LICENSE # 662926.
SPECIALTIES
We always have and always will give you MORE than we promise.
We have been making Southern homes safer from earthquake perils since 1954 through foundation repair, house bolting, floor leveling, site drainage, and a multitude of related problem issues.
HISTORY
My grandfather was a foundation contractor. I began going to work with him, my dad, and my uncles during school vacations starting in 1936. After leaving the service in 1954 I started my own foundation contracting company. One of my first projects was to bolt the home of a retired Caltech professor. We have been performing the same for a majority of the associates including much of the USGS staff at Caltech including the buildings that serve as their headquakers.
Business highlights
70 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
HOUSE BOLTING, FOUNDATION PROBLEM SOLUTION, FLOOR LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS, SITE DRAINAGE, EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT, FOUNDATION ANCHORAGE & BOLTING.
The inspector Ken was very nice and not condescending at all. He was extremely late, but he did call an hour before hand to give me a heads up he was running late. Points for consideration. He was super nice and answered all the questions. He provided pictures with his report. But the report was odd. It didn't provide a total of what the costs would be. He provided ranges for individual tasks. Very irritating. Said a section of the foundation needed replacing when the other two foundation guys said it wasn't necessary. But where he missed the boat is for the post and pier repair. The other two companies I received estimates from had the same number of pier repair/replacement, Seismic Safety listed 4 instead of 14 and then in the repair stated they were going to use prefabbed piers. If I wanted prefabbed piers I wouldn't hire an expert. I didn't think foundation companies could use prefabbed piers from home depot in their work for permitting. Anyway after comparing 3 companies reports it didn't seem like I would get quality from Seismic Safety.
Description of Work: Foundation inspection and estimate during escrow.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
2.0
$175
Response from SEISMIC SAFETY
Dear Member, In response to your review, I checked Ken’s report and prefer to qualify your comments. 1. Our reports are intended to be a thorough report on all issues related to your property’s foundation – corner to corner. It may have appeared confusing, but it was meant to give you the full scope of options for your consideration. We do not consider our inspections to be a complete estimate of charges, as not all of the work we inspect will be chosen. That is the purpose of us providing cost ranges. 2. In his report, Ken recommended replacement of piers using industry standard, pre-cast piers, not pre-fabricated as you indicated in your review. He indicated the pre-cast piers be placed on new concrete pads 12” square by 16” deep. 3. We stand behind our initial recommendation that 3 and possibly 4 new piers were needed, not 14. 4. It remains Ken’s professional assessment to recommend you install a steel reinforced concrete foundation to replace the existing damaged structure foundation area (approx 15-20 linear feet). The foundation replacement was offered due mainly to the condition of the west perimeter foundation stem wall being below grade allowing the wood framing and sill plate to be continually in contact with soil and/or moisture, promoting further dry rot.
Jessica C.
09/2011
5.0
home inspection, foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 1 more
I was referred to Seismic Safety by our amazing home inspection guy Greg Noyes. Ken Compton from SS came to the first house we were in escrow on, did an amazing inspection there, and then, when that house fell through, came to inspect the second one we bid on. Again, he was totally thorough and very, very good. We ultimately bought that house and Ken and his team just finished doing some foundation work for us. All I can say is PERFECT service all the way through. You know when you're talking to someone and you just think "this person knows more about this subject than possibly anyone else in the world?" That is how you feel talking to Ken. But he's no know-it-all, just quietly knowledgeable, helpful, and informative about his field of expertise. To the nth degree. The company as a whole is superlative in terms of communication, follow-up, and overall service. The work done is outstanding. When we discovered an extra issue with our house that only came up after we tore carpet out Ken came the same day to take another look -- even though his job was technically done -- and immediately put our minds at ease by telling us exactly how we could remedy it for very little additional money. I love this guy and I love Seismic Safety. I don't know that I would even bother getting bids from anyone else. They are the best.
Description of Work: Seismic Safety (specifically Ken Compton) inspected 2 houses we were in escrow on. Both inspections were amazingly thorough, comprehensive, and helpful. On house we purchased: cracks in foundation repaired, existing retrofitting slightly improved, crack at front steps patched, access hole created in foundation between two parts of house, and this weekend they will do some floor leveling for us.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,650
Dave C.
08/2011
5.0
drain pipe
+ -1 more
This is the second time I've worked with Seismic Safety and I can not recommend them highly enough. The whole process was painless and the work was done quickly and professionally, exactly to specifications. It was a relatively small job, so a crew was available to do the work about a week before the scheduled start date.
Description of Work: Trench the soil along the north side yard from the breach in the concrete property wall to the stub out pipe installed by the owner. Install 4” diameter drain pipe with three catch basins along the run. The larger basin at the east side of the run to capture water from the breach in the wall. Form, mix, and place a concrete apron around the catch basins. Drill through the face of the city curb and mortar patch around the 3” diameter pipe. This pipe to connect to the owner installed pipe (remove elbow) at the edge of the front yard grass.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500
Christopher C.
06/2011
5.0
structural engineer, earthquake retrofitting
+ 0 more
I live in California. It is also depended on what kind of foundation one has. I have a river rock foundation, which is dangerous. I chose a less expensive choice they now have. I was willing to choose that because I needed to spend less money. The person who started the company is a very good guy, and he is older now. The company started back in 50's. The reason they started the company because one of the people wanted their foundation to be secured. They are the nicest people. All the people who live here have regard for them. They have several choices for retrofit.
Description of Work: Seismic Safety fixed the foundations for earthquakes around 3-4 weeks ago. They are expert in earthquake foundation, retrofits. They worked around a week.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$17,000
Charles F.
05/2011
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
It went well. I had three quotes and they were about the same. They were all good. They were competitive. They did a good job and they were here when they said they would be. I would use them again but I hope I don't have to bolt another house down.
Description of Work: I used the service of Seismic Safety for foundation repair in December.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
Drew M.
04/2011
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
On the recommendation from our home inspector, we called Seismic Safety during escrow to inspect the lack of retrofitting in most of the crawl space of our new home (actually old home, built in 1924) and estimate the cost of the necessary upgrades. They came out quickly (charging a nominal fee which would be applied to the work should they be awarded the job), and gave me an estimate within 48 hours of my first call. The estimate was fair, and the crew arrived the morning after we received the keys to the house. They bolted the foundation, and braced the cripple walls all the way around the perimeter of the crawl space. They were professional, maintained a clean worksite, and did quality work that passed the city inspection immediately. The job took 3 days. I would recommend them without hesitation.
Description of Work: They braced the cripple walls, and bolted the structure to the foundation around the perimeter of our crawl space,
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,400
Laura A.
03/2011
3.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
I crawled under the house numerous times to point out aspects of the job which were not properly completed, including direct post to earth contact that was supposed to have been removed. There was never any argument that the items I was pointing out were properly completed or were not part of the contracted scope of work. It was as though the job foreman had simply not reviewed the supposedly completed work. So long as you watch them closely, you will get the job done.
Description of Work: Seismic Safety installed a section of girder, and a number of piers and posts, and joist framing as required.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
3.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
$4,400
Response from SEISMIC SAFETY
This project was contracted and completed about two years ago. The crew leader was new at the time. Fortunately the complaint is basically true and legitimate. Our in-house inspector periodically returns to check work progress and give guidance, but before he had returned, the owner crawled in himself, and found some errors. We agreed with his complaints, we not only corrected our errors, but as a good-will token, we willingly performed extra work for the owner, outside of our contract, at no extra cost. Why do I view this as a fortunate event. It was a big red flag to hold up in front of our entire organization about how fragile a great reputation is and how hard it is to maintain it. As painful as it is, this bad report has furnished us greater impetus to remain the very best this industry has to offer. We have put up additional safe guards against any repeat. We thank you for your help. Ed Sylvis, President Seismic Safety.
Charles F.
02/2011
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
Everybody showed up when they said they would. The plans were explained clearly before the work was done. I got 3 bids and chose Seismic Safety because they came in with the lowest price for the same work. The workers showed up on time, worked without radios and profanity, and cleaned up after themselves. The job was finished on time and passed inspection.
Description of Work: House bolted to foundation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,500
Tom G.
02/2011
5.0
structural engineer, foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 1 more
Seismic Safety seemed very knowledgeable and professional. They gave me a fair estimate based on their thorough inspection. They were the right company for me in terms of qualifications and price.
Description of Work: Seismic Safety reptrofitted the foundation for my two homes. They repaired cracking and bolts that had been installed poorly originally. They put in or replaced additional beams for me.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,000
William O.
02/2011
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
They charged me $3000 for the service. They were great. They were very honest about the work that did and did not need to be done. I was very happy with them. I wanted some drainage work done as well. While they could have done it, they actually recommended somebody else to do it. They did the work in two days; they were really quick. I would recommend them because they were reasonably priced. They were honest and good to work with. I would use them again in the future if required.
Description of Work: I used Seismic Safety for earthquake retrofitting, six months ago. They retrofitted the whole underside of the house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
Philippe A.
01/2011
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
When I was in the process of purchase the house, I discovered that it had not been bolted which meant my insurance company would not be able to cover it. My real estate agent recommended Seismic Safety so I could get a foundation inspection and a quote. I also had some settling in a corner of the house that I want an opinion about various options to deal with it. After closing, I scheduled the bolting which was done promptly as soon as a spot opened up on their calendar. They were very flexible and patient as I had to reschedule the start date several times due to another on-going job on the house that would have interfered with their work. I also appreciated the friendly and professional interaction with all of the staff I dealt with (Margie, Craig and Dave).
Description of Work: Earthquake retrofitting (bolting) of 1927 house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
Erin J.
12/2010
5.0
foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 0 more
Great. I hired Seismic Safety to provide a second opinion after receiving what seemed like an outrageously high estimate to repair/retrofit our foundation. Not only did their bid for similar work come in a full $10k lower (!), they were also able to provide lower cost alternatives as well as options for completing the project in stages over time. Since this is part of a home sale transaction, we won't be the ones doing the hiring for the project itself. If we were, we would go with Seismic Safety without a doubt. I have full confidence in their assessment -- definitely not just a lowball bid.
Description of Work: Foundation inspection and repair estimate.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Henry S.
12/2010
5.0
foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 0 more
The gentleman who came out (David Johnson) was punctual and professional. After inspecting the house, he explained the situation clearly and in detail. He advised that NO WORK WAS NECESSARY, although some upgrades could be done. To me, this is the measure of honesty: that a firm is willing to tell you when you DON'T need their services! I would feel confident recommending this firm.
Description of Work: This was an earthquake retrofit consultation and I list it as "performing services" because the inspection and consultation is itself a service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
JANET W.
07/2010
5.0
foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 0 more
I was very pleased. Dave was thorough, patient, and answered all of my questions. He crawled under the house, checked the earthquake bolts, the concrete, the supports and the ground for evidence of moisture. I have some wall cracks that I was concerned about, and he assured me that the foundation was in good shape. He spent time checking the interior walls and going around the exterior, helping me to plan the placement of some new downspouts. I think his advice was very logical, and I intend to follow it.
Description of Work: I needed the raised foundation of my 50's era house evaluated in advance of some other work that I have planned. Dave Johnson thoroughly inspected the foundation and the supports under the house, and gave me good advice about maximizing effective drainage.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Adam C.
06/2010
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
Ed was very friendly, very knowledgeable about foundations and earthquakes, and discouraged me from spending the money to do bolting in this situation. Clearly a very honest man.
Description of Work: I spoke with Ed regarding bolting of a foundation on a slab home I'm looking at buying.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from SEISMIC SAFETY
-
Chris S.
06/2010
1.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
Terrible service.... Had originally made an appointment on 6/1/2010 for the 3rd at 10:30am and then they called to confirm appointment.... While confirming company stated that it refused to take the coupon that is advertised for $150 refundable consultation fee.... Absolutely unprofessional and highly not recommended.....
Description of Work: Wanted to inspect a sagging floor in house...
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
Response from SEISMIC SAFETY
Clearly this member's report is a classic example of miscommunication somewhere along the line. I feel we may have been unjustly spanked for an obvious error in communication. One report such as this in 56 years of practice might not be a poor record. Ed Sylvis
Lecia H.
05/2010
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
They were very responsive from start to finish. They even called to follow up and see if I had any questions.
Description of Work: They came out to inspect my foundation and gave me an estimate for the repair work. I will probably have them do the work; I am just waiting to close on the house. The guy that came out, Ken Compton, was incredible. He knew what he was doing and explained everything in detail and gave me a report with pictures from the crawl space to document his observations. The report was a few pages long and broke up the cost for each project. I think these guys are the best.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Eileen W.
05/2010
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
I schedule an estimate over the phone and someone came out within the week to give me one. He explained in detail what my foundation looked like and what bolting would do, even hand-drawing sketches for me. Seismic Safety obtained the permits for me and did the work. Other than some thumping and pounding under the house, you really wouldn't have known they were there. It took approximately two days to complete the project. After they finished the city inspector signed off on the permit with no problem.
Description of Work: My house was built in 1926 on a raised foundation. The cripple walls had never been bolted to the concrete foundation. I hired Seimic Satefy to do that for me, so if there's even a major earthquake it won't slide off it's foundation. I also get a break in my home owners insurance for having the house bolted, which is nice.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,875
Mark W.
03/2010
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
Ken is one of the most helpful people I have dealt with in maintaining my home. A couple of years ago we were inspecting a house we were going to buy, and Ken came by to give us an estimate on retrofit and foundation repair. He ended up touring the whole house with me and gave me far more useful information than the home inspector I had hired (who refused to give me his opinion about anything). Thanks to Ken, we ended up not buying the house, which turned out to be a very good thing. So, when we did buy another house, we had Ken come over to inspect for the retrofit. He was again very informative and helpful, and of course the job went extremely smoothly, was on time and on budget, and they even fixed a few things without charge. An extremely positive experience.
Description of Work: Bolted house to foundation (retrofit) for 1600 sq ft 1922 house. Also some foundation repair.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
KEN D.
01/2010
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
Though I have yet to meet him, Ed Sylvis the owner was a pleasure to work with, His company and his employees were punctual, thorough, and efficient. They spent time answering questions and educating me on what needed to happen and what was unnecessary. Everything about the job was completed without any surprises. Ultimately my decision was about the honesty and professional quality of the whole process. It is how business is supposed to be.
Description of Work: Anchor plates were bolted to the foundation and sill plates as needed at the corners (where there were none) and along the perimeter. A floor joist splice was added where needed and three verticle wall cracks were reinforced with straps bolted to the foundation across each crack. The cracks were extra and optional, but were done without charge as a courtesy.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500
CHARLOTTE H.
12/2009
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
He was really good. They were the most reasonably priced and they did an excellent job. They were on time and very professional. All of his workers know what they are doing and get the job done. We would highly recommend them. Some other companies were twice as much. I wish all vendors were like him. I can’t say enough good things about them. We were trying to convince him to do our backyard.
Description of Work: We used Seismic Safety to retrofit our house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
James K.
11/2009
5.0
earthquake retrofitting
+ -1 more
They were professional, responsive and punctual. Their pricing was reasonable and the quality of their work was good.
Description of Work: They did the retrofitting in my house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,200
SUE V.
08/2009
5.0
structural engineer
+ -1 more
The job was well done. I would highly recommend them to other people. They were highly professional. They did a timely job. One gentleman called Ken Compton was very impressive with his work. I was very satisfied with their work and I intend calling them again shortly for another job that I have to get done.
Description of Work: Seismic Safety retrofitted my home last month.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,100
Anna H.
02/2009
5.0
foundation repair, earthquake retrofitting
+ 0 more
Seismic Safety in Pasadena did a great job (steel beam, foundation patching--and all). I had three companies come out and give us estimates, and Seismic was the most comprehensive and reasonable. Our main contact was Ken Compton, he was honest (and enthusiastic)--plus Ed, the owner, came out to inspect the job (twice!). They take a lot of pride in their work.
Description of Work: Nineteen foot steel beam installed to allow removal of posts that interrupted floor plan, foundation cracks patched and strapped, poured several new piers, reinforced existing perimeter foundation wall by digging below it and pouring a new footing.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
3.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,300
GREER K.
01/2009
5.0
foundation repair
+ -1 more
I thought he was great. He was incredibly honest and it turns out I don't need any work done. He was very upfront about whether or not I needed the work. He is very honest.
Description of Work: He went underneath my house to look at my foundation and give me an assessment. I had some cracks in my house that I was concerned about. I was worried about my foundation.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Earthquake Retrofitting,
Foundation Repair,
Structural Engineering,
Concrete Pouring and Repair,
Home inspection,
Drain Pipe Installation,
Concrete Leveling,
Excavating
FAQ
SEISMIC SAFETY is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
SEISMIC SAFETY accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,Visa
No, SEISMIC SAFETY does not offer free project estimates.
No, SEISMIC SAFETY does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, SEISMIC SAFETY does not offer a senior discount.
No, SEISMIC SAFETY does not offer emergency services.
No, SEISMIC SAFETY does not offer warranties.
SEISMIC SAFETY offers the following services: HOUSE BOLTING, FOUNDATION PROBLEM SOLUTION, FLOOR LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS, SITE DRAINAGE, EARTHQUAKE RETROFIT, FOUNDATION ANCHORAGE & BOLTING.