House Bolting and Cripple Wall Bracing

Across the US, house Bolting and Cripple Wall Bracing usually costs $500 to $3,000. Estimate for engineering when standard plans do not apply; the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program reports typical contractor retrofit costs of about $3,000 to $7,000.

Plan on 1 to 4 weeks for design from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Sometimes. Depending on the site, house Bolting and Cripple Wall Bracing can also involve a structural engineer or retrofit contractor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Most of our clients for this service are homeowners and contractors. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Many homes can use prescriptive standard plans. Engineering is needed for tall cripple walls, hillside homes or irregular foundations.

A California program that has offered grants up to $3,000 toward code-compliant retrofits of eligible homes; check its site for current registration. Grants are limited and awarded in registration windows.

The California Earthquake Authority offers premium discounts for qualifying retrofitted homes. Ask your insurer what documentation it needs.

Generally yes. Building departments issue permits for bolting and bracing, and an inspector verifies the work.