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>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Laramie, WY

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: 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>

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: 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>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 3 pros

Need a pro for your earthquake retrofitting project in Laramie, WY?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Laramie

BDPeak Engineering, LLC

2841 East K Street

5.00(

)

BDPeak Engineering, LLC

2841 East K Street

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

2 Antelope Trail, P.O.

No reviews yet

CTE-VBMIS Group

2 Antelope Trail, P.O.

No reviews yet

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
•
Aug 15, 2025Aug 15, 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.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Jul 24, 2024Jul 24, 2024
What You Need to Know About Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation
Earthquake gas shut-off valve installation is important for any home in earthquake-prone areas. Explore how they’re installed here.
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.