Do I need an earthquake gas shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.</p></div>

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: Besides grounding outlets, how else can I protect my home?

• <div><p>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.</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>

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>

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BDPeak Engineering, LLC

5.00(

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BDPeak Engineering, LLC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

BDPeak Engineering provides structural engineering design & drafting services for commercial, residential, industrial and institutional projects. Forensic Investigations & Engineering services are offered for residential & commercial structures. BDPeak was founded on two principles: honesty and integrity. We are professionally licensed throughout the United States, primarily focusing on the Rocky Mountain region. Our staff has been practicing structural engineering and serving the region for 15 years. BDPeak is professionally licensed in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota & Texas.

"Working with Bryan and BDPeak Engineering was an overall great experience. Being first time home builders, Bryan helped make the process as smooth as possible and helped put any concerns we may have had going into it at ease. His attention to detail and communication was second to none. He was very responsive throughout the whole process whenever we had any questions and always met the deadlines he had set. I would most definitely recommend using the services BDPeak offers for any prospective building projects."

Chris P on December 2022

"Working with Bryan and BDPeak Engineering was an overall great experience. Being first time home builders, Bryan helped make the process as smooth as possible and helped put any concerns we may have had going into it at ease. His attention to detail and communication was second to none. He was very responsive throughout the whole process whenever we had any questions and always met the deadlines he had set. I would most definitely recommend using the services BDPeak offers for any prospective building projects."

Chris P on December 2022

CTE-VBMIS Group

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CTE-VBMIS Group

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38 years of experience

CTE-VBMIS Group is a company headed by Mr. Eugene D. Ninnie, P.E., AIA, LEED AP. Mr. Ninnie has been a real estate professional, architect, professional engineer and contractor for over 30 years. He applies this experience in solving your specific problem. The CTE-VBMIS Group of companies are RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA RealEstateSolutionsUSA is a Site dedicated to our Preferred BUYERS looking for that specific Investment Property RESoltuionsUSA the company is a Site dedicated to people looking to sell their Home or Property FAST. CTE-VBMIS Group is an Architectural/Engineering/Construction/Real Estate Investment Company Utilizing RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA company experience profile and the experience and talents of CTE-VBMIS Group, RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA assists and help our Preferred BUYERS and MOTIVATED SELLERS and are able to provide unique and specialized solutions for any Real Estate Problem BUYERS and SELLERS have.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Laramie, WY 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.
Angi
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquake retrofit costs vary based on home size, location, and project scope. Learn what impacts your price and how to budget for a safer, more secure home.
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.
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.
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.