Know exactly what to fix first
Answer four questions about your home. Get a ranked list of retrofitting steps that will protect your family the most, starting with the highest life-safety value per dollar spent.
Tell us about your home
The more you share, the more specific your results. All fields use sensible defaults to get you started.
Building codes changed significantly around 1940 and again around 1980.
Look under your home or check your original building plans.
Most single-family homes in the U.S. are wood frame.
How to use this planner
Step 1: Answer honestly
If you are not sure about your foundation type, choose "I am not sure." The planner will include steps that cover the most common scenarios for your home's age. You can always come back and adjust once you have checked under the house or reviewed your building records.
Step 2: Review the ranked list
Each item shows a life-safety impact rating (one to five shields) and an estimated cost range. Items at the top of the list give you the most protection for the least money. The list is specific to your home type, not a generic checklist.
Step 3: Mark what you have done
Use the checkboxes next to each item to track your progress. The planner saves your state locally in your browser, so when you return next month to check off the next step, everything will still be there.
Step 4: Print or share with a contractor
The Print button creates a clean, single-page summary you can hand to a contractor. This helps you get accurate quotes because you are asking for specific work instead of a vague "earthquake retrofit." The Copy button puts the full list on your clipboard so you can paste it into an email or text.
Common mistakes homeowners make
Spending on the wrong things first
Many people buy expensive earthquake kits before bolting their home to the foundation. A kit helps after the quake. Bolting helps prevent the house from sliding off the foundation during it. Structural fixes come first.
Overpaying contractors
Foundation bolting is straightforward work. If a quote seems high, get two or three bids. Ask exactly what is included: number of bolts, type of plate washers, and whether permit fees are covered. A fair price for a typical raised foundation home is $3,000 to $7,000.
Ignoring the water heater
An unstrapped water heater can tip over, break the gas line, and start a fire during an earthquake. Strapping kits cost $15 to $40 and take 30 minutes to install. It is one of the highest-value safety steps for any home.
Forgetting about cripple walls
If your home has a crawl space with short wood walls (cripple walls) between the foundation and the floor, those walls are a major weak point. Plywood bracing on cripple walls is a mid-cost job that dramatically improves your home's earthquake performance.
What this planner assumes
- Cost ranges reflect U.S. national averages in 2026 dollars. Your local prices may be higher or lower.
- The planner is for prioritization and education. It does not replace a structural engineer inspection.
- Homes built after 2000 generally meet modern seismic codes, so the list focuses on maintenance and non-structural steps for newer homes.
- Historic homes may have restrictions on visible exterior changes. Check with your local historic preservation office before starting work.
- If your home has visible foundation cracks, leaning walls, or other structural damage, hire a structural engineer before starting any retrofit.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my home's age matter so much?
Building codes changed significantly around 1940 and again in the late 1970s. Homes built before 1940 often have no foundation bolting, unreinforced masonry, and weak cripple walls. Knowing the age helps the planner focus on the most likely weak points.
Can I do any of this myself?
Several high-impact steps are DIY-friendly. Water heater strapping, furniture anchoring, and even foundation bolting (if you have crawl space access) can be done with basic tools. The planner labels each step with a difficulty rating so you know when to call a professional.
Will retrofitting lower my insurance?
Many insurers offer discounts for completed seismic retrofits, especially foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing. Discounts vary by state and carrier. Ask your agent specifically about earthquake retrofit credits. California has additional state programs.
I rent. Is this useful for me?
Yes. The planner shifts focus to non-structural actions: securing furniture, strapping appliances, knowing your building's construction, and having an emergency plan. These steps prevent most earthquake injuries and are fully within a renter's control.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Ranges reflect typical U.S. costs in 2026. DIY items run $20 to $150. Contractor jobs like foundation bolting range from $3,000 to $10,000. Use these as a starting point, then get two or three local quotes before committing.
What is a cripple wall and should I worry?
A cripple wall is a short wood-framed wall between your home's foundation and the first floor. They are common in homes with crawl spaces. During an earthquake, unbraced crumple walls can collapse, causing the floor to drop. Plywood bracing is a proven fix.