Independent Structural Design
For the homeowner who wants real engineering before a contractor is involved.
The Problem We Solve
When you hire a volume retrofit contractor, they pick the engineer. That engineer works for the contractor — not for you. The plans are designed to clear a permit, not to protect your home.
Mercer Seismic separates the engineering from the execution entirely. We design your retrofit before a contractor is involved. You own the plans. You control the process.
The Engineering Process
What we do
Exhaustive on-site assessment
We map your home's unique architecture, document past renovations, and identify plumbing and mechanical obstacles. We do not rely on contractor photos or remote assessments. We visit your foundation and build the engineering from what we actually see.
Whole-home load path analysis
We engineer a custom seismic retrofit that accounts for the entire structure — from the roof down to the basement. Seismic forces must travel a continuous path through your home to reach the ground safely. We calculate that path for your specific structure, not a generic template.
Construction detailing
We design a retrofit meant to survive physical reality, not just pass a paperwork checklist. Every connection is specifically engineered to be accurately installed in the field despite existing obstructions — pipes, old timber, uneven foundations. No guessing required on site.
What you receive
Your deliverables
Bid-ready plan set
You receive a stamped set of structural drawings ready for permit submission and contractor bidding. Unlike fast-track permits obtained to clear a paperwork hurdle, your permit is backed by calculations a licensed Structural Engineer will stand behind. The plan set includes exact hardware schedules and precisely calculated connection locations.
Bidding leverage
You own the engineering. Contractors bid to your specifications — not their generic habits. You are no longer restricted to volume retrofit companies. You can hire capable general contractors or framing specialists and hold them accountable to our engineering.
Field oversight
During construction we physically audit the open walls before drywall or plywood goes up. We verify every piece of hardware against our drawings and physically test installed anchors to confirm actual structural capacity. We do not rely on city inspectors.
Already have a retrofit?
If you have an existing retrofit you want audited before committing to a redesign, start with Audit & Peer Review. All field data carries forward if a full redesign becomes necessary.
Ready to own your engineering?