Is earthquake retrofit tax deductible?

• <div><p>Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.</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: 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: 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: 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>

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Silver Line Construction Plus

2006 Hill Crest Road Northwest

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Silver Line Construction Plus

2006 Hill Crest Road Northwest

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

10 years of experience

With over 10 years of experience, I take pride in my quality craftsmanship. We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering honesty along with exceptional work. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. Give us a call today! We look forward to working with you!

"They did a great job! My roof looks great! Reliable and kept me well informed about everything. They kept cost in mind and cleaned up nicely after themselves. Serge even came out late to tarp the roof until it could get repaired so that I didnâ t have any further damage to the house waiting for the roof. They were very nice to work with. Great people. I canâ t say enough good things about them!"

Sammi E on June 2024

"They did a great job! My roof looks great! Reliable and kept me well informed about everything. They kept cost in mind and cleaned up nicely after themselves. Serge even came out late to tarp the roof until it could get repaired so that I didnâ t have any further damage to the house waiting for the roof. They were very nice to work with. Great people. I canâ t say enough good things about them!"

Sammi E on June 2024

GM Enterprise Inc

GM Enterprise Inc

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 99% of Angi customers

We are a small company offering very personalized service. We do the complete job and take all the worries off you. No job is to little for use.

"Greg did a great job under difficult circumstances. Door looks great and fits well."

Victor A on January 2022

We are a small company offering very personalized service. We do the complete job and take all the worries off you. No job is to little for use.

"Greg did a great job under difficult circumstances. Door looks great and fits well."

Victor A on January 2022

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.

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.

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.

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

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.

The Tobaccoville, NC 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

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