Existing-building evaluation
Review the building configuration, available records, and known conditions. Identify structural concerns and the information needed to define an appropriate retrofit approach.
California structural engineering
Seismic retrofit engineering for multifamily buildings
Vexo helps multifamily owners and professional project teams evaluate existing buildings, develop retrofit designs, and prepare structural drawings and calculations for permit review. We serve projects across California and can consider other suitable existing-building work, including select single-family projects.
What the service covers
What we can help with
Retrofit design and calculations
Develop strengthening designs, calculations, and details for the existing structure. Coordinate the proposed work with the building layout and relevant project constraints.
Permit and plan-check support
Prepare structural documents for the applicable local review process. Respond to structural plan-check comments that remain within the agreed engineering scope.
Construction questions
Respond to standard construction requests for information (RFIs) and clarify the structural design when included in the agreed scope.
Project fit
Projects we support
Multifamily and apartment buildings are the primary focus, including inquiries involving soft, weak, or open-front conditions and parking beneath occupied floors. Other suitable work can include select single-family, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, and institutional buildings.
Multifamily and apartment buildings
Soft, weak, or open-front conditions
Parking beneath occupied floors
Select single-family projects
Commercial and mixed-use buildings
Industrial and institutional buildings
Engineering scope
Typical deliverables
Depending on the agreed scope: evaluation findings, retrofit drawings, structural calculations, details, and responses to applicable plan-check comments.
Local requirements
Seismic requirements and review procedures vary across California. The structural scope and permit documents are developed around the building’s conditions and the applicable local review process.
Initial review
What to share first
- Building and concernProperty location, use, configuration, and the reason for the inquiry.
- Existing recordsAvailable drawings, reports, photographs, notices, and jurisdiction correspondence.
- Goals and timingRequested work, target dates, and the applicable local review process.
Common questions
Before you get started
I received a notice or assessment report. Where do I start?
Share the property address, the document you received, and any available building records. We review that information to help define the structural engineering work and relevant local review requirements.
What if I do not have the original drawings?
Share the information you have. The initial review helps identify additional records, inputs, or investigation needed to define the engineering scope.
Does every building require the same retrofit?
No. The approach depends on the structure, identified weaknesses, available information, proposed work, and applicable local requirements.
How is the project schedule determined?
The engineering schedule depends on the evaluation and design scope, available information, and coordination needs. Local review timing depends on the jurisdiction and its process. Share any stated deadlines with the initial inquiry.
Project inquiry
Tell us about your project
Share the project location, proposed work, available information, and target schedule. We’ll review your inquiry and follow up about project fit, information needs, and next steps.
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By submitting this form, you authorize Vexo Engineering to review the information and materials provided for the purpose of evaluating project fit, preparing a response, and communicating with you about the inquiry. Submitting this form does not create an engineering engagement or professional-services agreement. Privacy Policy