California's seismic activity makes earthquake retrofitting a critical safety improvement for older homes. Understanding requirements and available incentives helps homeowners protect their families and property investments.

Homes That Need Retrofitting

High-Risk Features

Raised foundation homes: Built before 1980
Cripple walls: Short wood-framed walls in crawl spaces
Post and pier foundations: No continuous perimeter foundation
Hillside homes: Especially on steep slopes
Soft story buildings: Large openings on ground floor

Age Considerations

Pre-1940: Likely not bolted to foundation
1940-1960: May lack adequate bolting
1960-1980: Some retrofitting beneficial
Post-1980: Generally built to better standards

Types of Retrofitting

Foundation Bolting

Securing house to foundation:

Install anchor bolts through sill plate
Typical spacing 4-6 feet
Use plate washers for better holding
Essential for preventing sliding

Cripple Wall Bracing

Strengthening short walls:

Add plywood sheathing
Install proper nailing patterns
Connect to foundation and floor
Prevents collapse of crawl space

Soft Story Retrofitting

For buildings with weak first floors:

Add steel moment frames
Install shear walls
Strengthen existing walls
May require engineering

Building Code Requirements

Voluntary vs Mandatory

Most retrofitting is voluntary
Some cities mandate soft story retrofits
Required when doing major renovations
Triggered by certain addition sizes

Chapter A3 Provisions

Prescriptive retrofit standards:

Simplified engineering requirements
Standard details for common conditions
Cost-effective solutions
Accepted by most jurisdictions

Financial Incentives

Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)

Grant amount: Up to $3,000
Eligibility: Qualifying ZIP codes
Requirements: Owner-occupied, built before 1980
Application: Annual registration period

California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

Newer grant program
Expands eligible areas
Similar grant amounts
Income-qualified additional funding

Tax Benefits

Exclusion from property tax reassessment
Improvements don't increase property taxes
Some cities offer transfer tax reductions

The Retrofit Process

Step 1: Assessment

Inspect foundation type
Check for cripple walls
Evaluate current connections
Identify specific vulnerabilities

Step 2: Planning

Determine retrofit scope
Obtain plans (if required)
Apply for grants
Get contractor bids

Step 3: Permitting

Submit permit application
Include standard plan set
Pay permit fees
Schedule inspections

Step 4: Construction

Work typically takes 2-5 days
Minimal disruption to living space
Access through crawl space/basement
Inspection at completion

Cost Breakdown

Foundation bolting only: $1,500-$3,500
Cripple wall bracing: $2,000-$5,000
Combined retrofit: $3,000-$6,500
Soft story (multi-unit): $60,000-$130,000
Engineering (if needed): $1,000-$3,000

Benefits Beyond Safety

Reduced earthquake insurance premiums
Increased property value
Peace of mind for family safety
Faster disaster recovery
May prevent total loss

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using inadequate hardware
Improper bolt spacing
Missing critical connections
DIY without proper knowledge
Skipping permit process

Finding Qualified Contractors

Check contractor license (B, C-8, or C-5)
Verify workers' compensation insurance
Ask for retrofit-specific experience
Get multiple bids
Check references and reviews

"The $3,000 grant covered most of our retrofit costs. Knowing our 1950s home is now properly secured to the foundation gives us tremendous peace of mind."
- Robert and Maria S., Oakland Homeowners

Earthquake retrofitting is one of the most important safety improvements for older California homes. With available grants and proven techniques, protecting your home is more affordable and accessible than ever.