Q. What is seismic upgrading?

A. Seismic upgrading, or earthquake retrofitting, strengthens your home's structure to prevent it from moving, sliding, or rotating during a strong earthquake. This process uses wood, metal connectors, and shearwalls to link the roof, walls, floors, and foundation, redistributing earthquake forces to the foundation.

Q. How can I tell if my home is at high risk for earthquake damage?

A. Your home may be at risk if it is:

• An older home

• Built on a hillside

• Built on a raised foundation

• Built on landfill

• Has living space over a garage

Q. What if my house is built on a hill or landfill?

A. Houses on hills or landfills may need more than just structural frame reinforcement. Hillside homes may require "piers" or concrete footings to stabilize the foundation in stable ground. Homes on landfill or with poor drainage may face issues from soil settling, which can make them more vulnerable to earthquake damage. Solutions like retaining walls, foundation repairs, and soil treatment are often needed. A qualified Soil Engineer, working with your contractor, can recommend the best approach for your home. Glynn Construction partners with top specialists to address these needs.

Q. Where do I start if my home needs seismic upgrading?

A. While no home is completely earthquake-proof, you can take steps to reduce damage. Start by hiring a licensed building contractor. For high-risk projects, you might also need a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, or Soils Engineer. After assessing your home, a contractor will develop a solution, obtain permits, and start the retrofit.

For complex needs, like reinforced footings or drainage work, it's best to hire a contractor with both California "A" and "B" licenses. This ensures one contractor manages all aspects of the project, which is more efficient and reduces risk. Michael Glynn, founder of Glynn Construction, holds both licenses and has extensive experience in retrofitting and restoring homes across the Bay Area.

Q. How can I get the best value from my retrofit project?

A. A seismic retrofit is a great chance to address structural issues and enhance your home. For example:

• A steel ‘moment frame’ can support against lateral stress, allowing for larger windows or a more open floor plan.

• Reinforcing foundation footings may also create space for additional living areas or a garage.