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>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Riverside, MI

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: How long does an earthquake retrofit take?

• <div><p>Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between <b>two weeks and two months</b>. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.</p></div>

Q: What can I expect during the earthquake retrofitting process?

• <div><p>First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you&rsquo;ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you&rsquo;ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Riverside

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

Varment Guard Wildlife Services

Varment Guard Wildlife Services

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

If you’re looking for humane and efficient wild animal removal services, you’ve come to the right place. Varment Guard Wildlife Services was founded in 1983 and has been passionate about delivering environmentally conscious and safe wildlife pest removal services ever since. From rowdy raccoons to ornery opossums to damaging deer, bats, moles, or groundhogs, we have experience solving and preventing many types of wildlife challenges. We offer wild animal removal services to Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and parts of Kentucky and Wisconsin. So, if you’re wondering, where can I find quality wildlife services near me? Look no further. Varment Guard has you covered.

"ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS! Spent $500 to have raccoons captured and removed from the attic at one of our rentals. Mama decided to next and give birth to three young predators. Technician set 3 traps, for 3 weeks. Nada. We show up at 8p on a Friday night. Set one trap that we brought and viola' by 5a the next morning...a raccoon. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!"

Melissa R on August 2022

"ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS! Spent $500 to have raccoons captured and removed from the attic at one of our rentals. Mama decided to next and give birth to three young predators. Technician set 3 traps, for 3 weeks. Nada. We show up at 8p on a Friday night. Set one trap that we brought and viola' by 5a the next morning...a raccoon. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!"

Melissa R on August 2022

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.

The Riverside, 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
•
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.