Protect Your Home from the Next Earthquake
Foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and soft-story retrofitting for Bay Area homes.
California homeowners know the next earthquake is not a question of if, but when. Seismic retrofitting strengthens the connection between your home and its foundation so the structure can withstand lateral shaking forces. Whether your home needs basic foundation bolting or a full soft-story retrofit, our licensed team handles the engineering, permitting, and construction so your family is protected and your investment is secure.
Why Choose Custom Home for Seismic Retrofitting
Foundation Bolting
Anchor your home's mudsill to the concrete foundation using code-compliant bolts and hardware. This prevents the house from sliding off its foundation during seismic events.
Cripple Wall Bracing
Strengthen the short wood-framed walls between your foundation and first floor with structural plywood sheathing. Cripple walls are the most common failure point in older Bay Area homes.
Soft-Story Retrofitting
Reinforce buildings with open-front ground floors, such as homes with tuck-under parking or large garage openings. Steel moment frames and structural upgrades prevent collapse.
Chimney Bracing
Brace unreinforced masonry chimneys to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake. We install steel bracing systems that meet current seismic code requirements.
Water Heater Strapping
Secure water heaters with code-compliant double strapping to prevent tipping, gas line rupture, and fire risk during seismic events. A simple upgrade that prevents serious hazards.
Years in the Bay Area
Licensed since 2005. 100+ projects completed across the South Bay, Peninsula, and beyond.
BuildZoom Rated
Ranked in the top 1% of Bay Area contractors based on qualifications, performance, and reliability.
Design-First Process
See every detail in 3D before construction. Our two-phase approach separates design from build so you never commit blind.
Change Orders
When you follow our full two-phase process from A to Z, every decision is locked in during design. No mid-project surprises.
Itemized Pricing
Every material, every line item, visible before you sign. No allowances, no hidden fees.
What to Expect
Standard foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing. Soft-story retrofits and complex projects quoted after assessment.
Key Cost Factors
- Type of foundation
- Presence and height of cripple walls
- Home size and number of stories
- Soil conditions and hillside factors
- Permit requirements by jurisdiction
All pricing is approximate and subject to change. Every project is unique, and final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
Ready to discuss your seismic retrofitting project? Call (888) 306-1688 or schedule a consultation.
What We Promise on Every Project
You'll Hear from Us Every Week
Weekly progress updates with photos and milestone reports. A dedicated project manager as your single point of contact. We respond to questions within 24 hours.
Every Subcontractor Is Licensed and Supervised
We maintain long-term relationships with licensed, insured trade partners. Our project managers directly supervise all work on your property. No unsupervised labor.
We Prioritize What's Behind the Walls
Foundation, framing, waterproofing, electrical, and plumbing are engineered and inspected before any finish work begins. Structural integrity always comes first.
We've Never Walked Away from a Project
100+ projects completed across the Bay Area since 2005. Every one delivered. When you hire Custom Home, your project gets finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I retrofit my Bay Area home?
The Bay Area sits on multiple active fault lines, including the San Andreas and Hayward faults. Homes built before 1980 often lack adequate connections between the structure and foundation. Retrofitting addresses these vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of major structural damage or total loss in a significant earthquake. Many homeowners also see insurance premium reductions after completing a retrofit.
What permits are needed for seismic retrofitting?
Most seismic retrofit work requires a building permit from your local jurisdiction. We handle the entire permitting process, including engineering calculations and plan submission. Many Bay Area cities have streamlined permit processes for standard earthquake bracing and bolting projects.
Will seismic retrofitting lower my insurance premiums?
Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have been seismically retrofitted. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers premium reductions for homes with qualifying retrofit work. We provide all documentation your insurer needs to process the discount.
How long does a seismic retrofit take?
Construction itself is relatively fast. Standard foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing takes 3 to 5 days for most homes. Soft-story retrofits require 2 to 4 weeks of construction. However, the total project timeline is longer: engineering, permitting, and inspections typically add 1 to 4 months depending on your city's permit process. From start to finish, expect 2 to 6 months for a complete seismic retrofit project. We manage every step so you always know where things stand.
How much does seismic retrofitting cost?
Standard foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing for a typical Bay Area home ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Soft-story retrofits are more extensive and costs vary based on the building's size and structural requirements. We provide detailed estimates after an on-site assessment.
Is my home a candidate for seismic retrofitting?
Homes built before 1980 are the strongest candidates, especially those with raised foundations, cripple walls, or unreinforced masonry. Homes on hillsides or with tuck-under garages also benefit significantly. We offer free assessments to determine what your home needs.
Where We Offer Seismic Retrofitting
South Bay
Peninsula
East Bay
Tri-Valley
San Francisco
Coastal
Monterey Bay
Last updated: March 2026