I live in Tacoma, Washington where a big earthquake is predicted to hit this area. So when I bought my home, I wanted to do what I could to help protect it from earthquakes. I eventually found the Simpson StrongTie retrofitting guide and began installing foundation plates, post caps, and framing angles to tie my house to its foundation.

I'm not an expert, this is just what I learned after a contractor suggested I just do it myself! The retrofitting guide is really good and while it takes a minute to wrap your head around all the components and layout, mostly it's just a lot of physical labor.

My house was built in 1907, has two stories, and a raised foundation. So this video is specific about what I am doing to earthquake retrofit this house and hopefully it will be useful for you.

Time stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Basics
02:12 Foundation Plates
07:31 Post Caps
09:01 Framing Angles
09:54 Cripple Walls
10:26 Outro

Simpson StrongTie Earthquake Retrofitting Guide:
https://blog.strongtie.com/threecrit...

Flat Retrofit Foundation Plates:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

Universal Retrofit Foundation Plates:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

Rotary Hammer:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee...

1/2" x 4" Titen HD Screw Anchors (secure foundation plates to foundation):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

1/4" x 3 1/2" SDS Screws (secure foundation plates to mudsills):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

6" AC Post Caps:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

#10 x 2 1/2" SD Screws (secure post caps):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

Galvanized A35 Framing Angles:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...

#9 x 1 1/2" SD Screws (secure framing angles):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SimpsonS...