What is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program
Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) was developed to help homeowners lessen the potential for damage to their houses during an earthquake. A residential seismic retrofit strengthens an existing older house, making it more resistant to earthquake activity such as ground shaking and soil failure. The seismic retrofit involves bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space.
Owners of houses in program ZIP Codes with house characteristics suitable for this type of retrofit in accordance with California Existing Building Code Chapter A3 (Chapter A3) may be eligible for an incentive payment of up to $3,000 to help pay costs associated with the retrofit of their houses.
Most homeowners decide to hire a contractor to do the retrofit work instead of doing it themselves. A typical retrofit may cost between $3,000 and $7,000 depending on the location and size of the house, contractor fees, and the amount of materials and work involved. If the homeowner is an experienced do-it-yourselfer, a retrofit can cost less than $3,000.
Trusted Recommendations
Structural Engineers:
https://www.ksfstructural.com/
Residential and Commercial Plumber:
Lch Plumbing:
Resources
California State License Board:
California Earthquake Authority
US Geological Survey
Tremblor