Portland homeowners are becoming more aware of earthquake risks, especially in older neighborhoods with homes built long before modern seismic codes. While a full seismic retrofit isn’t required every time you remodel, a renovation is often the perfect opportunity to strengthen the structure—especially if walls, floors, or mechanical systems are already being opened up.

Here are practical, homeowner-friendly seismic upgrades worth considering during a remodel, especially for Portland’s older Craftsman, bungalow, and mid-century homes.

1. Start With a Basic Seismic Assessment

Before any upgrade, many homeowners bring in a structural engineer or a contractor familiar with Portland’s older housing stock. They’ll look for:

• unbraced cripple walls
• weak connections between the house and foundation
• outdated framing methods
• heavy masonry features that may need reinforcement

This quick assessment helps you decide which improvements will genuinely make the home safer without unnecessary costs.

2. Bolt the House to the Foundation

Many Portland homes built before the 1970s were not securely anchored to their foundations. During a remodel—especially if you’re opening walls, floors, or crawlspaces—it’s much easier to install:

• foundation anchor bolts
• seismic plates
• shear transfer ties

This creates a strong connection that keeps the home from sliding off its foundation during shaking.

3. Brace Cripple Walls

Homes with a crawlspace often have short wooden walls between the foundation and the main floor. These “cripple walls” can collapse during a major quake if they’re not properly braced.

Remodeling gives you access to these spaces, making it easier to add:

• structural plywood sheathing
• blocking between studs
• reinforced connections at the top and bottom plates

This upgrade alone dramatically increases stability.

4. Strengthen Shear Walls in Key Areas

If you’re already opening up walls as part of a kitchen, bath, or room expansion, it’s a good time to add or reinforce shear walls. These are the sections that help the house resist sideways motion.

Contractors often add:

• strategically placed plywood shear panels
• metal hold-downs and brackets
• improved nailing patterns

This type of reinforcement blends seamlessly into the remodel and adds significant protection.

5. Secure Water Heaters and Gas Lines

Even small steps help reduce damage during a quake. Portland’s building recommendations include:

• bracing water heaters with straps
• adding a seismic shut-off valve to gas lines
• ensuring rigid pipes have flexible connectors

Many homeowners include these upgrades while the plumbing is already being adjusted for a remodel.

6. Reinforce Chimneys and Masonry Features

Older homes in Portland often have brick chimneys or fireplaces. These are one of the most vulnerable elements during shaking.

During a remodel, you might:

• rebuild the upper portion of the chimney
• add internal reinforcement
• remove unsafe, unused chimneys entirely
• secure heavy mantels or built-in stone features

This helps prevent structural damage and falling debris.

7. Update the Home’s Lateral and Roof Connections

While remodeling roofs or upper floors, adding simple fasteners and ties can make the whole structure more cohesive during seismic movement. Contractors often install:

• metal straps between rafters and walls
• improved blocking and bracing in attic spaces
• reinforced connections around skylights or dormers

These upgrades aren’t visible when the remodel is done, but they strengthen the entire frame.

8. Use the Remodel to Improve Emergency Readiness

Since you already have contractors in the home, many homeowners take the opportunity to:

• add a whole-house shutoff panel
• reorganize storage to keep heavy items low
• secure cabinets with soft-close or locking hardware
• anchor appliances or built-ins

These small details make the home safer and more functional during unexpected shaking.

9. Keep the Home’s Character While Improving Safety

A seismic retrofit doesn’t mean stripping a house of its charm. Most upgrades happen inside walls, floors, or crawlspaces, so they don’t change the style or finishes. Craftsman trim, built-ins, and historic details can remain untouched while the structure behind them becomes far more stable.