top of page


Soft-Story Retrofit: Guide for SF Bay Area Property Owners | Save Money & Protect Your Building
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, reduce retrofit expenses by up to 50%, and even increase your property value and rental income with ADU's. Don’t wait for disaster to strike — secure your property, your peace of mind, and your financial future today with soft-story retrofit.
Mike Abell, Professional Civil Engineer
6 min read
Â
Â
Â


Your Guide to Buying Property in the San Francisco Bay Area: 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.
Mike Abell, Professional Civil Engineer
3 min read
Â
Â
Â


Foundation Cracks? Don’t Panic | Real Risks for SF Bay Area Property Owners
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. If you own property in the San Francisco Bay Area, don’t wait for the next earthquake to take action.
Mike Abell, Professional Civil Engineer
2 min read
Â
Â
Â


Wall Cracks Explained: Why They Happen 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.
Mike Abell, Professional Civil Engineer
4 min read
Â
Â
Â


Brick Foundations: Why They're Bad News in the SF Bay Area | Risks, Costs & Retrofit Guide
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.
Mike Abell, Professional Civil Engineer
3 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page