Free Retrofit Question Pack for Homeowners

Many homeowners hear different words from different contractors: bolting, cripple wall bracing, anchors, clips, permits, scope changes. A written question pack gives you a simple way to ask the same questions each time so you can compare answers more fairly.

It also helps if English is not your first language. You can print it, bring it to appointments, and write down what each contractor says about scope, timeline, permits, and price.

This tool does not tell you what retrofit your home needs. Only a licensed contractor or engineer can confirm that after reviewing the home. If you want to prepare before meeting anyone, you can start with the home risk checklist.

The downloadable worksheet is designed to be practical, not technical. It helps you collect the same basic information from each company and keep it in one place.

Inside, you will find:

• A pre-estimate question list
• Space to note what the contractor recommends and why
• A bid comparison table for scope, materials, permits, timeline, and payment terms
• Reminder boxes for license, bond, and insurance checks
• A place to track grant or rebate programs you may want to ask about
• A short glossary of common retrofit terms in plain language

If you want another way to organize numbers, pair this with the retrofit cost worksheet.

Use the pack before, during, and after each estimate visit. The goal is not to challenge the contractor. The goal is to make sure you understand what is being proposed and what is included.

A simple way to use it:

1. Fill in your address, year built if known, and any concerns you have noticed.
2. Ask every contractor the same core questions.
3. Write down answers during the visit, not later from memory.
4. Request the final scope and price in writing.
5. Compare bids line by line before choosing who to hire.

If you are still early in your search, you can see all homeowner tools on our tools page or get matched, free to speak with local participating contractors.

Before you schedule a visit, ask basic screening questions so you do not waste time. Keep your questions short and direct.

Helpful questions include:

• Do you work on seismic or storm retrofit projects like mine in this area?
• Are you licensed for this kind of work in my state?
• Will you look at the home on site before recommending scope and price?
• Do you usually handle permits if they are needed?
• Who should be present during the estimate?
• Is there any charge for the estimate?

You can also ask what information they want in advance, such as photos, past reports, or crawlspace access details. A contractor can confirm what they need to evaluate the home.

Two bids can look similar at the top line but include different work. The question pack helps you compare the actual scope, not just the price.

Ask each contractor:

• What specific work is included in this bid?
• What materials or hardware are included?
• Are permits, inspections, and haul-away included?
• What conditions could change the final price?
• How long is the expected timeline, and what could delay it?
• What payment schedule do you require?
• Will you provide the scope, exclusions, and warranty terms in writing?

Typical retrofit costs vary a lot by home, access, region, and scope. One contractor may include items another leaves out. That is why written details matter more than a quick verbal estimate.

Even if someone is referred to you, verify the basics yourself before signing. The homeowner keeps control over who to hire and what contract to accept.

Check these items directly:

• Active license status in your state
• Bond and insurance information
• Business name matching the written bid or contract
• Permit responsibility and inspection responsibility
• Start date, payment terms, and change-order process in writing

BedrockMatch is a free matching service for homeowners, not a contractor, engineer, or inspector. Participating contractors pay a flat fee to be introduced. You should still confirm qualifications, scope, and price in writing before moving ahead.

Some homeowners may qualify for public hazard-mitigation support, but availability depends on location, program rules, funding cycles, and the type of home. It is worth asking about options early, before work starts.

Programs to check include:

• California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, which may offer up to about $3,000 toward qualifying seismic retrofit work for eligible homes
• FEMA-related hazard-mitigation grant opportunities that may be available through state or local programs

Do not assume you will qualify, and do not start work expecting reimbursement unless a program specifically allows that. A contractor may be able to tell you whether they have worked with these programs before, but you should review the official program rules yourself.