Seismic Retrofitting – Protect Your Home with a Seismic Upgrade
Keeping your Home Safe
At Born and Raised Construction, we know how important it is to protect your home and family from the unpredictable forces of nature. As a Portland-based company, we’re well aware of the risks posed by earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest. That's why we specialize in seismic upgrades and retrofits, ensuring that your home is prepared for whatever the Earth may bring.
Whether your home is newly built or an older structure, a seismic upgrade can provide peace of mind and protect your property from potential damage during an earthquake. Our team is here to help you understand the importance of these upgrades and how they can help safeguard your home for years to come.
Why is a Seismic Upgrade Important?
Portland and the surrounding areas are located near several fault lines, making the region susceptible to earthquakes. While no one can predict when or where an earthquake will strike, there are steps you can take to ensure that your home is as resilient as possible in the event of an earthquake. A seismic upgrade is a proactive way to make your home stronger and more stable in the event of seismic activity.
Older homes are particularly vulnerable, as they may not have been built with modern seismic standards. A seismic retrofit strengthens your home’s foundation and structure, making it more resilient to shifting ground. By investing in a seismic upgrade, you're not only protecting your property but also the safety of your loved ones.
What Does a Seismic Retrofit Involve?
A seismic retrofit reinforces key structural components of your home to help it better withstand earthquakes. Here’s what’s typically involved:
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Foundation Reinforcement: We secure the foundation and ensure it's properly anchored to withstand seismic activity.
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Wall and Framing Bracing: We install metal straps, brackets, and bolts to tie your home’s walls and framing to the foundation, preventing movement.
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Floor Anchorage: Ensuring the floors are anchored securely to the foundation helps maintain stability during an earthquake.
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Utility Connections: We inspect and reinforce utility connections to prevent damage to plumbing, gas, and electrical systems during seismic events.
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Crawl Space and Basement Modifications: We reinforce crawl spaces and basements to prevent shifting or separation from the foundation.
With extensive experience in seismic upgrades, Born and Raised Construction offers high-quality retrofits tailored to your home’s needs. Our goal is to ensure that your home is as safe and resilient as possible, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions - Seismic Upgrades
Q: Does my home need a seismic retrofit?
A: If your house was built before the 1970s, there's a good chance it’s not properly secured to its foundation. Homes with raised basements or crawlspaces are especially vulnerable. We offer assessments to determine what upgrades are needed.
Q: Can you do seismic retrofits during a house lift?
A: Absolutely—and it’s the perfect time. With the home already lifted and the foundation exposed, we can easily add bolting, bracing, and shear walls before lowering the house back down. It saves time, money, and adds long-term value.
Q: Will I get an insurance discount after a seismic retrofit?
A: Possibly. Some insurance providers offer earthquake insurance discounts after verified seismic upgrades. We provide documentation and can help guide you through that process.
Q: How long does a seismic retrofit take?
A:Most standard seismic retrofits take a few weeks, but we go far and beyond that with our suggested process. We start with a design phase and then a full structural analysis. The build process can take 1-2 months for a full structural upgrade inside the existing foundation, not changing the height of the basement. It can take 2-4 months if coupled with a dig out. And 5-6 months if we lift the house and remove and replace the old foundation. That process generally includes a plumbing repipe for the main floor of the house.
Q: How much does a seismic retrofit cost?
A: Most Basic retrofits for single-family homes fall between $8,000 and $75,000, depending on size and complexity, access, and what needs to be reinforced. Dig-outs with structural upgrades start around $120,000. Full foundation replacements coupled with a house lift start around $160,000
Q: What if my foundation is in poor condition?
A: If your foundation is cracked, crumbling, or unreinforced, we may recommend replacing it as part of the retrofit. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons and create a plan that meets code and keeps your home safe.: Is permitting required for seismic retrofits?
Q: Is permitting required for seismic retrofits?
A: Yes. We handle all necessary permits and inspections to ensure your retrofit meets local seismic safety standards.
Q: What’s the first step?
A: Contact us for a seismic assessment. We’ll inspect your home, explain your options, and create a retrofit plan tailored to your home’s age, style, and needs.