Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Hatch, NM

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.

The average cost for an earthquake retrofit is between $3,500 and $8,700, though the full range can be anywhere from $500 to $15,000 or more. Costs vary significantly depending on your home's foundation, type, and the specific retrofitting method used. For a slab foundation, you can expect to pay on the lower end, between $500 and $3,000, while a wooden foundation can cost $5,000 to $10,000. Retrofitting a hillside home typically costs between $5,000 and $12,000 or more. A soft-story home, such as one with rooms over a garage, is the most expensive, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $80,000. It is advisable to get multiple estimates to compare services and pricing.

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.

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.