One of the most common questions we get during a site assessment is how much will a Soft Story retrofit process cost? Let’s dive into that today.

When the mandatory Soft Story retrofit program in Los Angeles became an ordinance (Ordinance 183893) in October 2015, it was difficult to calculate the construction costs. But ever since then, more than 1,000 multistory properties have been retrofitted in LA, which has made it easier to determine the costs.

This short article will give you an idea of how much you may need to pay for your seismic retrofit project. We have segmented the estimated construction expenses into different categories for your benefit.

You should also keep in mind that these are average estimations and every building is different. The figures below will help you understand the standard price points of retrofitting jobs in LA but they are not definite. Based upon the size of your property, location, engineering and construction methods, the actual price may vary.

That being said, let’s see how much a seismic Soft Story retrofit process may cost for your Soft Story building in the city of Los Angeles.

Small Apartment Building in Los Angeles

Average Estimated Cost: $20,000 to $44,000

Building Details:

  • There are around 4 to 8 units in this building.
  • There is a single floor above tuck-under parking space.
  • No need to make any major infrastructural changes (for example, plumbing)
  • The at-risk area is easily accessible through the lot
  • Minor repairs in stucco may be required due to installing the diaphragm plywood.
  • No need for moment frames; small grade beams and shear walls may be enough

Medium-Sized Building in Los Angeles

Average Estimated Cost: $45,000 to $80,000

Building Details:

  • The building may have between 10 to 15 units.
  • There are 2 floors above the tuck-under parking space.
  • Single moment frame with entire (uncut) grade beams
  • Story lot has easy to medium access to the at-risk zone.
  • Small grade beams and shear walls on the return side walls or the other division of the property

Small Apartment Complex in Los Angeles

Average Estimated Cost: $82,000 to $120,000

Building details:

  • The building has around 20 to 30 units
  • There are 2 floors above the tuck-under parking space
  • Single moment frame with entire (uncut) grade beams
  • Floor lot has relatively easier access to the vulnerable zone of the building
  • Small grade beams and shear walls on the return side walls or the other division of the property

Large Apartment Building in Los Angeles

Average Estimated Cost: $250,000 to $350,000+

Building details:

  • The building has 50 units.
  • There are 3 levels above the tuck-under parking lot.
  • The lot has easy to medium access to the at-risk zone of the building.
  • Numerous small grade beams and shear walls on the return side walls or the other division of the property.
  • Several moment frames with grade beams in full-size grade beams.
  • The new shear walls require a number of repairs in the stucco
  • Major relocation in plumbing and infrastructure is required

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 888-690-1561 or get in touch with us here to schedule a free consultation with one of our retrofitting specialists today.