Financing Seismic Retrofitting: A Complete Guide For San Francisco Homeowners

Okay, the people of San Francisco know that having an ADU OR HOME & home is amazing, but without seismic resilience, it can be daunting. So, seismic retrofitting is good, but it gets a little expensive, and people with average incomes might not spend.
But, what if there was an option for you?
Yes, there is an option for you to protect yourself and your family from future Earthquake threats without spending many $$ on seismic retrofitting your ADU OR HOME.
In this blog, you will get some of the financing options available to retrofit your home in San Francisco. These options are not limited to elderly or any specific person, but it is for all of you out there who want to finance seismic retrofit of your home.
We will also discuss some of the benefits of seismic retrofitting your ADU OR HOME, such as potential rental income, long-term savings, and more. So, make sure to stick through the end of the blog post.
The Benefits of Seismic Retrofitting Your ADU OR HOME
- Seismic retrofitting can also benefit you by adding more space to your ADU OR HOME in San Francisco while giving you a safe ADU OR HOME.
- It also increases your property value and potential rental income. According to a recent report by the San Francisco Planning Department, ADU OR HOME can be a great source of additional rental income, especially in the high-demand neighborhoods, so don’t miss out on that.
- If you retrofit your ADU OR HOME to become something attractive, then it will give you even more rental income as compared to others in your neighborhood.
Financing Options For Seismic Retrofitting ADU OR HOMES
There are various financing options available to San Francisco homeowners for seismic retrofitting ADU OR HOME. Homeowners can explore PACE financing, which offers long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements. This program can also be used to finance seismic retrofitting for ADUs.
Different Financing Options For Seismic Retrofitting Adus In San Francisco:
- CRMP's Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers a good funding to eligible homeowners.
- Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing Through the assessment of your property bill, you can borrow money from this program.
- The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) Seismic Safety Financing Program is a program for Californians that have any property such as ADUs or homes.
- For recently-purchased homes, there are transfer tax rebates: The cities of Berkeley and El Cerrito offer rebates or refunds on a percentage of your home’s transfer tax if you complete a voluntary seismic retrofit of your residential property:
- There are some transfer tax rebates for recently purchased homes. The cities of Berkely and El Cerrito offer a percentage of rebate based on the tax.
- USDA Section 504 house repair program will help elderly homeowners in San Francisco. There are loans to repair, modernize, or improve the existing home.
- Visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for federal loan program information, community-based resources, and consumer advice
Grants And Incentives For ADU Construction And Retrofitting
San Francisco homeowners may also be eligible for grants and incentives for ADU construction and retrofitting. For example, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission offers a "Green Infrastructure Grant Program" that can be used to finance seismic retrofitting and other green improvements for ADUs. Homeowners can also explore federal disaster relief, seismic retrofit rebates, and seismic retrofit tax credits for additional financing options.
The Impact Of Seismic Retrofitting On San Francisco Homeowners
One San Francisco homeowner, Sarah, recently decided to retrofit her ADU with seismic resilience in mind. While the cost of retrofitting was significant, she felt it was a necessary investment to protect her property and family. After retrofitting her ADU, Sarah noticed an immediate increase in rental income, with potential renters drawn to the safety features of the unit. She also felt more secure knowing that her property was protected in the event of an earthquake.
Conclusion
Seismic retrofitting is a necessary investment for San Francisco homeowners, and there are various financing options available to make it more affordable. Not only does seismic retrofitting protect your property and family, but it can also increase your property value and potential rental income.
By exploring financing options and taking steps to retrofit your ADU, you can ensure the safety of your property and enjoy the long-term benefits of increased value and potential rental income.








