Earthquake Retrofit Contractor for North Bay Homes and Multi-Unit Properties
Benga Construction helps property owners strengthen vulnerable wood-framed buildings through code-compliant seismic retrofit work, including Earthquake Brace + Bolt, Earthquake Soft-Story, and Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit projects.
Led by a California licensed general contractor, licensed electrician, ICC-certified residential inspector, and CRMP approved retrofit contractor, we provide clear guidance from initial evaluation through permitting, construction, inspection, and closeout documentation.
We Help You Navigate the CRMP Retrofit Process
The California Residential Mitigation Program offers grants to retrofit homes through the Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) ,Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Multi-Unit Retrofit (EMR) grant programs
We do more than complete the construction. We help guide property owners through the CRMP process, including dashboard uploads, program documentation, Notice to Proceed requirements, city permits, final inspection, and grant reimbursement documentation.
Serving Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Alameda counties, along with select Bay Area communities, with practical seismic retrofit solutions for raised-foundation homes, soft-story homes over garages, and qualifying multi-unit residential buildings.
California Licensed General Contractor #998496 | C-10 Electrical Contractor | FEMA-Trained Earthquake Retrofit Contractor | ICC Certified Residential Inspector | 40+ Years Construction Experience
Residential Seismic Retrofit Services
Service Items
Foundation Bolting
Installation of approved foundation anchors or foundation plates to help secure the mudsill to the concrete foundation.
Soft-Story Retrofitting
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;
Cripple Wall Bracing
Installation of structural plywood sheathing and framing connections where required by the applicable plan set.
Crawlspace Retrofit Evaluation
Review of crawlspace conditions, cripple wall height, existing framing, access, utilities, and site-specific constraints.
CRMP Grant Support
Guidance through the contractor-side process, including permit coordination, required retrofit photos, and construction sequencing.
Water Heater Bracing Review
Verification or improvement of water heater strapping when required as part of the CRMP process.
A Clear Retrofit Process from First Call to Final Inspection
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your home, location, CRMP status, raised foundation conditions, and project timing.
2. Crawlspace Assessment
We review access, foundation type, cripple wall conditions, utilities, and any visible constraints that may affect the retrofit.
3. Scope and Proposal
You receive a clear proposal based on the required retrofit work, permit requirements, and applicable plan set.
4. Permit Coordination
We prepare and submit the required permit documents for the seismic retrofit scope.
5. CRMP Documentation and Notice to Proceed
Once the permit is issued, required documents and photos are submitted so the project can move toward CRMP approval.
6. Retrofit Installation
We complete the foundation bolting, bracing, hardware installation, and related seismic strengthening work.
7. Final Inspection and Closeout
The project is inspected, finalized, and documented for the homeowner and CRMP closeout process.
Don’t Wait for the Next Earthquake — Strengthen Your Property Today
Most older homes in California weren’t built to withstand the intense lateral forces of a major earthquake. Seismic retrofitting is a proven method to reduce the risk of structural damage — and protect the people and memories inside your home.
- Protect Your Family: Reduce the risk of home collapse or displacement.
- Preserve Your Investment: Repairs after a quake can cost tens of thousands — retrofitting costs far less.
- Increase Property Value: Strengthening your foundation adds peace of mind and resale value.
- CRMP Grant Funds Available: Save thousands with California’s grant program.
A Simple Process with Big Peace of Mind
Check Eligibility: Visit the CRMP website to see if your ZIP code and home qualify.
Apply for the Grant: The online application is quick and easy.
Schedule a Free Assessment: We’ll inspect your home and provide a fixed-price estimate.
Complete the Retrofit: Benga Construction handles permits, labor, and all retrofit requirements.
Get Reimbursed: Once work is completed, you submit the invoice and receive up to $3,000 in grant funds.
We make the process hassle-free — no surprises, no stress, just solid protection.
Built on 40+ Years of Construction Experience
Benga Construction is led by Joe Benga, a California licensed general contractor and licensed electrical contractor with more than 40 years of construction experience. That experience includes residential construction, commercial projects, inspections, code-based work, and seismic retrofit installations through California’s Earthquake Brace + Bolt program.
Seismic retrofit work may look simple from the outside, but the details matter. Anchor placement, cripple wall bracing, access limitations, existing utilities, permit requirements, and Crmp documentation all need to be handled correctly. Benga Construction brings field experience, technical understanding, and careful project communication to every retrofit.
Serving Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties
Marin County: Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Sausalito, Tiburon, and surrounding communities.
Sonoma County: Petaluma, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Windsor, and surrounding communities.
Napa County: Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, and surrounding communities.
Alameda County: Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, and surrounding communities.
Don’t see your city listed? Contact us to confirm availability.
FAQ's
What is a seismic retrofit?
Think of a seismic retrofit as your home’s earthquake protection upgrade. It’s a set of improvements designed to fortify your house against the shaking forces of an earthquake. With California’s seismic history, retrofitting isn’t just smart—it’s essential for keeping your home and family safe.
How do I know if my home qualifies?
Your home must be in an eligible ZIP code and typically built before 1980 with a crawl space. Check eligibility at CRMP.org
Do I need to be accepted into the CRMP program before contacting you?
No. You can contact us before or after CRMP acceptance. If you have already been accepted, we will help you understand the next steps and timing.
Can retrofit work start before the CRMP Notice to Proceed?
No. If you are using a CRMP grant program, retrofit work should not begin until the required CRMP steps are completed and the Notice to Proceed has been issued.
Will you handle the permit?
Yes. We typically prepare and submit the permit documents required for the seismic retrofit scope.
What type of homes do you retrofit?
Our primary focus is older wood-framed homes with raised foundations, crawlspaces, cripple walls, or foundation connection vulnerabilities built before 1980.
Do you retrofit living space over garage conditions?
Yes. Living space over garage conditions may require a different retrofit approach than a standard crawlspace brace and bolt retrofit. We can review the condition and advise on next best steps.
How long does the retrofit take?
Most EBB projects are completed in 1–2 days once permits are issued.
Soft-Story projects are completed within two weeks once permits are issued.
Multi-Unit Retrofits installations will vary depending on the complexity of the installation
Ready to Strengthen Your Home?
If you own an older raised foundation, soft-story home, or multi-unit home in Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, or Napa County, Benga Construction can help you understand your retrofit options, CRMP requirements, permit process, and project timeline.
“Unlike factory environments, construction projects lack the luxury of prototypes and controlled conditions. Every project requires mobilizing manpower, equipment, and a diverse range of materials to the job site. Success hinges on coordination with various subcontractors and material suppliers, making collaboration and adaptability essential to every phase of the process.”
- CSLB - "B" General Contractor #998496
- CSLB - "C10" Electrical Contractor #998496
- California Residential Building Inspector - ICC #10333437
- IAPC/InterNACHI #NACHI21031242
- US FAA Remote Pilot License #4614110
CONTACT
- SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTAION
- (415) 289-9894
- contact@bengaconstruction.com
- Novato, CA
HOURS
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- 10:00 am-2:00 pm
- Closed