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: 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 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>

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>

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Acculevel Inc

Acculevel Inc

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hamburg, MI 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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