Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Conestee, SC

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 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 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 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 Is a gas shut-off valve for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.</p></div>

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Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Conestee

HMC Builders Inc

111 Shiloh Rd

5.00(

)

HMC Builders Inc

111 Shiloh Rd

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

HMC Builders is a general contractor specializing in all things gutter! We offer seamless gutter installation, gutter and downspout repairs, and gutter guards. We also service and clean all residential and commercial gutters. We strive to provide excellent customer service and quality craftsmanship.

"I would absolutely hire them again. Superior customer service and knowledgeable technician. We had a "trouble spot" on our roof that we have tried to fix for years. Just could not get water runoff routed correctly so we had cascading waterfalls every time it rained. The technician took his time to evaluate the issue and figured out how to fix it. Great job. No more waterfalls!!"

Laine R on May 2022

"I would absolutely hire them again. Superior customer service and knowledgeable technician. We had a "trouble spot" on our roof that we have tried to fix for years. Just could not get water runoff routed correctly so we had cascading waterfalls every time it rained. The technician took his time to evaluate the issue and figured out how to fix it. Great job. No more waterfalls!!"

Laine R on May 2022

Griffin Electric

Griffin Electric

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

Family owned & operated Greer based Electrical company servicing Greenville/Spartanburg / Pickens areas since 1982. We can handle all of your electrical needs. Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Troubleshooting and Repair, House Upgrades, Panel Changes, Wiring, Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Generator Hookups, and Security Lighting. Call us today for service.

"It went great. Arrived on time and got to work immediately. Finished hard work in good time. Mike and his crew are knowledgeable, skilled, and very pleasant to work with. Have used before, recommended to others, and will use again."

John A on September 2024

"It went great. Arrived on time and got to work immediately. Finished hard work in good time. Mike and his crew are knowledgeable, skilled, and very pleasant to work with. Have used before, recommended to others, and will use again."

John A on September 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.

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.

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.

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.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

The Conestee, SC 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
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 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.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 9, 2024Jul 9, 2024
How Long Does Earthquake Retrofitting Take?
Fear not! Steady the shakes, tame the tremors, and get earthquake-ready while we give you a better idea of how long earthquake retrofitting takes.
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.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 25, 2024Jul 25, 2024
Earthquake Retrofit 101: Everything You Need to Know About Prepping a Home for a Seismic Event
If you live near a fault line, your home may need an earthquake retrofit. Find out what you need to know about the process, from costs to who you should hire.