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>

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>

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Q: If my appliances have gas shut-off valves, do I still need a seismic shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Even if you invested in the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-adding-gas-shutoff-valve-built-oven.htm">cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven</a> and other appliances, it&rsquo;s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. </p><p>Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.</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 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>

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Total Construction by Dale Lands LLC

13376 US Hwy 70 Business West

2.00(

)

Total Construction by Dale Lands LLC

13376 US Hwy 70 Business West

2.00(

)

1988 years of experience

We are a full service General Contractor but we also offer many small services to help you with any needs. We do all kinds of new construction from residential to commercial and also offer many maintenance choices from your yard to your roof.

"Communication was great. The house is tall and on a hill. We talked to 3 different companies about doing the work. One company chose not to do it because the house is tall and sits on a hill. Of the other two companies, Total Construction had the best estimate and the people were so nice. I'm so glad they came out to do the work. Each day they cleaned up behind themselves and made it easy for my family to live in the home even though the work was being done. Everything looks so nice now. I know some of my neighbors will be using this company now because they loved watching the work & the outcome!! Great Company!!! Highly recommended!!"

Melynda S on March 2022

"Communication was great. The house is tall and on a hill. We talked to 3 different companies about doing the work. One company chose not to do it because the house is tall and sits on a hill. Of the other two companies, Total Construction had the best estimate and the people were so nice. I'm so glad they came out to do the work. Each day they cleaned up behind themselves and made it easy for my family to live in the home even though the work was being done. Everything looks so nice now. I know some of my neighbors will be using this company now because they loved watching the work & the outcome!! Great Company!!! Highly recommended!!"

Melynda S on March 2022

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure.

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Star, NC 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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