Serving Southern California Since 2008

Southern California is known for its beautiful weather but its also known for its Earthquake’s.

Earthquake retrofitting in California is crucial because it protects lives and property by strengthening older buildings, especially those with vulnerable raised foundations or "soft stories”.

It helps to withstand seismic shaking, preventing catastrophic collapse, reducing severe damage, minimizing injuries, and saving significant repair costs, thereby increasing community resilience and ensuring compliance with modern safety standards.

Mandatory Soft-Story Ordinances

Garage Soft-Story Retrofit

An Earthquake Soft-Story retrofit strengthens older houses (pre-2000) that have a living space above the garage. This makes these houses more resistant to earthquake damage caused by ground shaking.

A Soft-Story retrofit:

  • Strengthens the walls at the garage door or any other large openings with plywood or other strengthening elements including steel columns or proprietary shear elements;

  • Braces the perimeter walls of the lowest story and, if there is a crawl space, the cripple walls. Cripple walls are short (7 feet or less) walls between the wooden frame of the house and the foundation.

  • Bolts the house to its foundation.

Multi-Unit Soft-Story Retrofit

A soft-story carport features large, open spaces on the ground floor with habitable living quarters built directly above. Because these open bays lack sturdy, load-bearing walls, the structure is incredibly vulnerable to collapsing or "pancaking" during a major earthquake resulting in catastrophic failure of the entire structure.

The Retrofit Solution

To protect the structure, we secure the ground floor in a few key ways:

  • Shear Walls: Reinforcing the narrow wall sections beside the carport openings with structural wood panels.

  • Steel Framing: Adding steel moment frames around the opening to provide necessary stiffness without blocking vehicle access.

  • Foundation Bolting: Ensuring the structure is securely bolted to its foundation to prevent it from sliding off during a quake

Contac Us

Interior Soft-Story Retrofit

An interior soft-story condition refers to a structural vulnerability where a room, upper story, or living space is situated above a large, open space on the ground level. This causes the ground floor to be less stiff or weaker than the upper floors, making the building highly susceptible to collapse during an earthquake.

Local Requirements

Cities across Southern California, including nearby locations, have implemented mandatory retrofit ordinances to safeguard vulnerable, older multi-family and residential structures (typically those built before 1978 or 1980)

Did you know your home could slide off its foundation?

Our Services

Seismic Retrofits

Non-Cripple Wall

Seismic retrofitting is technical work which is also known as earthquake retrofitting. The seismic retrofit methods we use are more what would be termed as “foundation bolting.” Seismic retrofitting involves foundation anchors (or foundation bolts), sheer panels, and framing connectors – each element installed to specific engineered standards.

No house is the same although many share basic and fundamental foundation construction types. It is not uncommon for homes to have two to three types of foundation construction. For example, 1960s & 1970s ranch split style houses can have both full height, cripple wall, and slab on grade styles of foundation construction. We specialize in custom seismic retrofits for each and every one of them.

We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Make sure anyone you work with is specifically licensed for this work.

Brace and Bolt Retrofit

Cripple Wall

A brace and bolt retrofit is needed if there are short (4 feet or less) walls between the wooden frame of the house and the foundation (known as cripple walls) in the crawl space under the house.

A wood-framed house that sits directly on the foundation, requires a brace and bolt retrofit.

The cripple walls need to be braced with plywood sheets, and the foundation is bolted to the structure of the house.

Water Heater Strapping

Because hot water tanks are tall and heavy, they are vulnerable to being overturned by earthquake forces. If your hot water tank is not properly braced it can topple over during an earthquake, causing:

– A broken water line and flooding.
– A broken gas line and gas leak.
– An electrical fire.
– A fire resulting in major damage to your home.
– You lose 50 gallons of drinkable water which may be critical in an emergency.

Hot water tank seismic strapping involves the use of straps, spacers, and screws which are used to secure it to the wall’s framing. The number one reason you want your tank available is so you have 50 gallons of potable water available to drink as basic services may be unavailable after a major earthquake. This is required for the EBB grant.

Garage Seismic Retrofits

Your garage, as well as converted sun porches, will typically have a slab on grade foundation. The stem wall with slab on grade is a minimum of 6 inches tall from the soil.

Older garages need to be upgraded with sill plate bolts or Universal Foundation Plates (UFP) if there is no plywood in the walls. Plywood shear walls are highly recommended especially at the garage door opening, sliding door or french doors, where the side walls are very short, plywood will add lateral stability for these structures from tearing off the house and/or falling down.

If you have living space above the garage we have custom bracing solutions that will address the potential threat of your garage folding in and your living space dropping down.

Gas Valve Shut Off Systems

An emergency earthquake shut off valve is intended to close the gas line to your home, on the outside of your house, in the event of an earthquake. This will greatly reduce the potential risk of explosion or fire due to the loss of gas line integrity or a gas leak inside your home after a major earthquake.

At Haro Retrofit, we exclusively install “The California Gas Valve.” Having been manufactured in California since 1978, this valve comes with a 30-year warranty as well as Haro Retrofit own guarantee. These top-of-the-line valves are the original, tried and true valves made by Pacific Seismic Products and are built in the USA. We install the California gas valve in any size requested for both vertical and horizontal installations as well as residential and commercial use.

SB 721 & SB 326

Balcony Inspection and Repair Compliance

California Senate Bill 721 & California Senate Bill 326

We help apartment owners and HOAs meet California balcony inspection laws from inspection to final repair

California law requires apartments buildings with balconies, decks, or exterior stairs over 6 feet high to be inspected for structural safety.

721 Who it applies to:

  • Apartment buildings with 3 or more units

  • Balconies, decks, stairways, walkways

  • Structures supported by wood framing

    326 Who it applies to:

  • Condominiums

  • HOA communities

  • Any exterior elevated structure attached to the building

    California law requires HOAs to inspect balconies and elevated exterior structure to prevent structural failure and ensure resident safety.

Modular ADU Home Installer

We provide comprehensive, end-to-end site preparation, assembly and utility hookups to secure homes safely to their foundations.

We ensure units meet all state and federal regulations by handling several core services:

  • Site Preparation & Foundations: Grading the property, installing concrete slab or pier foundation systems, and managing drainage to protect the home from flood zones.

  • Assembly & Structural Installation: Joining sections together seamlessly at the "marriage line," and securing earthquake restraint bracing or tie-downs.

  • Utility Connections: Hooking up plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, as well as coordinating with local utility providers.

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Additional Services

  • Epoxy Crack Repair

    Epoxy injection is an economical method of repairing non-moving cracks in concrete walls, slabs, columns, piers and can be capable of restoring the concrete to its pre-cracked strength.

    Concrete Foundation Crack Repair Advantages

    • Epoxy injection concrete repair will seal a crack in the concrete as well as keep the two sections of concrete connected. The epoxy alone is able to seal from minor moisture issues. Once the epoxy cures, the epoxy becomes harder and stronger than the concrete itself.

    • Less expensive than traditional reinforcing methods when there are budgetary constraints.

  • Signs You Might Need Repair/Replacement

    Repair Options

    • Shoring & Leveling: Lifting the house temporarily, removing old piers, and repositioning beams.

    • Adding Piers/Jacks: Installing new, stronger piers (like steel or helical) or adjustable jacks for support.

    • Reinforcement: Bolting posts to piers and adding diagonal bracing for stability, especially against earthquakes.

    • Moisture Control: Addressing water intrusion with drains or vapor barriers to prevent future rot. 

    Simpson Strong-Tie T-Shaped Straps

    The T is designed for beam-to-column applications. This versatile utility strap is T-shaped, making it ideal for transferring tension loads in a variety of applications.

    The T features well-placed fastener holes and can easily be installed with nails or bolts.

  • Structure Lock brings you the most versatile cross bridging products in the industry. No matter how large or small your project may be, we can provide the best solution for your needs.

    All of our bracing solutions are customized for dimensional joists and any I-joist configurations. Our products are designed to help reduce joist roll over, warping, squeaking, creaking and bouncing.

    Structure Lock products create a webbed steel structure helping to evenly distribute the weight (load) on the floor or flat roof making your structure last longer and perform better over time.

  • Walls can talk and so do floors. With our Foundation Scan we can help homeowners see what their walls and floors are saying. Providing a clear picture of your home's structural condition before you make any major decisions. With detailed scans and reports, we take the guesswork out of foundation issues, ensuring you know exactly what needs attention. Before any structural work begins, make sure you’ve had a scan done first because understanding the problem is the first step toward the right solution.

    What’s a Foundation Scan? It’s like an X-ray for your home.

    This process imports data from precise laser measurements, which are then used to create visual representations of your structure’s health each time it’s scanned.

    A single scan will accurately display deviations of floors and walls from their original level (Construction Levels) and flat condition. Repeat scans will display any movement that is actively occurring.

    After foundation scan is completed, our professional will provide you with your report and walk you through the data.

    From there you can use that data to get quotes for repairs, submit for an engineering report, or schedule future scans to track ongoing movement.

  • We take care of it all from permits, architectural plans, to construction.

    Increased Property Value: ADUs can enhance the overall value of your property, by adding a living area making it more attractive to buyers.

    Create a home office, art studio, or private living space for your aging parents, adult children or relatives needing care.

    Additional Income: Renting out an ADU can provide a steady stream of rental income, helping homeowners offset mortgage payments.

    Affordable Housing Solutions: ADUs contribute to addressing California's housing crisis by providing more affordable rental options.

    Tax Benefits: Homeowners may qualify for tax deductions related to rental income and property improvements.

Serving Southern California

Since 2008

Since our very beginning the safety of our clients has been our number one company priority.

We are Southern California’s premier seismic and foundation specialists, founded in 2008.

By choosing Haro Retrofit, you will be choosing quality over cost.

We perform our retrofits with integrity!

We're confident that our experienced and qualified team will meet your requirements.

Service and communication are a pillar of our success.

We are always available to alleviate any concerns you might have.

We are a General Contractor and can help you with additional improvements beyond your seismic retrofit.

Founder/Co-Founder

Maurice Haro

General Contractor

Gabbie Marquez

Project Manager

Every client matters, because we care!

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Looking for safety, value in your home, peace of mind?

Don’t delay, Get your FREE foundation inspection today.

Fill out this form and we will be in touch shortly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a General Contractor we offer a variety of services. Our services range from Seismic Retrofits, Foundation Repair, Drainage , Waterproofing , ADU, Garage Rebuilt, Retaining Walls, Front Yard Privacy Walls and more.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call. We will get you scheduled for a Free Inspection.

    We will walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it that sets us apart. We perform our services with integrity!

  • A strong foundation is crucial for a building’s structural integrity and safety. Repairing foundation issues can prevent further damage and maintain property value. There can be significant structural damage to your home as a result of foundation problems. Around 24% of houses are estimated to suffer structural damage, such as foundation problems. Additionally, 5% of homes are likely to experience major structural distress issues over their lifetime. Untreated problems can reduce your home’s value and compromise its safety

  • There is no doubt that earthquakes can be devastating. There is also a risk of earthquake damage to buildings. Earthquakes can damage even buildings with no structural issues. Los Angeles is an earthquake-prone area, as you know if you live there. That’s why you shouldn’t take any chances with your house. The foundation of your house must be as strong as possible. In order to prepare your home for seismic activity, you need seismic retrofitting. In this way, your building will withstand earthquake shaking. It will resist damage.

  • Common causes include soil settlement, poor drainage, tree roots, seismic activity, and construction issues.  

    Soil conditions, moisture levels, and construction practices can all contribute to foundation problems. Moisture changes in the soil, including excessive moisture and drought conditions, can affect the foundation. A foundation problem can also be caused by poor drainage, plumbing leaks, and inadequate waterproofing.

    Furthermore, an unstable foundation may be caused by improper construction techniques and materials. These factors can cause shifts, settlement, and even cracks in your foundation, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Identifying and resolving these issues as soon as possible requires regular inspections and maintenance.

  • In many earthquake-prone regions, local building codes may require seismic retrofitting for older buildings to enhance safety.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, phone number or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer the best price based on project type and complexity. After an initial inspection, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs. With Haro Retrofit you will be choosing quality over cost.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving. We're confident that our experienced and qualified team will meet your requirements.

  • If you notice any signs of foundation problems, such as cracks in walls, uneven floors, or sticking doors and windows, sloped floors or ceilings, water infiltration, especially in crawl spaces, and unusual cracks. it’s essential to consult a professional for an inspection and assessment.

  • Foundation repair involves addressing issues with a building’s foundation, such as cracks, settling, or damage. Retrofitting includes strengthening the foundation to improve its resilience, especially in earthquake-prone areas.

  • In most cases, homeowners can remain in their homes during foundation repair or retrofit, but it depends on the extent of the work.