Help for homeowners using our free matching service

We help homeowners connect with local contractors who work on earthquake and storm retrofit projects. Our matching service is free for homeowners, and you stay in control of who you talk to, what quotes you request, and who you hire.

How much does a seismic retrofit cost for a home?

See typical seismic retrofit cost ranges, what affects price, and how to compare bids before you choose a contractor.

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How much does foundation bolting cost for a home?

Learn typical foundation bolting cost ranges, what changes the price, and how to compare contractor quotes for your home.

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How much does cripple wall bracing cost for a home?

See typical cripple wall bracing cost ranges, what affects price, and how to compare contractor quotes before you hire.

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How much does a soft-story retrofit cost for a home or building?

Learn typical soft-story retrofit cost ranges, what affects price, and how to compare bids before choosing a licensed local contractor.

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How much do hurricane straps cost for a home?

Learn typical hurricane strap cost ranges, what affects price, and how to compare contractor quotes for your home.

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What foundation bolting means for a house

Learn what foundation bolting is, why homeowners ask about it, typical costs, and how to get local retrofit quotes to compare.

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What Is a Cripple Wall on a House?

Learn what a cripple wall is, where to find it, why homeowners ask about it, and when to get a licensed contractor to inspect it.

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What is a soft-story building, and why does it matter?

Learn what a soft-story building is, common warning signs, and what homeowners can ask a licensed professional to check.

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What Are Hurricane Straps on a House?

Learn what hurricane straps are, where they’re used, and what homeowners should ask a contractor before storm retrofit work.

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What anchor bolts do for a house

Learn what anchor bolts are, why they matter, and when to ask a contractor to inspect them after earthquakes, wind, or water concerns.

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What Is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program?

Learn what the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program is, who may qualify, what it can help pay for, and how to check next steps.

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Do I qualify for an earthquake retrofit grant?

Learn which homes may qualify for earthquake retrofit grants, what programs to check, and what steps to take before applying.

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How do I apply for the Brace + Bolt grant?

Learn how the Brace + Bolt grant application works, what documents you may need, and how to check whether your home may qualify.

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How long does a seismic retrofit usually take?

Learn how long a seismic retrofit may take, what can slow it down, and how to plan around contractor schedules and permits.

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Do I need a permit for a seismic retrofit?

Learn when a seismic retrofit may require a permit, who usually pulls it, and what to ask contractors before work starts.

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Do I need an engineer for a home retrofit?

Learn when a retrofit may call for an engineer, when a contractor may handle it, and how to compare bids with confidence.

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Can you stay in your home during a retrofit?

Learn when homeowners can usually stay home during a seismic or storm retrofit, what may disrupt daily life, and what to ask a contractor.

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Is a seismic retrofit worth it for your home?

Learn how homeowners weigh seismic retrofit costs, risks, resale value, and grants so you can decide whether it makes sense to get bids.

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How can I tell whether my house is bolted to the foundation?

Learn simple ways to check whether your house may be bolted to its foundation and when to ask a licensed contractor for help.

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Which homes are more likely to need a seismic retrofit?

Learn which homes may be more likely to need seismic retrofitting and what signs to ask a local contractor to check.

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Are older homes more at risk during an earthquake?

Learn why some older homes can be more vulnerable in earthquakes and what homeowners can ask a licensed pro to check.

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What Is a Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance for Homeowners?

Learn what a soft-story retrofit ordinance means, who it may affect, typical timelines and costs, and how to compare local contractors.

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How do I find a licensed retrofit contractor?

Learn how to check licenses, insurance, bids, and references so you can choose a qualified local retrofit contractor with more confidence.

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How do I check a contractor’s license?

Learn how to verify a contractor’s license, bond, and insurance so you can compare bids and hire with more confidence.

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Should a retrofit contractor be bonded and insured?

Learn why bond, liability, and workers' comp matter when hiring a retrofit contractor, and what homeowners should verify first.

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What should be included in a home retrofit contract?

See what to look for in a retrofit contract so you can compare bids, avoid surprises, and verify key terms before you hire.

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What is a shear wall?

Learn what a shear wall does, where it may be found, and what questions to ask a contractor after an on-site assessment.

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What is a hold-down in a seismic retrofit?

Learn what a hold-down does in a retrofit, where it may be used, and what to ask a contractor before approving work.

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How do I strap my water heater?

Learn what water heater strapping is, why it matters in quake areas, and when to call a licensed contractor for an on-site check.

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How do I brace a masonry chimney?

Learn what chimney bracing usually involves, what it may cost, and how to compare local retrofit contractors for your home.

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Can a home retrofit help protect against hurricanes?

Learn what a hurricane retrofit may help with, common upgrades to ask about, typical costs, and how to compare local contractor options.

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What Is a Roof Tie-Down and Why Does It Matter?

Learn what a roof tie-down is, how it helps connect the roof to the walls, and what homeowners should ask a contractor.

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Do I Need Storm Shutters for My Home?

Learn when storm shutters may be worth considering, what they do, typical costs, and how to compare options with local pros.

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How do high winds damage a house?

Learn the common ways high winds damage a house, what warning signs to watch for, and when to get a local contractor to inspect.

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What’s the difference between seismic and storm retrofitting?

Learn how seismic and storm retrofitting differ, what each aims to improve, and how a homeowner can compare next steps and costs.

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Does homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?

Learn what homeowners insurance usually does and does not cover for earthquakes, and what to check before you compare policies or repairs.

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What earthquake insurance is and how it works

Learn what earthquake insurance covers, what it often excludes, and how it may help you compare risk, deductibles, and repair costs.

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Can a home retrofit help lower my insurance cost?

Learn when a seismic or storm retrofit may affect insurance pricing, what to ask your insurer, and how to document the work clearly.

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How much can a home retrofit reduce earthquake damage?

Learn what a retrofit may and may not change in an earthquake, typical limits, and how to compare contractor opinions and costs.

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What can happen if a house is not bolted to its foundation in an earthquake?

Learn the common risks of an unbolted house in an earthquake, what damage may look like, and how to compare next steps with local pros.

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Is my mobile home at risk in an earthquake?

Learn what can make a mobile home more vulnerable in an earthquake and what steps to consider before talking to local retrofit pros.

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What is an earthquake retrofit inspection?

Learn what an earthquake retrofit inspection usually covers, what it may cost, and how it helps homeowners compare repair options.

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How often should you check your home’s retrofit?

Learn when to re-check your home retrofit, what warning signs to watch for, and when to call a licensed contractor for a closer look.

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Can a renter ask a landlord to retrofit a home or building?

Learn how renters can ask a landlord about seismic or storm retrofits, what to say, and how to document concerns clearly and respectfully.

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What retrofit help is there for low-income homeowners?

Learn where low-income homeowners may find retrofit help, grants, loans, and local programs, plus how to check eligibility and compare bids.

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Does a home retrofit affect property value?

Learn how seismic or storm retrofits may affect resale, buyer confidence, and disclosures, so you can plan upgrades with clearer expectations.

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What FEMA hazard mitigation funding means for homeowners

Learn what FEMA hazard mitigation funding is, how it may help pay for retrofit work, and what homeowners should check before applying.

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How do I prepare my home for an earthquake?

Learn practical steps to prepare your home for an earthquake, from simple safety fixes to getting retrofit quotes and checking aid programs.

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How do I prepare my home for a hurricane?

Learn practical steps to prepare your home for a hurricane, reduce common weak points, and plan next steps with local pros.

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How do I find a retrofit contractor who speaks my language?

Learn how to find a retrofit contractor who speaks your language, ask better questions, compare bids, and verify license and insurance.

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Get matched, free

Want your home ready before the next one?

Get matched, free, with vetted local retrofit contractors. Compare the scope and price — and confirm the engineering and the cost in writing before any work starts. You compare and choose who to hire.

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