Harlequin Designs and Engineering was recently founded by Civil Engineer, Christian Bratt, from Truckee, CA and is now based out of San Francisco. Christian is ready for any residential design challenges you have. With hands on experience in many trades do to his upbringing by his two brothers and father who are all contractors in the Tahoe/Truckee area, Christian has a true advantage over traditionally trained Architects and Engineers. Being able to implement a design, engineer it, and have a thorough understanding of how it will be built is a perfect storm for saving time, money, and materials.
Harlequin Designs and Engineering was recently founded by Civil Engineer, Christian Bratt, from Truckee, CA and is now based out of San Francisco. Christian is ready for any residential design challenges you have. With hands on experience in many trades do to his upbringing by his two brothers and father who are all contractors in the Tahoe/Truckee area, Christian has a true advantage over traditionally trained Architects and Engineers. Being able to implement a design, engineer it, and have a thorough understanding of how it will be built is a perfect storm for saving time, money, and materials.
Gregory Paul Wallace Structural Engineer is a top qualified structural engineer who can assist you with all of your residential and light commercial needs. We provide expertise in consulting for residential and commercial projects. We work all of the Bay Area, as well as all of the surrounding counties. What our service provides, is a key aspect in turning your dream house into a reality. We will go the extra mile to win your business.
"Due to a number of large cracks inside and outside of the house, along with skewed doors, I was concerned about structural issues. Greg was able to come out and look at the outside of the house, attic, and crawl space soon after I spoke with him. He explained there isn't anything structurally wrong with the house and the reasons we could be experiencing the issues we're having. He made several suggestions on what to do and how to go about alleviating the issues. Very personable."
Diana M on November 2020
Gregory Paul Wallace Structural Engineer is a top qualified structural engineer who can assist you with all of your residential and light commercial needs. We provide expertise in consulting for residential and commercial projects. We work all of the Bay Area, as well as all of the surrounding counties. What our service provides, is a key aspect in turning your dream house into a reality. We will go the extra mile to win your business.
"Due to a number of large cracks inside and outside of the house, along with skewed doors, I was concerned about structural issues. Greg was able to come out and look at the outside of the house, attic, and crawl space soon after I spoke with him. He explained there isn't anything structurally wrong with the house and the reasons we could be experiencing the issues we're having. He made several suggestions on what to do and how to go about alleviating the issues. Very personable."
Diana M on November 2020
Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.
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Karan M on February 2025
Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.
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Karan M on February 2025
Earthquake and Structures, Inc., is one of California's finest engineering corporations! Earthquakes and Structures, Inc., has an immaculate reputation and design services include: analysis and design of the components of a system to perform its function under common loads as well as extreme cases of earthquake or wind loads. It involves optimization of the geometry and loads to provide the necessary functions at the lowest cost. Bishwendu Paul has over 32 years experience in engineering. Earthquake and Structures has had the honor to work on some amazing projects that include the Alameda County Youth Program building, completion of some 10,000 sq. ft., and houses around the Oakland area and Hillside houses with pier foundation. With credible work and amazing customer service, there is no one better than Earthquake and Structures, Inc.
"Experienced firm providing a professional service."
Gary Z on October 2022
Earthquake and Structures, Inc., is one of California's finest engineering corporations! Earthquakes and Structures, Inc., has an immaculate reputation and design services include: analysis and design of the components of a system to perform its function under common loads as well as extreme cases of earthquake or wind loads. It involves optimization of the geometry and loads to provide the necessary functions at the lowest cost. Bishwendu Paul has over 32 years experience in engineering. Earthquake and Structures has had the honor to work on some amazing projects that include the Alameda County Youth Program building, completion of some 10,000 sq. ft., and houses around the Oakland area and Hillside houses with pier foundation. With credible work and amazing customer service, there is no one better than Earthquake and Structures, Inc.
"Experienced firm providing a professional service."
Gary Z on October 2022
Established in 2024, Aventra Engineering Services Inc. (Aventra) (License #1133283) leverages more than four decades of collective expertise in structural engineering, seismic retrofitting, concrete infrastructure, and erosion control solutions. Our commitment to craftsmanship, transparent communication, and uncompromising standards drives every project, ensuring reliable, high–quality outcomes for public and private sector clients across California’s Bay Area. Founded by CEO Aryan Pakkhoo and his father, Vice President Manoochehr Pakkhoo, a seasoned construction professional, Aventra blends data‑driven strategy with hands‑on insight to keep structural integrity, safety, and efficiency at the forefront of every build. We uphold strict quality control, a safety‑first culture, and seamless collaboration among architects, contractors, and agencies from project inception through completion, delivering resilient structures that protect communities and budgets alike.
"Professional and thorough work in helping construct an in law unit exactly to our specifications. Flexible with design process and we were completely satisfied. "
Steven S on May 2025
Established in 2024, Aventra Engineering Services Inc. (Aventra) (License #1133283) leverages more than four decades of collective expertise in structural engineering, seismic retrofitting, concrete infrastructure, and erosion control solutions. Our commitment to craftsmanship, transparent communication, and uncompromising standards drives every project, ensuring reliable, high–quality outcomes for public and private sector clients across California’s Bay Area. Founded by CEO Aryan Pakkhoo and his father, Vice President Manoochehr Pakkhoo, a seasoned construction professional, Aventra blends data‑driven strategy with hands‑on insight to keep structural integrity, safety, and efficiency at the forefront of every build. We uphold strict quality control, a safety‑first culture, and seamless collaboration among architects, contractors, and agencies from project inception through completion, delivering resilient structures that protect communities and budgets alike.
"Professional and thorough work in helping construct an in law unit exactly to our specifications. Flexible with design process and we were completely satisfied. "
Steven S on May 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of Structural Engineering services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of Structural Engineering services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
We specialize in all phases of landscaping and hardscaping services! At Go Green Landscape our belief is that our customers needs are the utmost importance. Our team has experience dating back to 2005 and are committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is to big or to small, please contact us for a free estimate!
"The service went well. They were quick."
Oz S on June 2021
We specialize in all phases of landscaping and hardscaping services! At Go Green Landscape our belief is that our customers needs are the utmost importance. Our team has experience dating back to 2005 and are committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is to big or to small, please contact us for a free estimate!
"The service went well. They were quick."
Oz S on June 2021
At AxisTerra Design Studio, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work across a spectrum of services. Whether you need detailed 3D renderings, interior or exterior visuals, precise construction drawings, or comprehensive site plans, our team ensures excellence in every project. We understand the intricacies of each service—from MEP and Title 24 compliance to land surveys and soil reports. Before we start any project, we thoroughly grasp your needs to ensure our services align seamlessly with your project goals.
"I was referred to Phani at AxisTerra Design by structural engineer I hired for my home renovation project to remove load bearing walls in living room. The referral is like god send in a stressful state where my home renovation project permit is pending for 2 months and San Jose city came back asking for kitchen architectural plans for permit issuance. Phani very quickly helped and provided the design plan in two days. He followed up with me multiple times to get all the details needed to avoid back and forth iterations. Phani shared the plans on the same night at 10 P.M. Once, I confirmed the next, he shared the stamped plans. I already referred AxisTerra Design to a friend for his home renovation project, and without any doubt or hesitation recommend AxisTerra Design for any home renovation project."
MAHIDHAR R on October 2024
At AxisTerra Design Studio, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work across a spectrum of services. Whether you need detailed 3D renderings, interior or exterior visuals, precise construction drawings, or comprehensive site plans, our team ensures excellence in every project. We understand the intricacies of each service—from MEP and Title 24 compliance to land surveys and soil reports. Before we start any project, we thoroughly grasp your needs to ensure our services align seamlessly with your project goals.
"I was referred to Phani at AxisTerra Design by structural engineer I hired for my home renovation project to remove load bearing walls in living room. The referral is like god send in a stressful state where my home renovation project permit is pending for 2 months and San Jose city came back asking for kitchen architectural plans for permit issuance. Phani very quickly helped and provided the design plan in two days. He followed up with me multiple times to get all the details needed to avoid back and forth iterations. Phani shared the plans on the same night at 10 P.M. Once, I confirmed the next, he shared the stamped plans. I already referred AxisTerra Design to a friend for his home renovation project, and without any doubt or hesitation recommend AxisTerra Design for any home renovation project."
MAHIDHAR R on October 2024
Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.
"We are completely satisfied with our backyard, where we wanted to do a complete renovation, making our yard more beautiful and usable, for games with friends, easy access for my dogs and everything else! From the beginning Brian helped us with the choice of materials, locations, colors and many great suggestions. Our Project Manager, Delmar, and Brian did an excellent job updating us and communicating and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We had a tight deadline for our project because we wanted to finish before 06/01 - he did our entire project quickly and efficiently! I want to thank you very much, I am very happy, I recommend Geico Builders and together with Brian for all your projects! I hope to work with him soon on our front yard, after all I only have good things to say!"
Mark S on June 2025
Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.
"We are completely satisfied with our backyard, where we wanted to do a complete renovation, making our yard more beautiful and usable, for games with friends, easy access for my dogs and everything else! From the beginning Brian helped us with the choice of materials, locations, colors and many great suggestions. Our Project Manager, Delmar, and Brian did an excellent job updating us and communicating and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We had a tight deadline for our project because we wanted to finish before 06/01 - he did our entire project quickly and efficiently! I want to thank you very much, I am very happy, I recommend Geico Builders and together with Brian for all your projects! I hope to work with him soon on our front yard, after all I only have good things to say!"
Mark S on June 2025
Acer Landscaping & Tree Care Inc is a professional company serving the entire Bay Area and East bay. Tree service and landscaping has distinguish Acer from the very begining. We provide rigorous training in the most progressive methods used to preserve the safety and health of trees. Our staff use the best practices from International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree pruning standards to ensure safety and quality for every single tree. Removing trees is not an easy task. Specially big trees. It represents a challenge and it requires a highly trained personnel to protect your property and people. Give us a call for a free consultation with one of our expert arborists. Fully Licensed & Insured!!!! 24/7 Emergency Services!! We do Pavers Pergolas Sod Artificial Grass Putting Greens Irrigation Fencing Retaining Walls Flag Stone Planting Tree Trimming Tree Removal Stump Grinding Mulching Gravel Installation Clean ups and more!!!
"Eli and his Acer Landscaping staff were beyond excellent, perfectly executing their top-notch design, which mirrored exactly what we envisioned for our backyard space: a family oasis. We love to entertain, play basketball, and relax and lounge outside. This is now our forever home/backyard, and it's all thanks to Acer. They stayed on budget and completed the project before the anticipated due date. In a heartbeat, we'd recommend Acer Landscaping to anyone looking to hire the perfect partner!"
Rhean F on December 2023
Acer Landscaping & Tree Care Inc is a professional company serving the entire Bay Area and East bay. Tree service and landscaping has distinguish Acer from the very begining. We provide rigorous training in the most progressive methods used to preserve the safety and health of trees. Our staff use the best practices from International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree pruning standards to ensure safety and quality for every single tree. Removing trees is not an easy task. Specially big trees. It represents a challenge and it requires a highly trained personnel to protect your property and people. Give us a call for a free consultation with one of our expert arborists. Fully Licensed & Insured!!!! 24/7 Emergency Services!! We do Pavers Pergolas Sod Artificial Grass Putting Greens Irrigation Fencing Retaining Walls Flag Stone Planting Tree Trimming Tree Removal Stump Grinding Mulching Gravel Installation Clean ups and more!!!
"Eli and his Acer Landscaping staff were beyond excellent, perfectly executing their top-notch design, which mirrored exactly what we envisioned for our backyard space: a family oasis. We love to entertain, play basketball, and relax and lounge outside. This is now our forever home/backyard, and it's all thanks to Acer. They stayed on budget and completed the project before the anticipated due date. In a heartbeat, we'd recommend Acer Landscaping to anyone looking to hire the perfect partner!"
Rhean F on December 2023
The timeline for basement ceiling modifications spans four to 12 weeks, with the specific duration depending on your chosen method and project complexity. Floor-lowering projects often require more time due to careful excavation and foundation reinforcement processes.
Weather conditions, permit processing, and unexpected structural discoveries can extend the projected timeline. Most homeowners should prepare for some disruption to normal household activities during critical construction phases.
Converting previously unusable basement space into a functional living area often increases your home's assessed value, which may impact property tax obligations. Tax assessment practices vary significantly between municipalities, with some jurisdictions basing calculations on finished square footage.
To avoid surprises, contact your local tax assessment office before beginning construction to understand potential tax implications and budget accordingly for any anticipated increases.
Engaging a qualified structural engineer represents an essential first step for any basement ceiling project. These professionals evaluate foundation integrity, soil conditions, and load-bearing requirements to determine feasibility and recommend appropriate approaches.
Their expertise helps prevent potentially catastrophic structural issues while ensuring compliance with building codes. Although this consultation adds to initial expenses, it provides crucial guidance that may prevent costly mistakes or safety hazards.
Historic or aging properties present unique challenges when modifying basement ceiling heights. Older construction methods, outdated materials, and accumulated settlement issues require specialized assessment. Heritage designations may impose additional restrictions or requirements on modification approaches.
House-raising often provides advantages for older homes with compromised foundations, as it allows simultaneous foundation repair or replacement during the ceiling height modification process.
While professional contractors must handle all structural modifications, homeowners with appropriate skills may complete certain finishing aspects independently. Tasks potentially suitable for DIY include non-structural elements like painting, trim installation, or basic finishing work.
However, all excavation, foundation modification, and house-lifting operations require specialized equipment and expertise. Attempting structural work without proper qualifications creates significant safety risks and potential property damage.