Structural Engineering

At Elite Built, we provide expert structural engineering services designed to ensure the safety, stability, and longevity of your residential or commercial projects. Serving San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, San Clemente, and surrounding areas, our licensed engineers combine technical expertise with innovative solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Why Structural Engineering Matters

Structural engineering is the backbone of any successful construction project. It involves analyzing, designing, and planning the framework that supports buildings and infrastructure to withstand loads, natural forces, and environmental factors. Proper structural engineering ensures:

Safety: Protects occupants and property from structural failures.
Compliance: Meets local, state, and national building codes.
Durability: Extends the life and functionality of structures.
Efficiency: Optimizes material use to reduce costs without compromising integrity.

Our Services Include:

New Construction Design and Engineering:

At Elite Built, we provide comprehensive structural design services for new residential and commercial buildings, ensuring safety, performance, and full compliance with California Building Code (CBC), ASCE 7-16, and local jurisdictional standards. Whether you're constructing a single-family home, multi-unit dwelling, or mixed-use development, our licensed structural engineers deliver innovative, code-compliant designs that prioritize seismic resilience, long-term durability, and cost-efficiency. We leverage advanced structural analysis tools and the latest materials—from steel and reinforced concrete to engineered wood systems like LVL and PSL—to create optimized solutions tailored to your project's needs. Our deep understanding of California’s unique seismic and soil conditions allows us to integrate earthquake-resistant features, foundation reinforcement strategies, and energy-efficient framing practices into every design. With a focus on value engineering, our team minimizes construction costs without compromising structural integrity. Partner with Elite Built to ensure your next building project stands strong—for decades to come.

Tenant Improvements:

At Elite Built, our structural engineers specialize in modifying existing buildings to accommodate new tenant improvements (TIs) and evolving space needs. We work closely with architects, contractors, and property owners to design and implement structural alterations that enhance space utilization, functionality, and aesthetic appeal—without compromising safety or compliance. Whether you're reconfiguring load-bearing walls, upgrading mezzanine support, or reinforcing framing to support new HVAC systems or equipment loads, our team ensures all modifications meet California Building Code (CBC) requirements, as well as local seismic and occupancy standards. We evaluate the existing structural system in detail, identifying opportunities to improve layout efficiency while maintaining or improving the building's overall structural performance. Our TI structural services are ideal for office conversions, retail reconfigurations, restaurant build-outs, and multifamily adaptive reuse projects. By balancing code compliance, cost-efficiency, and tenant-specific goals, Elite Built delivers creative, buildable solutions that add long-term value to your property.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

lite Built offers custom structural design and engineering solutions for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), helping homeowners across California efficiently expand their living space and increase property value. Whether you're building a detached ADU, converting a garage or basement, or adding a junior ADU (JADU), we provide expert guidance from concept to construction. Our structural engineers ensure your ADU is designed to meet all state and local ADU regulations, including setbacks, height limits, egress requirements, and parking exceptions. We develop solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing home’s architectural style and foundation system—while also accounting for seismic safety, soil conditions, and energy efficiency requirements. With extensive experience in ADU permitting, structural assessments, and code-compliant framing, Elite Built simplifies the process so you can move forward with confidence. Whether your goal is to create rental income, a home office, or a multi-generational living space, we deliver durable, cost-effective engineering tailored to your unique site and vision.

Home Additions and Remodels:

Planning a home addition or major remodel? At Elite Built, we specialize in structural engineering services for residential expansions, ensuring that all modifications are not only structurally sound and code-compliant, but also seamlessly integrated into the existing framework of your home. Our licensed engineers conduct detailed structural assessments to design load-bearing wall removals, second-story additions, cantilevered expansions, and foundation upgrades that align with both your aesthetic goals and local building codes. We collaborate closely with architects and contractors to maintain the architectural integrity of your home while optimizing for safety, longevity, and space efficiency. Whether you're adding a new bedroom, family room, or converting an attic into usable space, we ensure the new construction harmonizes with the existing structure, accounting for framing transitions, roof tie-ins, and foundation compatibility. Our solutions also address California’s seismic design requirements, helping protect your investment in earthquake-prone regions. From conceptual design to construction-ready plans, Elite Built delivers precision-engineered solutions that make your home expansion both beautiful and built to last.

Structural Repairs, Modifications, and Improvements:

At Elite Built, we provide expert structural evaluation and reinforcement services for existing buildings, addressing concerns such as structural damage, material deterioration, foundation settlement, or the need for increased load capacity due to renovations or new equipment installations. Our engineers perform thorough on-site assessments and structural inspections, identifying areas of concern including cracked framing, corroded connections, compromised foundations, termite damage, and more. We then develop tailored reinforcement strategies—ranging from sistering joists and steel beam installation to foundation underpinning and shear wall upgrades—to restore the building’s integrity and meet modern safety standards. Whether you're preparing a structure for new occupancy, upgrading for code compliance, or recovering from natural disasters, water intrusion, or seismic activity, our team delivers durable, engineered solutions that extend the lifespan and resilience of your property. We prioritize minimally invasive methods whenever possible to reduce disruption and cost—ensuring your structure remains both functional and safe for years to come.

Load-Bearing Wall Removals:

Transform your home with confidence—Elite Built offers expert structural engineering services for load-bearing wall removal, helping homeowners create open-concept layouts while preserving the structural integrity and safety of the building. Removing a load-bearing wall requires precise analysis of your home’s framing system. Our engineers perform detailed structural assessments, identifying beam spans, load paths, and existing support conditions to determine the safest and most effective solution. We then design and specify reinforced beams, posts, and footings—often using LVL or steel beams—to redistribute loads and comply with all California Building Code (CBC) requirements. Whether you’re opening up a kitchen, expanding a living room, or connecting spaces in a remodel, our solutions are tailored to both aesthetic goals and engineering best practices. We work seamlessly with contractors and architects to ensure efficient execution and permitting approval. With Elite Built, your vision of a modern, open living space becomes a reality—without compromising on safety or code compliance.

Retaining Walls:

Elite Built provides expert retaining wall design services that combine functionality, structural integrity, and visual appeal. Whether your project involves slope stabilization, soil retention, or landscape terracing, our structural engineers deliver solutions tailored to both residential and commercial needs. We design a wide range of retaining wall types—including concrete block walls, poured-in-place concrete, CMU walls, and reinforced gravity or cantilever systems—based on detailed geotechnical and site analysis. Each design accounts for lateral earth pressure, hydrostatic load, slope geometry, and soil conditions, ensuring your retaining wall remains stable and compliant with local building codes and hillside ordinances. Our engineers also integrate proper drainage systems, such as weep holes, gravel backfill, and perforated pipe, to reduce water buildup and prevent long-term structural issues like bowing or failure. From backyard retaining walls to large structural grade separations, we ensure performance, longevity, and a finish that complements your landscape design. With Elite Built, you get engineered retaining walls that protect your property and enhance its curb appeal—built to last in California’s varied terrain and climate.

Decks, Patios, and Porches:

At Elite Built, we specialize in the structural design and engineering of outdoor structures that elevate your property’s functionality, value, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re planning a deck, balcony, pergola, patio cover, or outdoor kitchen, our team ensures each addition is structurally sound, code-compliant, and seamlessly integrated with your existing architecture. Our engineers account for critical factors such as load-bearing capacity, weather exposure, wind uplift, lateral bracing, and waterproofing details to deliver outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also built to withstand California’s climate and seismic conditions. We use high-performance materials—including pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, and structural steel—to achieve both durability and design flexibility. From concept to construction documents, we work closely with homeowners, architects, and contractors to ensure your outdoor living space is safe, long-lasting, and tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re creating a backyard retreat or expanding usable square footage, Elite Built provides engineering that brings your vision to life—safely and sustainably.

Foundation Design:

Elite Built provides custom foundation engineering and design services tailored to your project’s unique structural and geotechnical requirements. Whether you're building a new home, room addition, ADU, or retaining structure, we ensure your foundation is engineered for strength, stability, and long-term performance. Our foundation designs are based on a detailed assessment of site-specific soil conditions, load demands, drainage patterns, and seismic considerations. We work with geotechnical reports when available and offer guidance on appropriate systems—ranging from conventional spread footings and slabs-on-grade to deep foundations, pier systems, and mat slabs. We also consider environmental factors such as expansive soils, hillside topography, groundwater exposure, and earthquake risk, ensuring your foundation complies with California Building Code (CBC) and local amendments. Whether your site presents complex challenges or straightforward conditions, Elite Built delivers engineered foundation solutions that protect your investment from the ground up.

Construction Administration:

Elite Built offers comprehensive construction-phase support to ensure that your project’s structural components are built in strict accordance with the approved engineering plans and specifications. Our structural observation services provide peace of mind by verifying that all framing, foundation, and reinforcement work meets design intent, building code requirements, and best construction practices. We conduct on-site inspections at critical milestones—such as foundation pours, framing completion, or installation of load-bearing elements—and document compliance with structural drawings. Our engineers work closely with contractors, builders, and inspectors to answer questions, resolve field issues, and address any unforeseen structural challenges that may arise during construction. From pre-pour verifications and beam placement checks to retrofit observations and post-installation reviews, our goal is to minimize costly delays and ensure a safe, code-compliant build. We also assist in responding to city or third-party plan check comments, helping streamline the inspection and approval process. With Elite Built involved during construction, you can trust that the structure will be built right the first time.

Modular Homes and Structures:

Elite Built provides specialized structural engineering services for modular homes and prefabricated buildings, combining the efficiency of off-site construction with the rigor of on-site code compliance. We work with manufacturers, architects, and builders to ensure that modular units are structurally sound, code-compliant, and fully integrated with site-built components like foundations, decks, and utility systems. Our team understands the unique challenges and advantages of modular construction, including transportation stresses, connection detailing, and onsite assembly. We design and certify structural systems that meet all applicable California Building Code (CBC) requirements, including seismic, wind, and load-bearing standards, ensuring safety and longevity. Whether you're building a single-family modular home, a multi-unit prefabricated complex, or a commercial modular facility, Elite Built delivers engineering solutions that align with the speed, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness that modular construction is known for.

K-12 Structures with DSA Reviews:

Elite Built offers specialized structural engineering services for K–12 educational facilities, ensuring that both new construction and modernization projects comply with Division of the State Architect (DSA) standards and meet the highest levels of safety, durability, and functionality. Our team has experience with a wide range of school projects—including classroom buildings, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, portable-to-permanent conversions, and seismic retrofits—each engineered to support California’s rigorous structural and seismic design criteria. We collaborate closely with architects, school districts, and DSA reviewers to streamline approvals and deliver code-compliant, constructible solutions. From foundation and framing design to accessibility upgrades and lateral force-resisting systems, our services are tailored to the specific needs of educational environments, where safety, long-term performance, and cost-efficiency are paramount. With Elite Built, school communities can rely on structurally sound facilities that protect students and staff—now and into the future.

Serving San Diego and Orange Counties

We proudly serve a broad range of communities including:

San Diego
Carlsbad
Encinitas
San Marcos
Vista
Oceanside
Mission Viejo
Laguna Niguel
Lake Forest
San Clemente

Our deep knowledge of local conditions and regulations enables us to provide engineering services that stand the test of time.

Why Choose Elite Built?

Expertise:

Our team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of California's building codes and regulations.

Customized Solutions:

We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each project, ensuring optimal results.

Commitment to Quality:

We prioritize safety, durability, and client satisfaction in all our projects.

Innovative Approaches:

We utilize the latest technologies and methodologies to deliver efficient and effective structural solutions.