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>

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Q: How effective is earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of <b>up to 7.0 magnitude</b>, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.</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 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: Why do I need earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.</p><p>You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.</p></div>

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Alpha Foundations

4.77(

)

•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)

"Jonathan and Taylor showed up as scheduled and were quickly at work fixing the foundation issues at hand. Polite and knowledgeable, they answered every question we had about the process. The job took two full days and they both worked late into the day to make sure the job was complete. Upon completion of the job, they texted pictures of their work to my phone so I could see what was done. They even went above the call, and took a picture of a small leak from my AC unit that I would not have known about! I definitely would recommend Alpha Foundations to anyone having issues with their home foundation!"

Bill S on June 2025

"Jonathan and Taylor showed up as scheduled and were quickly at work fixing the foundation issues at hand. Polite and knowledgeable, they answered every question we had about the process. The job took two full days and they both worked late into the day to make sure the job was complete. Upon completion of the job, they texted pictures of their work to my phone so I could see what was done. They even went above the call, and took a picture of a small leak from my AC unit that I would not have known about! I definitely would recommend Alpha Foundations to anyone having issues with their home foundation!"

Bill S on June 2025

Montaluce Winery & Estates

3.00(

)

Montaluce Winery & Estates

3.00(

)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Montaluce. Twitter: https://twitter.com/montalucewinery

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

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.

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.

An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.

You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.

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.

The Blakely, GA 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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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.