California Offers 3000 Grants for Earthquake Retrofits

Imagine a sudden earthquake that threatens to topple your home. The structure separates from its foundation, causing significant property damage and endangering your family's safety. Would you willingly accept this risk? The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers a solution through its Brace+Bolt (CEA BB) program, providing financial assistance to strengthen homes against seismic threats.

The CEA BB program focuses on two critical reinforcement measures for home foundations:

• Bolting: High-strength bolts securely connect the home's wooden frame to its concrete foundation, preventing dangerous shifting during earthquakes.
• Bracing: Structural plywood reinforcement for cripple walls (short wooden walls in crawl spaces) enhances stability and prevents collapse.

Homes must meet specific criteria to qualify for the program:

• Wood-frame construction
• Built before 1980 (before modern seismic codes)
• Raised foundation with crawl space

Participants gain multiple advantages:

• Enhanced earthquake resistance for improved safety
• Reduced potential for costly earthquake damage
• Up to $3,000 in financial assistance
• Increased property value

CEA contacts eligible policyholders directly. Applicants must receive approval before beginning any work or obtaining permits to qualify for reimbursement. The program offers two retrofit types:

• Brace and Bolt Retrofit: For homes with cripple walls requiring both bracing and bolting
• Bolt-Only Retrofit: For homes with stem walls (foundations where framing sits directly on concrete)

Retrofits involve anchoring the wooden frame to the foundation and, when applicable, reinforcing cripple walls with structural plywood. The program also addresses water heater safety by requiring proper strapping to prevent tip-overs during quakes.

Homeowners should verify contractor credentials through official state licensing boards and ensure proper insurance coverage. Contracts should clearly specify project scope, costs, timelines, and payment terms.

Professional retrofits typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, while DIY projects may cost less than $3,000. All work must comply with Chapter A3 of the California Existing Building Code for light-frame wood construction.