How BedrockMatch works

Start by sharing basic details about your home, location, and what kind of concern you have. For example, you might say you want to ask about earthquake bracing, foundation work, crawl space framing, roof-to-wall connections, or general storm-hardening options.

You do not need to know the technical name of the work. Plain language is fine. If English is not your first language, you can still give simple details, photos, or notes about what you have noticed.

Helpful information can include:

• Your ZIP code or city
• Home type, age, and number of stories
• Whether you have a crawl space, raised foundation, slab, or garage under living space
• Any visible issues, past damage, or insurance-related questions
• Photos of the exterior, foundation area, crawl space, attic, or garage if available

Once you send your request through get matched, free, BedrockMatch reviews the information so we can try to connect you with contractors who handle that kind of project in your area.

After we review your request, we try to match you with local contractors who offer services relevant to your project. These may include companies that work on retrofit-related items listed under services, depending on your location and the type of home.

"Vetted" means BedrockMatch checks basic business qualifications such as whether the contractor appears to hold an active license where required and whether they offer the type of work requested. Homeowners should still verify a contractor's current license, bond, and insurance themselves before signing anything.

BedrockMatch is a flat-fee matching service, not a contractor and not an engineering firm. Homeowners do not pay to be matched. Participating contractors pay a flat fee to be introduced, but the homeowner keeps full control over whom to contact and whom to hire.

If a contractor is interested in your project, they may contact you to learn more. This helps them decide whether the job is a fit and whether they need a site visit before giving pricing or scope details.

Common questions may include:

1. When was the home built?
2. Is it a raised foundation, slab, hillside, or another layout?
3. Have you had any past earthquake, wind, or water damage?
4. Do you have photos of the crawl space, attic, garage, or exterior walls?
5. Are you looking for inspection, repair, retrofit pricing, or multiple bids?

Some contractors may ask for measurements, existing reports, or permit history if you have them. If you do not know the answers, that is okay. A licensed contractor or engineer can usually explain what they need after they review the property.

If you are in California, you can also ask whether your project may fit programs such as the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant. Qualification depends on the home, location, and program rules, so it is best to check current requirements rather than assume you qualify.

Do not compare contractors by price alone. Two bids can look very different because the scope, materials, permits, and repair assumptions are different. Ask each contractor to explain in writing what is included and what is not included.

A clear quote should usually help you understand:

• The proposed scope of work
• Whether permits are included
• Materials and installation methods in general terms
• Estimated schedule and payment terms
• Cleanup, access needs, and any exclusions
• Whether engineering plans are needed and who provides them

If one bid is much lower or much higher, ask why. The answer may be reasonable, but you want to understand the difference before making a decision. For some homes, a contractor may recommend that you get input from a licensed structural engineer before final pricing or before work starts.

It can also help to ask each contractor about similar homes they work on regularly, what delays are common, and how change orders are handled. Keep copies of all proposals, emails, and signed documents.

You decide whether to move forward, request more quotes, or wait. BedrockMatch does not pressure you to hire anyone. Some homeowners want estimates right away, while others are only trying to understand options and costs first.

Project timing depends on contractor availability, the condition of the home, permit requirements, and whether engineering or grant paperwork is needed. A simple retrofit may move faster than a project with repairs, access problems, or added scope discovered after inspection.

A practical next-step checklist is:

• Speak with the contractor and ask questions in plain language
• Verify license, bond, and insurance directly
• Confirm the scope and price in writing
• Ask about permits, timeline, and payment schedule
• Review whether financing or grant options may apply

If you are not ready now, you can still use BedrockMatch to understand what kinds of work may be discussed for homes like yours. When you are ready, you can return to get matched, free.

BedrockMatch does help connect homeowners with local contractors for earthquake and storm retrofit projects. We aim to make the first step simpler, especially for homeowners who are busy, unsure where to start, or more comfortable with straightforward language.

BedrockMatch does not inspect homes, design retrofit plans, give engineering opinions, guarantee contractor performance, or decide what work your house needs. Only a licensed contractor or licensed engineer can confirm the right scope after reviewing the property.

We also do not set the contractor's price, negotiate on your behalf, or take a percentage of the job cost. Our role is matching and marketing only. The home remains yours, the decision remains yours, and the contract for any work is between you and the contractor you choose.

Before signing, make sure you understand the written scope, total price, payment terms, warranty language, and who is responsible for permits or engineering if needed. If something is unclear, ask for it in writing.