DeBrus Construction LLC: San Francisco ADU Builder and Retrofit Specialist
DeBrus Construction LLC is a full-service general contractor based in San Francisco, offering seismic retrofits, foundation repair, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction, and home remodeling services. The company works with both residential and commercial property owners throughout the city, handling projects that range from voluntary structural upgrades to mandatory soft story retrofits.
At the helm is Malcolm DeBrus, a hands-on contractor who is directly involved in every project. Before forming his own company, Malcolm worked as a foreman for several prominent Bay Area contractors, during which time he and his teams completed dozens of seismic retrofits, structural upgrades, home additions, and remodels across San Francisco. As referrals grew, he established DeBrus Construction LLC with a focus on seismic solutions and structural integrity.
Seismic Retrofits and Foundation Repair
San Francisco's older building stock presents real structural challenges. Many concrete or brick foundations in the city were built without rebar reinforcement, leaving properties vulnerable during seismic events. DeBrus Construction has completed both mandatory and voluntary retrofits for residential and commercial buildings throughout San Francisco.
The San Francisco Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program, established in 2013, requires seismic upgrades to older wood-frame, multi-family buildings permitted before January 1978 that feature soft-story construction. DeBrus Construction handles these projects from start to finish. Once plans and permits are in place, a typical retrofit takes between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the scope of work. In most cases, tenants can remain in the building during construction, though ground-floor in-law unit occupants may need to temporarily relocate.
Foundation problems are not limited to older buildings. Poor drainage, shifting soil, or nearby construction activity can affect structures of any age. DeBrus Construction inspects properties and advises owners on whether repair or full foundation replacement is the appropriate course of action.
For property owners concerned about financing, the City of San Francisco offers a public financing option for both mandatory and voluntary retrofits, with repayment terms of up to 20 years available.
ADU Construction and Home Remodeling
DeBrus Construction also serves as an ADU contractor for San Francisco homeowners and multi-unit property owners looking to add rental income or accommodate family members. An accessory dwelling unit can be added to a property at the same time as a seismic retrofit, which is a practical way to reduce overall permitting and construction costs.
Whether the goal is a garage conversion, an in-law suite, or another form of additional living space, DeBrus Construction works with the property owner's architect or engineer to bring the project to completion. Combining an ADU permit with an existing retrofit permit is a cost-effective approach that the company actively recommends to clients.
Beyond ADU work, the team handles a range of remodeling projects including kitchen updates, bathroom expansions, deck enlargements, and bedroom additions. The focus is on creating functional living spaces while also improving the long-term resale value of the property.
DeBrus Construction is known for transparent pricing. Malcolm DeBrus conducts a walk-through of each site with the client's engineer before quoting, with the goal of identifying potential issues early. This approach is intended to avoid unexpected charges once work is underway — a practice the company describes simply as: "Our bid is our bid."
DeBrus Construction LLC is currently booking both mandatory and voluntary retrofit projects, as well as ADU and remodeling work throughout San Francisco.
