How much does it cost to retrofit a house for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Costs vary as much as timelines. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-earthquake-retrofitting-cost.htm">earthquake retrofit costs</a> between <b>$3,500 and $8,700</b>. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.</p></div>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Cocoa Beach, FL

Q: Besides grounding outlets, how else can I protect my home?

• <div><p>Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.</p></div>

Q: Can I DIY an earthquake retrofit?

• <div><p>It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family. </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>

Q: Can I stay in my home during earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.</p></div>

There are 1 highly-rated local earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Need a pro for your earthquake retrofitting project in Cocoa Beach, FL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Cocoa Beach

FortiFi

11111 Santa Monica Blvd

No reviews yet

FortiFi

11111 Santa Monica Blvd

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

FortiFi offers 100%, non-credit based financing for energy-efficient upgrades to your home. We offer a quick approval process, no payments for up to 17 months, and access to carefully screened contractors who will get the job done right.

AC Construction Group

P.O. Box 101124

No reviews yet

AC Construction Group

P.O. Box 101124

No reviews yet

33 years of experience

From screenings to roofs we do it all; and everything in between. Since 1992 A& C Construction has been the #1 choice for homeowners everywhere. With above and beyond work ethic, reasonable prices, and exceptional customer service. Why would you pick from anyone else? Any questions and/or concerns feel free to give us a call.

Helicon

11103 N 46th St

4.54(

)

Helicon

11103 N 46th St

4.54(

)

Customers say: Quick response

22 years of experience

By choosing Helicon, you will be provided with rock-solid solutions for all your soil stabilization and foundation issues. Helicon specializes in using the latest technology and the highest quality foundation repair process to repair your foundation, raise your concrete slab, and stabilize your soil or structure. We strive to exceed expectations every step of the way. Helicon is 5 Star Rated, A+ Rated BBB Company with ZERO BBB customer complaints. With our reliable, tried-and-true foundation repair process, you can rest assured that Helicon is the expert you can trust.

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.

Costs vary as much as timelines. The average earthquake retrofit costs between $3,500 and $8,700. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.

It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family.

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.

Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Cocoa Beach, FL 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

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
•
Aug 15, 2025Aug 15, 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.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Jan 28, 2025Jan 28, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquakes can cause serious damage, but you can protect your home. Find earthquake retrofit costs based on the type of home, foundation type, retrofit method, and more.
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.
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.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 25, 2024Jul 25, 2024
Earthquake Retrofit 101: Everything You Need to Know About Prepping a Home for a Seismic Event
If you live near a fault line, your home may need an earthquake retrofit. Find out what you need to know about the process, from costs to who you should hire.