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Why City Structural?

Fast, Cost-effective, and Innovative

Structural Engineering services for your

Residential Construction project.

Benefits

  • Fast.  Receive your design in just 2 weeks, then sail through permitting with prompt approval of your high-quality submission.  Save months of time without drawn-out back-and-forth with the building department.  Streamline delivery with City Structural so your project can move forward on schedule.

Residential new construction project completed building photo San Francisco structural eng
  • Cost-effective.  Optimize your finances with cost-effective design.  Your design is the blueprint for your project and expenses.  To save big, it's best to optimize your project scope during the design phase.  Engineers often over-design on the side of caution, while contractors may recommend a broader scope to boost their earnings.  While you're welcome to pursue an expansive project, it's not necessary.  Building codes already ensure safety and compliance.  Empower yourself to make the best decisions for your family, your building, and your budget.  We'll guide you through your project options, offer insight, explore financial implications, and collaborate with your priorities and constraints so you can optimize your design and unlock substantial savings during construction.

  • Innovative.  Incorporate every key detail and nuance of the building-industry forefront into your project with our integrated, template-based workflow.  Meticulously crafted and fine-tuned over years of professional experience, our workflow ensures your project is designed, presented, and executed with impeccable completeness and clarity.  Say goodbye to inefficiencies.  Leverage the state-of-the-art with our tech-savvy team and seamless delivery.

Work with us and you'll also benefit from:

  • Network.  Enlist a top-tier network with City Structural.  We have strong connections and seamless working relationships with the best specialists, including excellent contractors who offer the most cost-effective pricing.  Work with us and our elite network becomes yours. 

  • Experience.  Navigate your project timeline with confidence.  We'll steer you clear of issues and smoothly handle any challenges that may arise.  Put your project in expert hands, backed by a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.

  • Depth & Breadth.  Elevate your project quality and outcomes with our holistic understanding of property development.  Beyond structural-engineering expertise, we offer insights into real estate, architecture, design, requirements, permitting, construction, and other facets of the building process.  Choose us and benefit from broader perspective.

  • Management & Leadership.  Execute efficiently with our agile and coordinated approach to working with designers, builders, and clients.  We know when to lead, and when to support.  Our team-centric approach minimizes stress and maximizes success.

  • Relationship.  Secure an engineer for your long-term team.  Beyond this project, you can reach out anytime with questions about new properties and developments you're considering.  Meanwhile, stay connected through our newsletter.  We're here to support you, today and in the future.

Services

Soft-Story Retrofit

Is your building ready for the next major earthquake? Learn why soft-story retrofit is essential for protecting your property, tenants, and investment principal. Discover how to avoid costly repairs, tenant displacement, and reduce retrofit expenses by up to 50%.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike — secure your property, your peace of mind, and your financial future with soft-story retrofit.

Multi-unit residential building soft-story retrofit San Francisco victorian structure stru

Residential Renovation

Turn your dream home into reality — with premium yet cost-effective design and construction.

Ready to transform your home? We are too! Whether you’re reimagining your living space or upgrading for function and style, City Structural is here to bring your vision to life. From concept to completion, we deliver a seamless, stress-free experience with thoughtful design and precision construction.

Why Choose City Structural? We love buildings, and we’re passionate about thoughtful, beautiful design. Our approach is simple: premium design, efficient process, and cost-effective construction. Don’t settle for "good enough" when you can have something extraordinary. Let’s do your project right. Transform your property into a home that works for you — in function, flow, and feel.

Here’s how we can help you reimagine your space:

Open your interior space for better flow and natural light.
Upgrade your kitchen with modern island, custom cabinetry, and additional storage.
Create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with backyard access and new deck.
Reconfigure your floor plan to add a bath, half-bath, or new bedroom.
Build a master suite or create an addition that expands your living space.
Reclaim underutilized areas by building into crawl spaces or optimizing storage.
Add windows or skylights to fill your home with natural light.
Roof deck with a new hot tub? Absolutely, why not!

Ready to start your renovation? Contact us today for your complimentary consultation and see how City Structural can bring your dream home to life.

Resources

Residential Renovation

Your Guide to Buying Property: Top Tips from a Structural Engineer

Buying property? 🏡 City Structural shares everything you need to know before purchasing your dream home, condo, or income property. From foundation facts to soft-story retrofit, waterproofing to renovation cost tips, this guide has you covered. Discover how to spot potential issues, budget for upgrades, and even boost property value with renovation, addition, or ADU installation. Let’s get you prepared to make a smart investment. Watch now and buy with confidence!

Cracks in Your Foundation? Here's Why You Can Relax

Worried about foundation cracks? Don't be! This video explains why most foundation cracks are not a structural concern, and what actually does matter with regard to your building's safety. Learn why foundation cracks are natural, and what to do if you spot them. More importantly, learn about the real risk property owners face: soft-story conditions. Don’t wait for the next earthquake to take action. Soft-story retrofit protects your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.

Wall Cracks Explained: What Causes Them and How to Fix Them

Worried about cracks in your walls? Here’s the truth — they’re almost always NOT a structural concern. In this video, we break down why wall cracks happen, what they mean, and how to fix them without hiring an engineer. The solution is simple — patch, paint, and redirect water. If you’ve been stressing over cracks in your drywall or stucco, this video will put your mind at ease. No panic. No overthinking. Just clear guidance to protect your home and your peace of mind.

Brick Foundations: Why They're Bad News and What to Do

In this video, we cover the risks associated with brick foundations, especially in seismic regions like the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn why unreinforced brick masonry should be replaced or reinforced with concrete. We discuss the costs, including potential savings with segmental reinforcement, and the importance of integrating foundation work with other upgrades like soft-story retrofit. Protect your property now to avoid costly repairs later.

About

City Structural, Inc.

Principal Engineer

Mike Abell, P.E.

License

Professional Civil Engineer

(California)

Education

M.S. Structural Engineering

UC Davis  (2009)

Mike Abell Professional Civil Engineer headshot photo Principal City Structural Inc.jpg

B.S. Structural Engineering

UC San Diego  (2005)

Professional Association

Structural Engineers Association of Northern California  ( SEAONC )

SEAONC Existing Buildings Committee  ( EBC )

Structural Engineers Association of California  ( SEAOC )

American Wood Council  ( AWC )

American Concrete Institute  ( ACI )

American Institute of Architects  ( AIA )

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