What Services Does McElligott Construction Specialize In?

McElligott Construction, a family-owned Bay Area contractor with over 30 years of experience since 1991, specializes in foundation-to-frame construction for new builds and renovations. Our expertise includes seismic retrofitting to create earthquake-ready foundations, framing for residential and commercial projects, concrete work, pavements, retaining walls, and decks. We've handled everything from scratch-built custom homes (see our Custom Homes page) to major additions like elevating houses on San Francisco hillsides for second-floor or garage expansions while reinforcing foundations.

Top examples include the Spinal Diagnostics surgery center (commercial build-out), golf course pavements, and full residential renovations with outdoor amenities like brand-new decks replacing aging ones. Whether it's residential new construction in Sonoma County or commercial seismic upgrades in Marin, we blend time-honored craftsmanship with modern techniques for lasting results. Ready to discuss your project? Contact us today.

Where Does McElligott Construction Operate in the Bay Area?

Based in Sonoma County, we serve San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Contra Costa counties, with projects from Daly City campuses to Pacifica homes. Our Bay Area focus includes SF hills elevations and Marin commercial pavements. Outside these? We're flexible for travel—factors like scope and logistics apply. 90% of work stays local for quick response. Check service areas or inquire.

How Experienced Is McElligott Construction, and What Sets Us Apart?

Since 1988 (family-operated since 1991), we've delivered 100+ projects with zero safety incidents, treating each like family—high-quality, transparent, and lasting. What sets us apart: Post-'89 earthquake expertise in seismic foundations; full-service (design to permits); and raving reviews for on-budget deliveries (e.g., Spinal Diagnostics center).

Unlike larger firms, our small-team approach means personalized attention, not bureaucracy. We're your Bay Area partner for earthquake-ready builds. See testimonials on our home page.

What Is Seismic Retrofitting and Why Is It Essential for Bay Area Homes and Businesses?

Seismic retrofitting modifies existing structures to better withstand earthquakes, focusing on upgrading foundations, bolting houses to their bases, bracing cripple walls, and securing utilities like water heaters. In the Bay Area—along the San Andreas Fault—this is critical, as the USGS estimates a 72% chance of a magnitude 6.7+ earthquake in the next 30 years, with the Hayward Fault at 33% likelihood. Unretrofitted buildings risk collapse, leading to injuries, property loss (up to $100B region-wide), and business disruptions lasting months.

Post-1989 Loma Prieta lessons honed our principal contractor Maurice's skills rebuilding Bay Area hillsides. Today, we retrofit for compliance with California codes, reducing damage by up to 60% per FEMA standards. For Bay Area seismic retrofitting, it's not just safety—it's protecting your investment. Learn more on our seismic services.

Do I Need Seismic Retrofitting for My Home or Business in the Bay Area?

Yes, if your structure was built before 1980, has a raised foundation, crawl space, or soft-story (e.g., living space over a garage), it's vulnerable. Signs include cracked foundations, uneven floors, or sticking doors—common in Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco counties. With annual earthquake risks rising, the best time was yesterday; today is next.

Unprepared homes face total failure in a M7 event, per USGS data, causing fires, gas leaks, and evacuations. Businesses like retail or medical facilities risk downtime and liability. We offer free assessments to check eligibility. Government subsidies make it affordable—start with a consultation.

Are There Grants or Subsidies for Seismic Retrofitting in California (Bay Area)?

Absolutely—state programs cover up to 75% of costs. The Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) Grant offers up to $13,000 for soft-story homes (living over garage) via the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP). Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) provides $3,000 ($7,000 low-income) for pre-1980 wood-framed homes with crawlspaces. CEA policyholders get additional Brace + Bolt aid.

Bay Area specifics: Oakland/Berkeley low-income grants up to $3,000; HUD block grants for fixed-income residents. We guide applications—eligibility requires owner-occupied or rental properties in high-risk ZIPs. Apply now at CRMP.org and pair with our services for full coverage.

Can McElligott Construction Handle Both Residential and Commercial Projects?

Yes—we excel in both. Residential: Custom new builds, ADU additions, kitchen/bath remodels, and deck replacements in Sonoma homes. Commercial: Surgery centers, retail pavements, office retrofits, and seismic upgrades for Marin businesses. Our 30+ years cover it all, with engineering for compliance. Dual expertise saves time—discuss your needs.

How Do I Know If My Bay Area Foundation Needs Repair or Retrofitting?

Look for cracks wider than 1/4-inch, settling soil, or water pooling—exacerbated by Bay Area clay soils and quakes. Pre-1970s foundations often lack bolts. We inspect for free, using USGS risk maps to prioritize. Early fixes prevent $50K+ in damage. Schedule now.

What Insurance Benefits Come from Seismic Retrofitting in California?

Retrofitted homes qualify for 5–20% premium discounts via CEA or insurers like State Farm, plus faster claims post-quake. ESS/EBB grants tie into mitigation credits—up to 15% savings annually. Document with our certified work for proof.