How much does it cost to retrofit a house for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Costs vary as much as timelines. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-earthquake-retrofitting-cost.htm">earthquake retrofit costs</a> between <b>$3,500 and $8,700</b>. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.</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 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: 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>

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EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

225 Griffin Lane

5.00(

)

EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

225 Griffin Lane

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Home remodeling Vapor barriers Home remedies Handyman HVAC Electrical Plumbing And so much more.

"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Home remodeling Vapor barriers Home remedies Handyman HVAC Electrical Plumbing And so much more.

"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Costs vary as much as timelines. The average earthquake retrofit costs between $3,500 and $8,700. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.

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.

The Greenville, NC homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

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