Cost to Repair Earthquake Damage [2024 Data]
Normal range: $5,000 - $25,000
While the average homeowner affected by an earthquake spends $15,000 for earthquake damage repair, costs can go from $5,000 to $25,000 based on the severity of the damage.
The average cost to repair earthquake damage is $15,000. Depending on the extent of the damage, prices can range from $5,000 to $25,000. Earthquake damage repair costs can also vary based on the contractors you choose and any updates you decide to make. With most standard homeowners insurance policies excluding earthquake damage, homeowners who lack coverage will need to make important decisions about repairing, upgrading, and replacing components of their home that have been damaged or compromised. Learn about the major cost factors that go into fixing earthquake damage.
- Average
- $15,000
- Low end
- $1,000
- high end
- $30,000
Earthquake Damage Repair Cost Factors
The location and severity of earthquake damage dramatically impact how much it will cost to repair earthquake damage at your home. While the cosmetic damage caused by earthquakes can be inconvenient, restoring or preserving the structural integrity of your home should be prioritized.
Exterior Damage
If your home has sustained exterior damage, the cost range for repairs averages somewhere between $160 and $2,400. In most cases, you'll need a licensed masonry expert or foundation repair company to assess and repair the damage. On average, masonry and concrete experts charge $40 to $75 per hour.
| Repair Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chimney | $160–$1,800 |
| Siding | $340–$1,280 |
| Concrete or Stone Wall | $360–$1,200 |
| Brick Wall | $750–$2,400 |
Interior Damage
If your home's interior was rattled during an earthquake, you may be dealing with everything from shattered glass to separated floors. When estimating repair and restoration costs, you'll need to determine how deep cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors go.
| Repair Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flooring | $200–$550 |
| Subfloors and Joists | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Staircase | $310–$1,050 |
| Door | $250 |
| Windows | $350 |
| Drywall | $250–$800 |
| Plaster Walls | $100–$3,000 |
| Ceilings | $300–$1,200 |
Labor
While most earthquake rehab companies charge by linear foot when making repairs, you may need to bring in subcontractors to work on specific systems in your home when restoring a home following an earthquake. Here are some common fees for the team you'll need to assemble:
Home Inspector $300–$900 per job
Plumbers: $45–$200 per hour
Electrician: $50–$200 per hour
HVAC Technicians: $50–$100 per hour
Releveling
If your home needs to be releveled following an earthquake because weakened ground has compromised its foundation, costs for this project range from $3,000 to $9,300. While the average labor charge is $16 per hour for releveling, you could pay up to $22 per hour when heavy equipment is being used. While leveling can often correct cracked walls and jammed doors, you may still need to pay for cosmetic finishes after the home has been releveled.
Foundation Repairs
If you need to hire a structural engineer to assist with foundation repairs, the hourly cost ranges from $200 to $350. The overall cost to repair a foundation can go as high as $10,000. If you're repairing piers, the cost could be $1,000 to $3,000 each. Meanwhile, a full repair of a pier-and-post foundation costs $5,000 on average.
Retrofitting
If you decide to retrofit your home following an earthquake, expect to pay between $1,500 and $7,000 for a home between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet in size. The strategy you use for retrofitting will determine how much you'll pay.
| Retrofitting Types | Cost | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Anchoring to a Mudsill | $1,500–$3,000 | Anchors a crawl space wall to a mudsill |
| Cripple Wall Bracing | $1,700–$3,500 | Braces shirt stud walls |
| Cripple Wall Bolting | $1,500–$3,000 | Bolts wall to the floor above |
| Foundation Bolting | $1,600–$7,000 | Anchors home to foundation |
| Shear Wall Reinforcement | $4,000–$6,500 | Adds steel grates |
Foundation Retrofitting
If you decide to retrofit your home's foundation, the cost will vary based on the type of foundation you currently have and the upgrade you're making. Your home's age and code-compliant status can also impact costs. The cost to retrofit a home with a slab foundation is between $1,500 and $3,000. When retorting a brick foundation, expect to pay between $2,200 and $10,000. The cost for a basement foundation retrofit ranges from $2,800 to $5,000 on average. For historic homes with post-and-pier foundations, the cost can go as high as $10,000.
Cost to Repair Broken Utility Lines
While the local utility company will likely repair any damage that occurs to public utility lines, you may need to make repairs for utilities on your property. If you need to fix power damage, the cost to hire an electrician is between $50 and $100 per hour. If your gas line needs repairs, the project averages $150 to $600. For waterline repairs, you can expect plumbers to charge an hourly rate of $50 to $200, which factors into a total project cost of around $350 to $1,500. If burst pipes have caused flooding at your home, water damage restoration cost ranges from $1,349 to $6,222. If an entire utility line needs to be repaired, the costs for labor and excavation equipment can total $3,000 to $25,000. If any of your utility lines appear affected following an earthquake, alert your utility provider right away before beginning any work.
Insurance
After spending money out of your own pocket to cover the cost of repairing earthquake damage, you might consider purchasing earthquake insurance. As you shop around for rates, it's important to know the difference between a home warranty vs home insurance. A home warranty covers the structure of your home. Meanwhile, a home warranty covers various appliances and home systems that are damaged by normal wear and tear. Premiums for earthquake insurance average $800 to $1,300 a year.
DIY Earthquake Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
A homeowner should never attempt earthquake rehab on their own! Earthquake repairs can only be done by specially licensed companies with the certifications and insurance needed to take on this high-risk, high-skill task. Earthquake repair contractors have specialized equipment and tools that allow them to operate safely in highly compromised environments.
Costs of Common Earthquake Repair Add-Ons
If you're about to take on earthquake repairs, this could be a good time to reinforce areas of your home that weren't affected this time around. In many cases, the same pros and contractors who are fixing damaged areas of your home can also lump reinforcements or fortifications into your estimate. Consider these proactive projects:
Bracing Water Heater: $250–$400
Reinforcing or Strapping a Brick Chimney: $2,000–$8,000
Reinforcing Masonry Walls: $3,000–$12,000
Earthquake Gas Shut-off Valve Installation: $200–$500
If you're unsure about which upgrade would provide the biggest benefit, consider bringing in a company that can offer a seismic review. At a cost of $300 to $500, a seismic review looks at your property to pinpoint areas that can be fortified to prevent earthquake damage. After taking into account the state of your home and property, a company will provide you with a detailed plan for fortifying your property that will allow you to choose the projects you think are the most important. Finally, you should also consider tree removal cost if a tree that is close to your home could cause damage when the ground shifts during an earthquake.
Ways to Reduce Cost While Doing Earthquake Repairs
While there are no shortcuts when it comes to earthquake repairs, there are some steps that homeowners can take to potentially save money:
Contact your insurance company to see if any repair costs are covered.
Seek out government grants and loans for earthquake retrofitting.
Handle painting, adding new floors, reinstalling trim, and other cosmetic finishing touches on your own after major rehab work has been done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.
Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.