Protect Your Home from Earthquakes
Retrofitting Does Not Make a Home Earthquake-Proof, But It Can Reduce Damage
What is Seismic Retrofit?
Hillside General Construction and Electrical is FEMA-certified to retrofit homes, ensuring they meet the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) Chapter A3 standards. If your home was built before modern seismic codes, it may be at risk of severe structural damage in an earthquake. California homeowners may be required to retrofit to remain compliant with updated safety regulations. Additionally, the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) is offering grants of up to $3,000 to help eligible homeowners strengthen their homes against earthquakes. Now is the time to act—secure your home and your family’s safety today.
Seismic retrofitting strengthens your home’s foundation to improve its ability to withstand earthquakes. In California, homes built before modern seismic building codes are at a higher risk of structural failure during a major earthquake. Retrofitting adds reinforcements like bolting the foundation to the framing and
At Hillside General Construction, we are proud to be an FEMA-certified EBB Retrofit Contractor, helping homeowners across California secure their homes against earthquakes. Our team follows all EBB retrofit requirements and CEBC Chapter A3 standards to ensure a high-quality, compliant installation.
A soft-story home has a weak or open ground floor—often with garages or large windows—making it vulnerable to collapse. Many multi-story homes built before modern seismic codes fall into this category.
Multi-unit buildings often have weak first floors or open parking areas that make them vulnerable to pancake collapse in an earthquake. An EMR retrofit reinforces these structures, ensuring they meet modern seismic standards.
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Why Retrofit?
If your home was built before modern seismic building codes, it may be at high risk of severe structural damage during an earthquak
✅ Reduce the Risk of Collapse – Strengthening your home’s foundation and structure helps prevent catastrophic failure during an earthquake.
✅ Protect Your Family and Property – Retrofitting reduces the likelihood of severe damage, making your home safer for you and your loved ones.
✅ Increase the Likelihood of Remaining Habitable After an Earthquake – While retrofitting does not make a home earthquake-proof, it can help prevent structural damage that would otherwise make the home unsafe to live in.
✅ Save Thousands in Repair Costs – Retrofitted homes experience less damage, reducing post-earthquake repair expenses and insurance claims.
✅ Comply with California Building Codes – Many cities and counties require seismic retrofits for older homes, particularly those with weak foundations, cripple walls, or soft-story designs.
✅ Qualify for Financial Assistance – The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) offers grants of up to $3,000 through programs like Earthquake Brace & Bolt (EBB) to help homeowners cover retrofit costs.
✅ Potential Insurance Discounts – Some insurance providers offer lower premiums for retrofitted homes, as they pose a lower risk of severe damage.
WHO SHOULD RETROFIT?
Homes built before 1980 with a raised foundation.
Homes with cripple walls that are not braced.
Homes with soft-story conditions, such as garages or open ground floors.
Multi-unit buildings that have structural vulnerabilities.
The Seismic Retrofit Work
Three Upgrades to Your Home
Brace Your Existing Cripple Walls (if You Have Them)
If you have cripple walls, they carry the weight of your house. If they collapse during an earthquake, so will your home. Bracing your cripple walls strengthens them and may prevent your house from toppling.
Bolt Your Home to its Foundation
Most earthquake damage actually occurs when unsecured buildings slide off of their foundation. Bolting your home down helps prevent sliding
Strap Your Water Heater
Properly strapping the water heater reduces the likelihood of water and fire damage that could result if your water heater is detached from water and gas lines.
Don’t Wait Until the Next Earthquake Strikes!
California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)
The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) is awarding eligible homeowners grants of up to $3,000 to help cover the cost of retrofitting. With earthquake safety regulations tightening, now is the time to act!
Testimonials
WHY CHOOSE HILLSIDE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
Certified by FEMA and the California Residential Mitigation Program
Expertise in Brace & Bolt Seismic Retrofitting
Licensed, bonded, and insured professionals
Experienced in handling permits and inspections
Commitment to safety, compliance, and quality workmanship
Serving Pasadena and surrounDING AREAS
SERVICE AREAS
SERVICE AREAS
PASADENA | GLENDALE |
BURBANK | ARCADIA |
SAN MARINO | ALTA DENA |
EAGLE ROCK | TUJUNGA |
SIERRA MADRE | HIGHLAND PARK |
LA CANADA/ FLINTRIDGE | LA CRESCENTA-MONTROSE |
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Hillside General Construction & Electrical Company Pasadena CA
(818) 896-5400
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