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>

What can cause vibrations in a house?

• <div><p>Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/i-hear-vibrating-motor-sound-my-walls-night-it-my-pipes-or-it-related-air-vents-or-furnace">possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall</a> or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.</p></div>

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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>

Q: Can earthquake retrofitting increase home value?

• <div><p>Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk. </p></div>

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Alpha Foundations

4.78(

)

•Approved Pro

Alpha Foundations

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

23 years of experience

Established in 2002, Alpha Foundations stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair and structural reinforcement to crawl space encapsulation, dehumidification, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With offices spanning across the entire state of Florida & South Georgia, we bring our expertise closer to you. Alpha Foundations proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Alpha Foundations, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate! CBC1257350 (FL)

"Our project went very well, from the initial visit to completion of the repair, the team did a great job."

David M on December 2025

"Our project went very well, from the initial visit to completion of the repair, the team did a great job."

David M on December 2025

Helicon

4.60(

)

Helicon

4.60(

)

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.

"They did an amazing job. Excellent service I would recommend them to anyone. Give ⭐️ "

Annette C on November 2025

"They did an amazing job. Excellent service I would recommend them to anyone. Give ⭐️ "

Annette C on November 2025

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk.

Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.

The Monticello, FL homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

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

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