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California Brace and Bolt: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2025

California homeowners face a unique risk that many states do not, constant earthquake activity. From minor tremors to major quakes, the ground beneath us is always moving, and it’s only a matter of time before another major earthquake strikes. For those living in older homes, especially those with a raised foundation and a crawl space, a residential seismic retrofit can be the single most important investment in protecting your property, your safety, and your financial future.

In 2025, the state continues to expand support for brace and bolt retrofit projects, offering retrofit grants through programs like the Earthquake Brace Bolt EBB program, operated under the California Residential Mitigation Program. This comprehensive guide explains what a brace and bolt retrofit is, how the California brace and bolt initiative works, and how Golden State Design & Engineering (GSDE) helps homeowners navigate design, permitting, and retrofit work across the state.

What Is a Brace and Bolt Retrofit?

A brace and bolt retrofit is a targeted form of seismic retrofitting that involves bolting a home’s frame to its foundation and adding bracing to cripple walls. These cripple walls are short wood-framed walls between the foundation and the first floor, typically found in homes with a crawl space. This retrofit strengthens the structure so it can better resist the lateral forces caused by ground shaking during an earthquake.

In homes without this type of retrofit, unsecured buildings slide off their foundation when an earthquake hits. The damage caused by this failure can be catastrophic, resulting in structural collapse, water and gas lines rupturing, and water and fire damage. Retrofitting is not just about code compliance, it’s about saving lives and reducing the total cost of recovery.

Why California Homes Are at Risk

Many homes across California were built before seismic codes were fully implemented. Homes built before 1980 often lack the bracing and anchorage needed to survive a major quake. These existing older houses are especially vulnerable due to outdated construction practices, and many have existing cripple walls that are unreinforced. Without a bolt retrofit, the house is at risk of shifting during seismic activity, especially if it sits on unstable soils that contribute to shaking and soil failure.

Most homeowners in California don’t realize their house is vulnerable until it’s too late. The good news is that a code compliant brace and bolt retrofit can prevent most earthquake damage by anchoring the house to its foundation and bracing its crawl space walls.

How Seismic Retrofitting Works

Seismic retrofitting involves bolting the sill plate of your house to the concrete foundation. This connection reduces the chance of lateral sliding during an earthquake. At the same time, adding bracing to the existing cripple walls strengthens them against racking forces that can cause collapse.

A proper brace and bolt retrofit includes:

• Installing anchor bolts through the sill plate and into the concrete foundation
• Adding braced plywood panels to existing cripple walls
• Using hold-downs or tie-downs when required
• Inspecting and correcting damage in the crawl space
• Ensuring the water heater is properly strapping to prevent it from tipping over

This process is part of what makes a house “earthquake proof” under modern definitions, not invulnerable, but far more resilient. The California brace and bolt program is based on proven engineering methods used in modern seismic design.

Understanding the Earthquake Brace Bolt EBB Program

The Earthquake Brace Bolt EBB program is one of the most effective and accessible grant programs available to California homeowners. Managed by the California Residential Mitigation Program CRMP, the EBB program provides financial assistance for eligible residential seismic retrofit projects.

In 2025, the program offers up to $7,000 in retrofit grants to qualified homeowners. In some cases, a supplemental grant may be available to income eligible homeowners who meet the program’s income thresholds. These grants are available for owner-occupied and non owner occupied residences, depending on funding permits.

To qualify, your home must:

• Be located in a participating ZIP code
• Have a raised foundation with a crawl space
• Be wood framed construction built before 1980
• Have existing cripple walls without bracing

The grant program does not reimburse homeowners who begin work before approval. That’s why it’s important to consult with a structural engineer or design firm like GSDE early in the process to ensure your home qualifies and your application is complete.

Costs and Incentives for Seismic Retrofit Work

The cost of a brace and bolt retrofit in California typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the size of the crawl space, access conditions, condition of the house’s frame, and contractor fees. If additional work is needed, such as replacing damaged cripple walls or upgrading the water heater anchorage, the total may increase slightly.

With available grant funding, many qualified homeowners pay little or nothing out of pocket. In 2025, the California earthquake authority continues to promote seismic retrofit programs by offering incentives that reduce your cea earthquake insurance premium after retrofit work is completed.

For qualified cea policyholders, retrofitting may also open access to a cea bb retrofit discount. In some cases, a retrofit may even be required to maintain eligibility for preferred insurance rates. A properly completed ebb retrofit can result in long-term savings and peace of mind.

The Retrofit Process: Step by Step

1 | Site Evaluation

Before retrofit work begins, a structural evaluation is needed to assess the home’s condition and determine whether a brace and bolt retrofit is appropriate. GSDE performs detailed inspections that look for missing anchor bolts, unbraced cripple walls, damaged framing, and improperly secured water heaters.

2 | Design and Engineering

Once your home qualifies, we create code-compliant retrofit plans that satisfy CEBC Chapter A3 and your local building department. Each plan includes detailed specifications for bolt placement, bracing type, hold-downs, and any necessary corrections in the space under the house.

3 | Permitting and Documentation

The next step is permitting. GSDE handles all submittals, drawings, and documentation required by your local city or county. We make sure your plan is reviewed and approved quickly, avoiding common delays related to incomplete submittals.

4 | Construction and Inspection

Retrofit construction typically takes 2 to 5 days. Our team works closely with licensed contractors to ensure every detail matches the approved plans. After installation, we coordinate final inspection and ensure you receive all necessary sign-offs and documentation to complete the earthquake brace bolt program.

Why Choose GSDE for Your Retrofit Project

Golden State Design & Engineering has helped hundreds of California homeowners complete successful seismic retrofits. Our in-house team of structural engineers and permitting specialists has deep experience in:

• Earthquake brace bolt retrofits
• Seismic retrofit for raised foundation homes
• Residential seismic retrofit strengthens solutions
• Soft story retrofit design for garage door structures
• Water heater anchoring and utility protection
• Brace bolt program compliance and documentation

We serve communities across California, including Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, San Jose, and Santa Rosa. Whether you are a homeowner seeking protection, or a property owner looking to preserve your investment, GSDE provides engineering-led retrofit services that are fast, effective, and aligned with local code requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a brace and bolt retrofit and a full seismic retrofit?

A brace and bolt retrofit focuses on the crawl space and cripple walls of a raised foundation home. A full seismic retrofit may include foundation repair, soft story reinforcement, or slab-on-grade anchorage.

Can the EBB program help with non-owner-occupied properties?

Yes. In 2025, the program expanded to include certain non owner occupied residences, provided they meet eligibility and funding permits. Check with GSDE to confirm your property’s status.

How do I apply for the Earthquake Brace Bolt EBB grant?

You can apply through the official California Residential Mitigation Program website. GSDE can help you prepare your documentation and determine whether your home qualifies.

Does the retrofit increase my home’s resale value?

Yes. A completed ebb seismic retrofit adds to the home’s safety profile and is often viewed favorably by buyers and insurers.

Are water and gas lines included in the retrofit?

While the main focus is bracing and bolting, GSDE ensures water and gas lines are inspected and protected during retrofit work. In some cases, we recommend replacing or relocating these lines if they present a hazard.

How does water heater properly strapping help?

A properly strapped water heater reduces the risk of tipping during a quake, which helps prevent water and fire damage. This is a required safety upgrade during most seismic retrofits.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home Before the Next Earthquake

Most earthquake damage in California is preventable. With the right retrofit strategy, the right engineering, and support from grant programs like the earthquake brace bolt ebb initiative, homeowners can reduce their risk, qualify for insurance discounts, and protect the long-term value of their home.

Golden State Design & Engineering is your partner in that process. From the first inspection to final inspection sign-off, we guide you every step of the way. Our team understands the nuances of California code, grant applications, and construction logistics, and we’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible.

If your home has a raised foundation and a crawl space, don’t wait. Contact GSDE today for a professional seismic assessment and take the first step toward a safer, stronger future.