“Don’t hire unpermitted contractor because it may cost even more.”
Omega Structural was brought in for an Angelus Ave structural repair project after a neighboring property built an unpermitted retaining wall and planter that was improperly tied into an existing home. The work undermined the client’s existing foundation and contributed to visible cracking along the house wall. The neighbor’s property ultimately received a red tag violation, and after a legal dispute, the repair process moved forward with insurance involvement.
To stabilize the client’s home, Omega Structural began the first phase of work by reinforcing the damaged foundation area with a new caisson installed below the existing foundation and drilled approximately 8 feet into bedrock. This provided deeper structural support beneath the compromised section of the home and helped address the damage caused by the neighboring unpermitted construction.
The second phase will include building a sister grade beam alongside the existing foundation. This reinforced concrete structure will be tied into the original foundation using epoxy-set rebar, helping bind the new concrete to the existing concrete and strengthen the affected area. This project is a clear reminder for Los Angeles homeowners: unpermitted retaining walls, planters, and structural work can create serious damage, legal disputes, red tag violations, and expensive repairs. Working with licensed contractors and qualified structural professionals from the beginning is almost always less costly than trying to fix unsafe work after the damage is done.
