Earthquake retrofit budget for houses: foundation bolting, cripple-wall bracing and soft-story framing by number of stories.
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This tool helps US homeowners estimate the cost to retrofit a house for earthquake safety. It is useful for owners in quake-prone areas who want a rough budget before hiring a pro.
The calculator starts with a base cost of about $5,500 for standard work. It then adds $1,200 for each additional story beyond the first. If your home has a raised foundation with cripple walls, it adds $3,500 for bolting and repair. If you have a soft story over a garage, it adds a range of $15,000 to $40,000 for framing. The final number is a planning estimate. It does not include permits or specific local labor rates. You should use this range to set expectations. A local contractor must inspect your home to give a firm price. This tool simplifies the math for you. It combines these key factors into one clear range. This helps you compare quotes from different pros. It is not a final quote. It is a starting point for your budget. Always verify these numbers with a licensed professional in your area.
No, this is a planning estimate only. A licensed contractor must inspect your home to provide a firm quote.
A soft story is a level with large openings, like a garage. It is weaker than other floors and needs extra framing.
No, the estimate covers labor and materials. Permit fees vary by city and are not included in this range.
Costs change based on your home's height and foundation type. Soft stories add the most to the total cost.
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