Earthquake Retrofitting in Los Altos, California
Seismic Safety, Engineered for You
Building Stronger Foundations Today for a Safer Tomorrow
While you can’t predict the next earthquake, you can prepare your property with earthquake retrofitting in Los Altos. At Retrofit1, we offer brace and bolting, soft-story reinforcements, and foundation repair to protect your building and everyone inside.
We’ve spent over 20 years strengthening buildings throughout California, completing 700+ seismic upgrades for property owners like you. Our engineering-led retrofits minimize shaking, reinforce weak structures, and prevent costly damage when the next earthquake strikes.
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“They were super easy to work with and made the whole process a breeze.”
Experiences From Our Satisfied Clients
Retrofit Services Backed by Experience & Results
With custom retrofitting services, we strengthen your building from the ground up, reduce structural risk, and keep your property compliant with California safety standards:
Soft-Story Retrofitting
Buildings with ground-level parking or wide openings are prone to collapse during earthquakes. With soft story retrofitting, we reinforce these vulnerable lower levels using engineered steel frames, shear walls, and moment frames to restore structural balance and prevent catastrophic failure.
Earthquake Brace & Bolting
When your building isn’t firmly secured to its foundation, a strong quake can shift the entire structure. Our contractors install anchor bolts and bracing systems that lock your building to its foundation, minimizing movement and protecting against major displacement.
Tenant Habitability Program (THP)
Keeping your building safe shouldn’t mean displacing your tenants. We follow California’s Tenant Habitability Program to plan construction in phases and keep your property livable while we work.
Foundation Repair
A strong retrofit starts with a stable foundation. We repair cracks, replace damaged concrete, and strengthen structural connections to help your building handle seismic stress.
Understanding Earthquake Risks to Homes & Businesses
Los Altos sits near the San Andreas and Hayward Faults, increasing the risk of seismic activity. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused widespread damage to many buildings that didn’t have proper foundation anchoring or soft story support.
While the city doesn’t enforce a mandatory retrofit ordinance, California building codes still require seismic upgrades during renovations. By retrofitting now, you can safeguard your investment and prevent costly repairs when the next earthquake strikes.
Trusted Protection: Why Los Altos Relies on Retrofit1
When you’re looking for an earthquake retrofitting contractor, experience matters. With decades of experience, Retrofit1 has become the most trusted seismic contractor for property owners, HOAs, and real estate investors across Santa Clara County.
Here’s why your community trusts us for earthquake safety:
- 20+ years specializing in California seismic retrofitting
- Over 700 successful retrofit projects statewide
- Proven soft story retrofit experts for high-risk buildings
- Licensed structural team, fully compliant with California building codes
- Complete project management from assessment to final approval
- THP-friendly scheduling to keep tenants safe and informed
- Clear communication and accurate project timelines
- Local experience working with Santa Clara County and city inspectors
Is your building up to code? Find out from our professionals.
The Retrofit1 Process, Made Simple
We follow a proven process to strengthen your building while keeping it liveable for your tenants:
Assessment & Evaluation
We inspect your foundation, framing, and structural supports to locate weak points that could fail during an earthquake.
Custom Engineering & Design
After the evaluation, we create a retrofit plan based on your building’s structure and specific needs. Whether you need steel moment frames, shear wall installation, or foundation bolting, every upgrade is engineered for strength and long-term performance.
Professional Installation & Code Coordination
Our contractors install durable reinforcements. We handle permits and coordinate with local Los Altos building officials, keeping your project compliant with seismic safety requirements.
Final Inspection & City Approval
We verify every bolt, frame, and brace during a final quality check, then schedule your official city inspection and manage the approval process.
Proudly Serving All of California, Including:
Common Questions
What Owners Want to Know Before Retrofitting
Buildings with unbolted foundations, cripple walls, post-and-pier supports, or open first floors are at higher risk of earthquake damage. If your property was built before the current seismic codes, it likely needs a retrofit.
Yes! Buyers and tenants prefer properties with earthquake retrofitting because they offer better safety and lower future repair costs. Many insurers also offer lower premiums for retrofitted structures.
Retrofit pricing depends on your building’s size, age, and the types of reinforcements needed. Basic brace and bolt upgrades cost less, while soft story retrofits and foundation repair require a larger investment.
In most cases, tenants can stay in the building during construction. We follow the Tenant Habitability Program (THP) to keep your property safe, accessible, and livable while we work.
Ready to Retrofit, Los Altos? Talk With Our Team Today
Don’t wait until the next quake hits. Retrofit1 will strengthen your building with proven soft story retrofitting, brace and bolt systems, and foundation reinforcement, saving you money while providing long-term protection.
