A brace-and-bolt retrofit bolts your house to its foundation and braces the short “cripple walls” in the crawlspace. Most of the work is hidden, so choosing the right contractor matters more than usual. Here is how to choose, whether or not you use the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant.
Last updated October 15, 2026. Free to read, no sign-up. Sources are linked at the bottom.
EBB status right now
Checked October 15, 2026: the official EBB site says registration “is open for a limited time each year” and shows no open registration form, and CRMP says registration is “typically offered annually or as funding is available.” The last window we could confirm ran August 20 to October 17, 2025. Get a reminder or sign up for CRMP’s official email list so you can register on day one.
If you use the EBB grant: the directory rule
If you hire a contractor for an EBB-funded retrofit, you must choose one from the official EBB Contractor Directory. EBB says directory contractors are FEMA-trained in seismic retrofitting and are California-licensed general contractors. A contractor outside the directory can cost you the grant.
Check the license
Look up the contractor free at CSLB’s Check a License page. Confirm the license is active, the business name matches your quote, and it’s a B General Building license (a general contractor). Check bond, workers’ compensation, and any disciplinary actions on the same page. Then ask for a certificate of liability insurance.
Permits and the building code
A retrofit needs a building permit and a final inspection, and EBB needs proof of both to pay the grant. The work should follow Chapter A3 of the California Existing Building Code or an approved plan set, or an engineer’s design if your house is outside the plan set (tall cripple walls, hillside, post and pier). Ask which your contractor will use and who pulls the permit. In the City of San Diego, permits go through Development Services.
Get 2–3 written, itemized quotes
EBB says a typical retrofit by a licensed contractor may cost $3,000 to $7,000, depending on location, house size, contractor fees, and work needed. A good quote lists the number and type of anchor bolts, the length of cripple wall to be braced, any hold-downs or extra hardware, permit fees, crawlspace access work, and what’s excluded (chimney work isn’t covered). Ask what could change the price (rot, termite damage, plumbing in the way).
Contract and payments
- Down payment no more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less (CSLB).
- Pay as work is completed, never ahead of it.
- You may have 3 business days to cancel (5 if you’re 65 or older).
- Changes in writing, and ask for lien releases as you pay.
Warranties and proof of work
Because the work is under the house, ask for photos of every bolt and brace before the crawlspace is closed up, plus the signed final inspection. Get the workmanship warranty in writing.
Questions to ask
- Are you in the EBB Contractor Directory (if I’m using the grant)?
- Will you use Chapter A3 / a plan set or an engineer for my house, and why?
- Who pulls the permit, and is the fee included?
- What could change the price once you’re in the crawlspace?
- Will you give me photos of the finished work?
Red flags
- Not in the EBB directory when you plan to use the grant
- Offering to skip the permit to save money
- Selling a full foundation replacement when you asked about brace-and-bolt
- Asking you to sign over grant payment before any work is done
- Big deposit or cash only
Questions
Do I have to use a specific contractor for the EBB grant?
Yes. If you hire a contractor for an EBB-funded retrofit, EBB requires one from its official Contractor Directory. Those contractors are FEMA-trained and California-licensed general contractors.
How much does a brace-and-bolt retrofit cost?
EBB says a typical retrofit by a licensed contractor may cost $3,000 to $7,000, depending on location, house size, fees, and work needed.
Is EBB registration open now?
As of October 15, 2026, the official EBB site shows no open registration and says registration opens for a limited time each year. The last confirmed window ran August 20 to October 17, 2025.
Does an earthquake retrofit need a permit?
Yes. A retrofit needs a building permit and final inspection, and EBB needs proof of both before paying the grant.
Sources (checked October 15, 2026)
- CSLB: Check a License
- CSLB: Homeowner checklists (down payment, 3-day and 5-day cancel, payment schedule, lien notice)
- Earthquake Brace + Bolt: FAQ (directory rule, $3,000–$7,000 typical cost, CEBC Chapter A3)
- Earthquake Brace + Bolt: Find a Contractor
- CRMP: How to register (timing)
- City of San Diego Development Services (permits)