit of retaining walls is that they can also give your landscape a nice cosmetic touch-up, creating more space and a manicured appeal to your home, which in turn increases your home’s value.
If your home is built on a slope, it is more than likely than not that you should have a retaining wall as protection. As we discussed above, pressure build-up from water and soil can cause some very serious damage to your valuable property and erosion can take a toll on any structure that is not supported by a retaining wall. Look, if you live in the greater Los Angeles area, then you live in “Earthquake Country.” When (not “if”) the next “Big One” hits, you want your valuable financial investment, the home where your family lives, to have the most protection possible, at a price you can afford. A retaining wall can help give you the extra protection you need. If you are still not sure if you need a retaining wall, please call us and a Weinstein Construction professional will come to your home and give you a 100% free, no obligation inspection and consultation.
The main purpose of a retaining wall is to help protect a home that is built on a slope. However, different types of walls use different methods to offer such protection. Retaining wall contractors in Los Angeles typically build a concrete retaining wall with solid concrete blocks and steel reinforcements. Such walls are built at a 90-degree angle on a specific place on the slope that can offer the most support. These concrete blocks are able to stop much, if not all, of the water, debris, and other substances from running on to your home. Basically, the pressure that builds up from run-off on the slope can cause the soil that is holding up your home to become loose and unstable, but a retaining wall can stop all the pressure that your house would normally have to take from these substances.
The price of a retaining wall typically depends on what type of wall you’d like to build, how big and tall this wall is, and where the wall will be built. A basic retaining wall is very affordable, and prices typically start to rise for larger, more complicated walls that have very specific designs and styles. One thing typically holds true: regardless of the type of retaining wall you choose, your home will be much more protected with a wall than without one. Weinstein Construction’s expert wall builders will be happy to discuss various cost-effective options with you to suit your needs and budget.
Retaining walls are definitely made to last. Such walls are meant to be a permanent solution for your home. Unless something extreme happens and Mother Nature decides to really have her way with you, your wall should last as long as you live in your home. Once the wall is built, you should no longer need to worry about it again in the future, and your satisfaction is backed by Weinstein Construction’s exclusive service warranty!
There are quite a few types of retaining walls that can be built. We have already described a concrete retaining wall, but another example is called a “gabion retaining wall” which acts in a very similar way to a typical retaining wall, except that a gabion wall is constructed with small openings, instead of solid concrete. Gabion walls are made up from rocks (or other material of your choice) and are held together by metal wires. The small openings or spaces in the gabion wall slow down and control water flow without allowing it to damage your home. When the water flows through the gabion wall, it will not break up the soil, but rather keep it compacted. Other types of retaining walls, for example shotcrete/gunite, act in the same way as a concrete wall, but offer even more stability to your home. Why not allow one of Weinstein Construction’s experts to explain in further detail how retaining walls work and which wall is best for your home? A consultative visit is completely free of charge, and holds no obligation for you!
Erosion Control System
Erosion happens when solid objects (e.g., soil, rocks, structures, etc.) are worn down by the immense forces of Mother Nature (e.g., water, wind, waves, glaciers, etc.). Erosion can be slow, or swift, but in both cases, erosion can cause serious damage and should to be taken care of immediately. In Southern California, water and wind are the main causes of erosion and property owners use a variety of erosion control techniques and tools to stop water and wind forces from wearing down their properties. Erosion is most common in buildings that are built on a slope because water runs down the hill and onto the property. The water collects soil, sediment, and debris on its way down the slope, and this causes problems to anything which stands in the way. There are various methods to control erosion, but they all of one thing in common: they are used to protect properties from serious damage!
Is your home built on a slope? If the answer is yes, then it is more than likely that you need to employ some erosion control tools and techniques. If you notice any sort of erosion on or around your property, it should be taken care of immediately. If you are not sure if you need erosion control at or around your home or commercial building, the professionals at Weinstein Construction will be more than happy to help you out. We will come to your home or property and undertake a no-obligation, completely free inspection, and in doing so we can discover whether your building or property is experiencing any erosion issues. Of course, we will then work with you to find the right solution to fix any issues, all at a reasonable, unbeatable price!
A project that involves Erosion Control can be finished in as little as a half of a day. Some larger, more complex jobs may require more work and may take up to a week to complete. It really all depends on how much work needs to be done to remediate the conditions that give rise to erosion. Note also, that some jobs may require installing special materials, and these can take some extra time to arrive. We will always try to complete all of our jobs as fast as we can, while still providing you the best quality work possible, for the best possible price!
Yes, Erosion Control services typically do require a permit for work to be done. However, there is no need to stress about permits! If permits are required, Weinstein Construction’s professionals can take care of the entire process for you (or you are welcome to pull the permits yourself if you prefer). At Weinstein Construction, we do everything by the book and we always make sure the proper permits are pulled out for each job and can also partner with civil engineering firms near you to provide you with exceptional quality engineering plans for your project!
Erosion Control is very inexpensive, when compared to the damage that can happen if your home or commercial property needs this service, and you do not get it done! Not only does erosion damage the landscaping around your house or building, but it can also damage the structure itself! This is one of those services where a little bit of protection today, can save you quite a bit of money later on in repair costs and landscaping bills!
