Leon Wong and his family moved from Washington state to San Francisco in 2013. After a few years in a rental, they purchased their current home in 2017—a house built in 1926. While they were excited to settle in, they also understood that owning an older home could come with structural challenges.
Leon first learned about the Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) program through a local news press release. After doing some research, he and his family signed up for program updates and eventually decided to apply. They were accepted into the program in mid-2023. From there, the next step was finding a contractor. It took some time to connect with the right fit, but they were ultimately able to move forward with a team they felt confident in.
Navigating The Process
As early participants in the ESS program, the Wongs found themselves moving through a process that was still taking shape. There were questions about requirements and timelines, and the approval process—particularly permitting—took longer than expected. To move forward with confidence, they brought in a structural engineer to help guide the design and ensure everything met program requirements.
Once construction began, progress came in phases, with the main portion of the work taking about six weeks. Along the way, there were some unexpected discoveries. “Each time we opened up a space, there was something unexpected,” Leon said. Adjustments to the structure were needed as the work progressed, adding time and cost. The home ultimately required a tailored solution using engineered structural elements along with concrete and rebar to meet code requirements. While the process required patience, the work moved forward steadily and the project was completed.
Leaning On The Team
Throughout the project, Leon found the program administration responsive and helpful. “The call center team was always polite and supportive,” he said. While there were occasional technical issues—such as dashboard outages or challenges uploading photos—he described the overall experience as straightforward. Payments were handled directly through the contractor, which simplified the process.
Today, the Wongs feel their home is significantly safer. The work, centered around the garage, took time but ultimately strengthened the structure and reduced the risk of potential damage in a future earthquake. They’ve shared their experience with others, especially neighbors who noticed the long-running project, and say they are happy with the results. For Leon, the retrofit was about the bigger picture: peace of mind, and the confidence that their home is better prepared for life in an earthquake zone.