Many older homes in the Bay Area were not designed to endure major seismic activity. A seismic retrofit strengthens critical areas—such as the foundation and cripple walls—helping to improve your home’s stability and safety during an earthquake.

Without a retrofit, your home is more vulnerable to severe damage or structural failure during an earthquake. This can result in injuries, loss of your home, and extensive financial costs for repairs or reconstruction.

Homes built before the 1980s typically require a retrofit. Common indicators include a raised foundation, wood-frame construction, and the absence of anchor bolts or cripple wall bracing. We can help determine this with a site assessment or by reviewing crawl space photos.

Each plan set is tailored to your home and includes:

• Foundation and framing layouts
• Detailed drawings for anchor bolts and cripple wall bracing
• General notes with applicable building codes

All plans are stamped by a licensed structural engineer and ready for submission to your city’s permitting office.

Yes, a permit is required for seismic retrofit work. We provide complete engineering documents and can guide you through the permit application process with your local building department.

Most retrofits are completed in 3 to 7 days, depending on the scope of work. In most cases, you can remain in your home while construction is underway.

Most standard retrofits cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size and condition of your home. It’s a small investment compared to the potential cost of earthquake damage—and it may also qualify you for lower insurance premiums.

Engineering plans generally range from $2,000 to $5,000, based on your home’s layout and the complexity of the retrofit. After our initial assessment, we’ll provide a detailed and transparent quote.

Yes, retrofitting can increase your home's value. Buyers often see it as a sign of proactive maintenance and added safety. It can also streamline escrow and potentially reduce your earthquake insurance costs.

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers up to $3,000 in financial assistance for eligible homeowners to complete a seismic retrofit. Your home must meet the following criteria:

• Built before 1980
• Have a raised foundation
• Located in a qualifying ZIP code

Here’s how to participate:

1. Register on the EBB website during an open application period.
2. Wait for program approval.
3. Select and hire an EBB-approved contractor.
4. Complete the retrofit.
5. Submit your documentation for reimbursement.

Important: Do not begin construction until you receive approval.

The EBB program helps cover the cost of essential seismic upgrades—specifically bolting your home to the foundation and bracing cripple walls. Our engineering plans are designed to meet California Building Code Chapter A3 requirements, ensuring your retrofit qualifies for reimbursement.

EBB provides up to $3,000 in reimbursement. In most cases, this amount covers only part of the retrofit cost. Homeowners are typically responsible for paying the difference beyond the grant amount.