Earthquake Retrofit Costs

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services


1. Average Costs

  • National Average: $3,489–$8,676
  • Per Square Foot:
  • With Labor: $3–$7/sq. ft.
  • Without Labor: $1–$3/sq. ft.

2. Cost by Location

| City | Cost Range | |----------------------|-------------------| | Los Angeles | $3,000–$5,500 | | Portland, Oregon | $3,000–$6,000 | | San Francisco | $4,000–$6,000 |


3. Costs by Foundation Type

| Foundation Type | Cost Range | |---------------------------|------------------------| | Slab | $500–$3,000 | | Basement | $3,000–$5,000 | | Footing Stem Wall | $3,000–$7,000 | | Post and Pier | $3,000–$10,000 | | Brick | $2,000–$10,000 | | Wood | $5,000–$10,000 |


4. Retrofitting Methods & Costs

| Method | Cost Range | |----------------------------|------------------------| | Foundation Bolting | $500–$3,000 | | Cripple Wall Bolting | $1,000–$3,000 | | Mudsill Anchoring | $1,000–$3,000 | | Cripple Shear Wall Bracing | $1,000–$2,500 |

  • Foundation Bolting: Secures home to foundation to prevent sliding.
  • Cripple Wall Bolting: Anchors short stud walls for stability.
  • Mudsill Anchoring: Bolts base of framing to cripple walls.
  • Shear Wall Bracing: Adds plywood or steel for extra strength.

5. Costs by Home Type

| Home Type | Cost Range | |-----------------------|------------------------| | Hillside Homes | $5,000–$10,000 | | Manufactured Homes| $5,000–$15,000 | | Mobile Homes | $3,000–$25,000 | | Soft-Story Homes | $10,000–$350,000 |


6. Materials Breakdown

| Material | Cost | |----------------------------|-----------------------| | Foundation Anchors | $50–$100 each | | Foundation Brackets | $25–$75 each | | Foundation Plates | $20–$50 each | | Plywood | $5–$10 per sheet | | Wall Bracing | $2–$10/sq. ft. | | Seismic Shutoff Valve | $100–$300 each |


7. Labor Costs

  • Labor makes up 70% of the total cost.
  • Initial structural assessment: $100–$300.

8. DIY Savings

  • Potential Savings: Up to 70% on labor.
  • Example: A $5,000 retrofit can cost around $1,500 with DIY labor.
  • Caution: Improper installation can increase risks during earthquakes.

9. Tips to Save Money

  • Combine Methods: Use cost-effective techniques like foundation bolting.
  • Plan in Advance: Retrofit during other renovations to save on labor.
  • Hire Locally: Choose local pros to reduce travel and material costs.

Why Retrofitting Matters

  • Safety: Prevents homes from sliding or collapsing.
  • Increased Value: Boosts resale value in earthquake-prone areas.
  • Insurance: May be required for coverage in high-risk zones.

Prepare now for peace of mind later!


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The Success Manuals


The Career Advice Bible

100+ Most Important Career Questions
Finally Answered

318 Pages | $5 | PDF & EPub, Kindle Ready

250 Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The First & Only Encyclopedia of Self Help,
Self Improvement & Career Advice

250+ Easy-to-Follow Guides
5000+ Proven Tips

13 Types of Essential Skills Covered
Get The Value of 100+ Best Books in 1 Book.

502 Pages | $5 | PDF / EPub, Kindle Ready