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>

Do I need an earthquake gas shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.</p></div>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Ann Arbor, MI

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>

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>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your earthquake retrofitting project in Ann Arbor, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Earthquake Retrofitting pros in Ann Arbor, MI

*The Angi rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor, MI 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 12, 2025

Reviewed in May 2015
My chandilier was installed too lhigh over the dining room table. Needed to be lower. Electrician added a longer wire and the chain links I had. The Schoenbeck chandelier looks very good in the dining room since it was lowered. It took the electrician about 40 mins.to complete. He also...
Consumer Services Electric Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2015
I would give Buckmasters a 10 out of 10. There painting job was fantastic, very precise lines, very clean. The job on the doors was also fantastic. To fit the doors was more challenging because all the doors were retrofitted into the old door jams and closet openings. My house is from the 1950's...
BUCKMASTER CONTRACTING
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2014
Cassandra was the designer and contractor with Longs. She had a great design and is enthusiastic. However she did not do a great job overseeing the remodel. 1) We had one set of wrong cabinets delivered. (2- door instead of one door). They would have been installed had we not examined them and...
Long's Plumbing Co
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2012
We first called earlier in the week to address a problem with an A/C leaking water onto the floor inside the furnace. Ryan came out the same day and quickly diagnosed and repaired a plugged drain pipe. He inspected our furnaces and found heat exchangers with small cracks, and showed us the...
1st Heating and Cooling Co
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2011
The overall experience was somewhat mixed, but acceptable. The owner, Cameron, is very pleasant, responsive and easy going. He did all of the plumbing work himself but most of the other work was performed by a job foreman. Although the basic layout of the bathroom was unchanged, we requested...
JCJ Contracting Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2011
I inquired about a ramp for our house. HandyPro was very timely in responding to my request. They provided us more information than we asked for. Their quote was very reasonable and they were willing to give us a deal to move the ramp to a new location when necessary. I would recommend them...
HandyPro of Greater Toledo, LLC
Request a quote

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Ann Arbor

Acculevel Inc

4.66(

181

)

Acculevel Inc

4.66(

181

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.

The Ann Arbor, MI 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.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Aug 26, 2024Aug 26, 2024
What Is an Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve and Do You Need One?
In a seismic event, an earthquake gas shut-off valve could stop gas leaks and save your life. Learn more about its costs, installation, and benefits.