Is earthquake retrofit tax deductible?

• <div><p>Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.</p></div>

Will a seismic shut-off valve save me money on earthquake insurance?

• <div><p>Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan. </p></div>

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Q: How long does an earthquake retrofit take?

• <div><p>Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between <b>two weeks and two months</b>. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.</p></div>

Q: What can I expect during the earthquake retrofitting process?

• <div><p>First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you&rsquo;ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you&rsquo;ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Earthquake Retrofitting pros in Chugiak, AK

*The Angi rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Chugiak, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Earthquake Retrofitting needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Chugiak, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Earthquake Retrofitting needs.

Last update on November 29, 2025

Reviewed in September 2022
They were fast, reliable and kept me informed of progress along the way. Willing to accommodate for change. They did an excellent job on new drywall as well as repairing earthquake damage and patches. I would definitely hire them again.
Rico Construction
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Reviewed in August 2020
We couldn t be happier with our garage. Terry came out right away to view the job, called to keep us informed of the project and worked late into the night to finish the top. We are very impressed with his work! We have had several people working on our home lifting it, fixing it from the...
Quality Craft Services
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Reviewed in February 2020
LP Services did a great paint job for us. We had earthquake damage and they repaired and textured several cracks. You can't tell where the damage was. They were fast, professional and economical. After painting our dining room, my wife decided she didn't like the paint color. The owner...
L P Services
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Reviewed in May 2019
Had crew come out to check chimney for possible earthquake damage. Company called to ask if they could come early so I left work to meet them. No show-when called office they had my number on another person’s address and did that work but said they would come at scheduled time. Scheduled time-no...
Chimney Doctor
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Reviewed in April 2019
I had prior earthquake damage and then new earthquake stress cracks, so I had the interior repainted. Ramon and Josh are professionals. I m very happy about the results. I will hire them for future housing projects.
R&J Services, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2018
Jo was right on time as scheduled. He is very friendly and worked efficiently. It was a 2 day job and it couldn’t have turned out better. On day 2 of our job we had a 7.0 earthquake while he was at the house working. After the quake he finished the section he was working on and we insisted he...
WILD S'TILE
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Reviewed in December 2018
David is honest, trustworthy, and quoted us a very fair price for replacing a delaminating fire door. Despite a one-day earthquake delay, the replacement went smoothly, and David even took the time to make certain that the door frame was adjusted appropriately and everything was up to code. I'll...
Carpentry By the Hour
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Reviewed in October 2014
Frontier Woodworks was referred to me by a friend (they had kitchen cabinets and custom trim work done), as well as another contractor I trusted. I needed 1500 sf of wood flooring installed (Karhs engineered floating floor can be sanded and refinished twice) in my 1961 pre-quake house with...
Frontier Woodworks
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Reviewed in April 2014
The install took two days. On the first day two technician were on time for the install and got the boiler out and taken away. They had the new boiler in and running to heat the house through the night. The next day they came back and did fine tuning and got the water heater switched over. ...
Moore Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in January 2014
They are always very friendly and will work you in as soon as they can. All of the staff are friendly and professional and take the time to talk to you and explain what they are doing and all of the options to help you make good choices for your house. We have used Denali to retrofit our...
DENALI HVAC INC
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Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Chugiak

CBS Remodeling

4.50(

)

•Approved Pro

CBS Remodeling

4.50(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

29 years of experience

CBS Remodeling is a locally owned and operated full service remodeling firm. With over 25 years of experience, we provide all of our clients with high end work and pride ourselves in customer service! Please reach out today! We specialize in all aspects of the home. We look forward to consulting with you on your next project.

"I have worked with him 5 years. He is very competitive."

Larry M on August 2019

"I have worked with him 5 years. He is very competitive."

Larry M on August 2019

PolySeal Insulation LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

PolySeal Insulation LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

38 local quotes requested

We're a family-owned, residential construction contractor based in Alaska and have been in business for over 20 years. Our niche is specialty construction solutions. We thrive on trouble-shooting and solving construction problems unique to Alaska - this ranges from insulation methods to combat extremely cold weather, Geo-foam applications to stabilize settling ground, lifting settled houses, creating curtain walls for water abatement, sea wall stabilization, grout injection, helical piers, and the like. We have multiple teams of highly qualified and certified technicians with years of experience. We take pride in providing high-quality products and services to our customers, and our reviews reflect the hard work we have put in.

"Excellent, perfectly done. Would recommend to everyone"

Andy H on March 2024

"Excellent, perfectly done. Would recommend to everyone"

Andy H on March 2024

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan.

First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

The Chugiak, AK homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Earthquake Damage? [2025 Data]
Discover how much it costs to repair earthquake damage. Learn about average costs, key factors, and ways to save on earthquake repairs for your home.
Mariel Loveland
•
Aug 26, 2025Aug 26, 2025
How Much Does Earthquake Valve Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
A seismic shut-off valve stops the flow of gas during an earthquake, protecting your home from fires and explosions. Here’s what your earthquake valve installation cost will look like.
Angi
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquake retrofit costs vary based on home size, location, and project scope. Learn what impacts your price and how to budget for a safer, more secure home.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Jul 24, 2024Jul 24, 2024
What You Need to Know About Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation
Earthquake gas shut-off valve installation is important for any home in earthquake-prone areas. Explore how they’re installed here.
Lauren Bongard
•
Aug 21, 2024Aug 21, 2024
Is Earthquake Retrofitting Worth It? Stay Safe and Boost Your Home’s Value
Is earthquake retrofitting worth the cost and time? Learn whether seismic updates are a smart idea for your home and how to do it right.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Who Should I Hire for Earthquake Retrofitting?
If you live in an older home in an area prone to seismic activity, you likely need to hire a seismic retrofitting company to protect your home from earthquakes.