How well does seismic retrofit work?

Profile picture for tonyw85
I'm considering purchasing a 2-story SFH that is perfect in almost every way, except it is on a hill (downslope) that is 0.1 miles from the Hayward Fault. USGS studies estimate a 31% chance of a magnitude 6.7+ earthquake along this fault within the next 25 years. 

The property was built in 1965. A structural inspection concluded that the foundation is in fairly good shape. The price is good, so I can spend up to $20K on seismic retrofits. How effective are these types of retrofits? Would it be enough to keep the house standing in the event of a magnitude 7+ earthquake on a fault that is only 0.1 miles away?
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October 15 2011 - Union City
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Profile picture for wetdawgs

Oh my, a very very tough question.   There are no guarantees, but it doesn't take much to shake a house off its foundation if it is missing something as simple as foundation/frame attachment.   It depends on the soil of the hill, the rest of the structural integrity and much more. 

There are some predictive damage maps on the USGS site for the Hayward fault.  They have a big center in Menlo Park.



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October 15 2011
 
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DiscussionHow well does seismic retrofit work?
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