Foundation Repair & Structural Upgrades
Repairs and reinforcement for cracked, settling or undersized foundations, built to evaluation and approved plans.
Seismic Retrofitting & Earthquake Strengthening
Strengthen the connections that matter most in an earthquake.
Overview
Many Bay Area homes were built before current seismic provisions. In wood-frame houses, the critical weaknesses are usually below the living space: a sill plate that isn't bolted to the foundation, or short cripple walls with little resistance to sideways movement. Seismic retrofitting addresses these weak links so the structure is better able to stay connected to its foundation during strong shaking.
Common challenges
- Houses that sit on the foundation without adequate anchor bolts
- Unbraced cripple walls in the crawlspace
- Limited crawlspace height and tight access
- Deteriorated or cracked foundations that complicate anchorage
- Uncertainty about what work is actually needed and what it will cost
Services and typical scope
- Foundation anchor bolts and retrofit plates
- Cripple wall bracing with structural sheathing
- Hold-downs and shear transfer hardware
- Floor-to-wall and post-to-beam connections
- Foundation repair or replacement where required for anchorage
- Work to engineered retrofit plans or applicable prescriptive standards, as appropriate
Our approach
We start with what your house actually has: foundation type and condition, crawlspace height, framing and existing hardware. Some homes qualify for a standard prescriptive retrofit; others — including hillside homes, homes with living space over the garage or foundations in poor condition — need an engineered design. We'll be clear about which applies, coordinate the plans and permit, and install each component the way the design intends.
Typical process
- 01
Consultation & site visit
We inspect the crawlspace, foundation and framing, and discuss your goals and budget.
- 02
Scope, plans & permits
We define the scope, coordinate with the engineer or designer where drawings are required and support the permit process.
- 03
Construction
Anchorage, bracing and hardware are installed in a planned sequence, with attention to nailing, edge distances and connections that inspectors check closely.
- 04
Inspection & closeout
We schedule required inspections, walk the completed work with you and provide the closeout documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Will a retrofit make my house earthquake-proof?
No building is earthquake-proof. A retrofit is intended to reduce the likelihood of serious structural damage — such as the house sliding off its foundation or cripple walls collapsing — during strong shaking.
How do I know if my home needs a retrofit?
Homes built before modern seismic provisions, homes with a crawlspace and cripple walls, and homes without visible anchor bolts are common candidates. An on-site evaluation is the reliable way to know.
Do I need an engineer?
It depends on the house. Many standard single-family homes can be retrofitted under a prescriptive plan set; homes with unusual conditions typically require an engineered design. We'll explain which applies after the evaluation.
Do I have to move out during the work?
Typically not. Most retrofit work happens in the crawlspace and around the foundation.
Are there grant programs or insurance discounts?
Programs and discounts change and depend on eligibility. We recommend checking current program and insurer requirements directly; we can provide project documentation if you need it.
Related services
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