Custom Homes by PAR Construction
FEMA-certified EBB contractor serving Los Angeles homeowners. Up to $3,000 in grant funding available for qualifying homes.
Schedule Your Inspection - $275
Earthquake Retrofitting is the process of reinforcing existing buildings and structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, such as earthquakes.Â
This involves structural modifications and upgrades to enhance a building’s ability to withstand ground motion, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring the safety of occupants during an earthquake.
House Bolting is a seismic retrofitting technique aimed at strengthening the connection between a house’s wooden frame and its foundation.Â
This process involves securing the house to the foundation with anchor bolts, providing increased stability during earthquakes and minimizing the risk of the structure shifting or collapsing. House bolting is a crucial safety measure for homes in earthquake-prone regions
Our Earthquake Retrofitting repair service are specific procedures undertaken to repair or reinforce existing structures to enhance their seismic resilience.Â
Our Earthquake Retrofitting repairs involve addressing vulnerabilities in your building’s foundation, structure, and connections, ensuring it can better withstand the forces of an earthquake.
The goal is to make the structure safer and more resilient in the event of seismic activity.
Contact us to request an assessment.
From the Seismic Retrofit Experts at PAR Construction
PAR House Bolting is a dedicated division of PAR Construction, one of Los Angeles leading seismic retrofitting contractors. We have spent years strengthening buildings across LA through soft-story retrofits, earthquake retrofitting, and structural upgrades on multi-family and commercial properties. Now, PAR House Bolting brings that same level of expertise directly to homeowners.
If your home was built before 1950, there is a strong chance it is not bolted to its foundation. It is simply sitting on top of it. During an earthquake, an unbolted home can slide off its foundation, causing catastrophic damage and putting your family at risk.
Learn About Our Process
Backed by PAR Construction Seismic Retrofit Track Record
Most house bolting companies only do house bolting. PAR is different. We come from the world of large-scale seismic retrofitting: soft-story buildings, non-ductile concrete, multi-family earthquake upgrades, projects that demand engineering precision and strict code compliance. That same discipline and expertise is what we bring to every residential house bolt.
Our team understands Los Angeles building codes inside and out. We have navigated city permitting on complex retrofit projects across LA for years. We know what inspectors look for, what passes, and what does not.
Request an AssessmentA Straightforward Approach to Protecting Your Home
Step 1: Foundation Inspection ($275 Flat Fee)
When you schedule an inspection, we personally come out to your property, access the crawl space, and carefully inspect the foundation from underneath, documenting conditions with detailed photos. Every deficiency, whether structural concerns, moisture issues, or improper repairs, is clearly identified and explained. You receive a comprehensive same-day report that includes photos, a breakdown of any issues found, along with recommended repair solutions, estimated costs, and realistic timelines.
Step 2: Custom Plan and Permit
Every home is different. We develop a retrofit plan specific to your property and handle all city permitting.
Step 3: Foundation Bolting
We install new anchor bolts or foundation plates to secure your wood framing directly to the concrete foundation.
Step 4: Cripple Wall Bracing
We brace cripple walls with structural-grade plywood shear panels. Properly braced cripple walls are up to 20 times stronger than unbraced walls.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Walkthrough
A city building inspector signs off on the completed work. We walk you through everything.
PAR House Bolting provides comprehensive residential earthquake retrofitting services across Los Angeles. Backed by years of large-scale seismic retrofit experience, we deliver engineering precision and code compliance to every home we protect.
Anchor bolts and steel plates secure your wood frame to the concrete foundation, preventing the structure from sliding off during seismic events.
Structural plywood shear panels reinforce the short walls beneath your home, turning a weak point into one of your strongest defenses against earthquake damage.
Deteriorated or damaged mudsills compromise every bolt in your foundation. We assess, repair, or replace mudsills to ensure a solid connection from the ground up.
California homeowners may qualify for up to $3,000 in grant funding through the state EBB program. PAR is an approved EBB contractor. We handle the paperwork and the work.
PAR Construction is a preferred vendor for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, helping California homeowners take advantage of grant funding of up to $3,000 to strengthen and retrofit their homes. We guide you through the entire process, from uploading required documents and obtaining permits to ensuring final inspection and sign-off.
Check Your EligibilitySee the difference a professional house bolt makes
If any of these apply, your home is a strong candidate for a retrofit
House bolting is the process of securing your wood framing to its concrete foundation using anchor bolts, steel plates, and structural hardware. Combined with cripple wall bracing, it prevents your home from sliding off its foundation during an earthquake.
Most residential house bolting projects in Los Angeles cost between $3,000 and $7,000 depending on the size of the home, crawlspace accessibility, and scope of work. California homeowners may qualify for up to $3,000 through the EBB grant program.
A typical residential house bolt is completed in 1 to 3 days. Permitting takes an additional 1 to 2 weeks depending on the city. PAR handles all permitting so you do not have to.
You may qualify if your home is wood-framed, built before 1980, sits on a raised foundation, and is located in an eligible ZIP code. PAR will help you determine eligibility during your $275 foundation inspection.
Bolting secures the wood frame to the concrete foundation to prevent sliding. Bracing reinforces cripple walls with structural plywood to prevent collapse. Most homes need both for full earthquake protection.
Homes on concrete slabs are generally already connected to the foundation. House bolting is primarily for homes on raised foundations with a crawlspace underneath.
House bolting is not currently mandatory for single-family homes, but California law requires sellers to disclose the absence of foundation bolts and unbraced cripple walls at the time of sale. Many homeowners retrofit proactively to protect their investment and qualify for insurance discounts.
PAR Construction specializes in large-scale seismic retrofitting including soft-story buildings, non-ductile concrete, and multi-family earthquake upgrades. We bring that same engineering precision and code compliance to residential house bolting. Most companies only do house bolting. PAR brings a higher level of expertise to every job.
Transparent pricing for Los Angeles homeowners
California homeowners may qualify for up to $3,000 through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant program, significantly reducing out-of-pocket cost.
House Bolting and Earthquake Retrofitting Across Los Angeles
Do not see your area? Contact us. We serve all of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
Proof of Bolting for Earthquake Insurance Compliance
Homeowners throughout California are increasingly finding that earthquake insurance carriers require proof that their home has been properly bolted to the foundation in order to qualify for coverage.
These requirements, often referred to as proof of bolting or compliance with current insurance standards, can vary from one provider to another, making it important to know exactly where your home stands.
We provide professional inspections to verify whether your property meets current requirements, along with clear documentation you can submit to your insurance company.
If upgrades are needed, we will outline the necessary steps to bring your home into compliance.
Check Your Compliance StatusKnow someone who needs house bolting? Refer them to PAR and receive $100 when the project is completed. There is no limit to how many people you can refer.
Refer Someone NowSchedule your $275 foundation inspection and find out exactly what your home needs. Same-day report included.
Schedule Your InspectionFrom inspection to final sign-off, here is exactly what to expect when you work with PAR House Bolting.
Every PAR house bolting project follows the same proven process. No surprises, no shortcuts, just solid work backed by engineering expertise.
Every project starts with a thorough crawlspace inspection. Our team gets under your home to evaluate the current condition and determine exactly what needs to be done.
This professional inspection is offered at a flat fee of $275. You will receive a comprehensive same-day report with photos, a breakdown of any issues found, recommended repair solutions, estimated costs, and realistic timelines.
No two homes are the same. After the inspection, we develop a retrofit plan specific to your property. The plan covers bolt placement, hardware specifications, and bracing requirements.
You do not need to visit city hall or deal with any paperwork. We manage the entire permitting process from start to finish.
With the permit in hand, our crew gets to work securing your home to its foundation. This is the core of the retrofit.
Foundation bolting creates a direct mechanical connection between your wood frame and the concrete below. Without this connection, your home can slide right off its foundation during seismic activity.
If your home has cripple walls (the short wood-framed walls between the foundation and the first floor), bracing is essential. Unbraced cripple walls are one of the most common failure points in an earthquake.
Cripple wall bracing works together with foundation bolting to create a complete load path from your home down to the foundation. One without the other leaves your home vulnerable.
After the work is complete, a city building inspector visits your property to verify everything meets code. This is a required step and PAR schedules it for you.
The inspection and documentation are important for your records, your insurance, and for resale value. A permitted and inspected retrofit adds real value to your property.
From start to finish, most house bolting projects are fast and minimally disruptive.
for most residential homes
The actual bolting and bracing work typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on the size of your home and crawlspace conditions. Permitting adds 1 to 2 weeks before the work begins. All work happens in the crawlspace, so you can stay in your home throughout the entire process. There is no need to move out or rearrange your life.
Homeowners are consistently surprised by how fast and simple the process is. No demolition, no mess, no disruption to daily life. Just a stronger, safer home.
A quick overview so you know exactly what happens
Before we arrive: You do not need to do anything special. Just make sure the crawlspace access point is clear. If access is through a closet or interior space, clear a path so our team can get in and out.
During the work: Our crew works entirely in the crawlspace beneath your home. You will hear drilling and hammering, but there is no disruption to your living space. No walls are opened, no floors are removed, and no furniture needs to move. You can be home or away during the work.
After we finish: We clean up the work area, remove all debris, and leave the crawlspace in better condition than we found it. You will receive a walkthrough of the completed work and all documentation for your records.
Schedule your $275 foundation inspection and get a custom plan for your home. Same-day report included.
Schedule Your InspectionPAR Construction is a preferred vendor for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, helping California homeowners take advantage of grant funding of up to $3,000 to strengthen and retrofit their homes.
A California state program that helps homeowners pay for earthquake retrofitting
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program is a state-funded initiative that provides California homeowners with grants of up to $3,000 to seismically retrofit their homes. The program is designed to reduce earthquake damage to older wood-framed homes by funding foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing.
EBB is administered by the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) and funded through a partnership between the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since its launch, the program has helped thousands of California homeowners strengthen their homes against earthquake damage.
The grant covers the cost of the retrofit work itself, including labor, materials, and permits. For many homeowners, the $3,000 grant covers a significant portion of the total project cost. We guide you through the entire process, from uploading required documents and obtaining permits to ensuring final inspection and sign-off, making it simple and stress-free.
Per eligible household, applied directly to the cost of your seismic retrofit
Most pre-1980 homes on raised foundations in eligible ZIP codes qualify
The EBB program targets homes that are most vulnerable to earthquake damage. These are typically older homes that were built before modern seismic building codes were in effect.
Homes on raised foundations with crawlspaces are the primary focus because they are most likely to have inadequate or missing foundation bolts and unbraced cripple walls.
Eligible ZIP codes are determined by the state based on seismic hazard data. Most of Los Angeles County is covered. If you are unsure whether your ZIP code qualifies, PAR will check for you during your $275 foundation inspection.
PAR handles the heavy lifting. Here is the step-by-step process.
Sign up on the official EBB website during the open registration period. PAR can walk you through the registration process.
Choose PAR Construction as your approved EBB contractor. We are registered with the program and meet all contractor requirements.
PAR completes the foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing per EBB program standards. We handle permits and inspections.
After the work passes inspection, the grant reimbursement is processed. The $3,000 is applied to your project cost.
The EBB grant applies to the core elements of a seismic retrofit
Most residential house bolting projects in Los Angeles cost between $3,000 and $7,000. The EBB grant of up to $3,000 covers a significant portion of this cost, and in some cases covers the entire project.
Your actual cost depends on the size of your home, crawlspace conditions, and the scope of work required. PAR provides a detailed estimate after your $275 foundation inspection so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
There are no hidden fees and no surprises. The estimate you receive is the price you pay, minus the EBB grant amount.
We do more than just meet the minimum. We bring large-scale retrofit expertise to every home.
PAR is registered and approved under the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program. We meet all state requirements for contractor participation.
From EBB registration assistance to permit applications to grant reimbursement documentation, PAR manages every piece of paperwork so you do not have to.
PAR Construction specializes in soft-story retrofits, non-ductile concrete upgrades, and multi-family seismic work. We bring that same precision to residential house bolting.
Every PAR project is engineered, permitted, and inspected. We do not cut corners. Your retrofit will meet or exceed all current California building code standards.
Most projects are completed in 1 to 3 days. We coordinate scheduling to minimize disruption and get your home protected quickly.
You receive a detailed written estimate before any work begins. The price includes everything. No change orders, no surprise charges, no hidden fees.
EBB registration periods open annually, typically in the fall. The exact dates vary by year. PAR can notify you when the next registration window opens. Contact us to be added to our notification list.
No. The EBB program requires that you register and receive approval before any retrofit work begins. If work has already started or been completed, the home is not eligible for the grant. Contact PAR before doing any work to make sure you qualify.
If the total cost of your retrofit is less than $3,000, the grant covers the full amount and you pay nothing out of pocket. The grant amount is capped at the actual cost of the project.
The reimbursement process varies by program cycle. In many cases, PAR can work with you on payment timing so the grant offset is applied before your final balance is due. We will explain the exact process during your consultation.
Eligible ZIP codes are updated periodically. Even if your ZIP code is not currently listed, it may be added in future program cycles. Contact PAR and we will check the latest eligibility list for your area. If you do not qualify for EBB, we still offer competitive pricing for house bolting.
Contact PAR to schedule your $275 foundation inspection and we will determine if your home qualifies for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant program.
Schedule Your InspectionPAR House Bolting serves all of Los Angeles County. From the Westside to the Valley, from Pasadena to the South Bay, we protect homes across LA.
Professional house bolting and earthquake retrofitting throughout the greater Los Angeles area
Los Angeles sits in one of the most seismically active regions in the country. Thousands of homes across the county were built before modern earthquake building codes existed, leaving them vulnerable to foundation failure during seismic events. PAR House Bolting provides professional foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing to homeowners in every corner of LA County.
Do not see your neighborhood listed? Contact us. We serve all of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
Seismic risk, soil conditions, and housing age vary significantly across Los Angeles
Not all neighborhoods face the same level of earthquake risk. Factors like proximity to fault lines, underlying soil composition, and the age of the housing stock all play a role in determining how vulnerable a home is to seismic damage. Understanding these factors helps homeowners make informed decisions about retrofitting.
Los Angeles is surrounded by active fault systems including the San Andreas, Newport-Inglewood, and Santa Monica faults. Homes closer to these faults experience stronger ground shaking during seismic events, making retrofitting especially critical.
Soil type affects how much a home shakes during an earthquake. Areas built on soft sediment or alluvial soil, common in the LA basin and valley floors, amplify seismic waves. Homes in these areas experience more intense shaking than homes built on bedrock.
Parts of Los Angeles are designated liquefaction zones, where saturated soil can behave like liquid during an earthquake. Homes in these zones face additional foundation risks beyond sliding. Proper bolting and bracing provides critical protection.
Certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles have a high concentration of homes built before 1950. These older homes were constructed before modern seismic building codes required foundation bolting, making them especially vulnerable during earthquakes.
If you live in one of these neighborhoods, there is a strong chance your home is sitting on its foundation without being bolted down. A professional inspection can confirm whether your home needs retrofitting.
Many homeowners in these areas also qualify for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant program, which provides up to $3,000 toward the cost of a seismic retrofit.
Check Your EligibilityLos Angeles averages over 10,000 earthquakes per year. Most are too small to feel, but major seismic events can strike without warning. The time to protect your home is before the next one hits.
Schedule Your InspectionPAR knows Los Angeles construction inside and out
Every city and jurisdiction in Los Angeles County has its own permitting process and building code requirements. PAR has navigated permitting across dozens of LA jurisdictions. We know what each building department requires, what inspectors look for, and how to keep your project moving without delays.
Whether your home is in the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, or an unincorporated county area, PAR handles the permits and inspections for you.
Los Angeles has a unique mix of architectural styles and construction methods spanning over a century. From Craftsman bungalows in Highland Park to Spanish Colonial homes in Silver Lake to post-war ranch houses in the Valley, each type of home presents different retrofitting considerations.
PAR has worked on homes across every era and style. We understand the construction methods used in each period and tailor our retrofit approach accordingly.
Schedule your $275 foundation inspection. We will assess your foundation, check for existing bolts, and give you a clear recommendation with a comprehensive same-day report.
Schedule Your InspectionEarthquake insurance carriers increasingly require proof that your home has been properly bolted to its foundation. We provide professional inspections and clear documentation for insurance compliance.
Understanding the growing requirements for earthquake insurance compliance
Homeowners throughout California are increasingly finding that earthquake insurance carriers require proof that their home has been properly bolted to the foundation in order to qualify for coverage.
These requirements, often referred to as proof of bolting or compliance with current insurance standards, can vary from one provider to another, making it important to know exactly where your home stands.
Without proper documentation, you may face higher premiums, limited coverage options, or difficulty obtaining earthquake insurance altogether. A professional inspection and certification from PAR gives you the documentation you need.
Professional inspection and documentation for insurance compliance
We provide professional inspections to verify whether your property meets current requirements, along with clear documentation you can submit directly to your insurance company.
If upgrades are needed, we will outline the necessary steps to bring your home into compliance, including estimated costs and realistic timelines.
This professional inspection service is offered at a flat fee of $275, providing you with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward for your home.
Large-scale seismic retrofit expertise backing every inspection
Detailed photo documentation and written findings that insurance companies accept. Same-day turnaround on every inspection.
Our inspectors come from the world of large-scale seismic retrofitting. We know exactly what to look for and what insurance carriers require.
If your home needs upgrades to meet insurance requirements, PAR handles the entire retrofit, from permits to final inspection and sign-off.
Reports are formatted specifically for insurance submission. No back-and-forth, no resubmissions, no confusion.
Call us today to schedule your inspection and get the peace of mind you deserve. If your home is already compliant, you will have the proof. If it is not, we will show you exactly what is needed.
Schedule Your InspectionSchedule your $275 foundation inspection. You will receive a comprehensive same-day report with everything you need for your insurance company.
Schedule Your Inspection