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General Contracting Opportunities Remain Abundant For Earthquake Retrofit Jobs In California Despite Global Pandemic
(SACRAMENTO) Even in the midst of a pandemic, California homeowners in the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program are taking steps to help protect their biggest investment before the inevitable “Big One” by retrofitting their homes and creating ample job opportunities for licensed general contractors in the eligible program areas.
With thousands of homeowners in the program looking for qualified contractors, residential seismic retrofitting is a relatively untapped market with high demand and great business opportunities for contractors. To date, more than 11,000 retrofits have been completed through the EBB program and with continued funding, the demand will continue to grow.
Recently, the EBB Program received $23 million in FEMA grants for homeowners to complete seismic retrofits creating over 7,600 jobs for FEMA-trained, licensed general contractors.
By participating in a free, online FEMA training, California licensed general contractors (with license type A or B) will gain valuable skills and be added to EBB’s exclusive Contractor Directory. Homeowners may only select contractors from the Contractor Directory to complete their retrofit. EBB also offers participating contractors free marketing materials, including a FEMA-trained logo to advertise, yard signs and flyers.
“EBB has helped grow my business, even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Greg Sylvis, owner of Greg Sylvis General Contractor Inc. in the city of Pasadena. “It’s a great, easy way for any licensed contractor to expand their business while helping homeowners protect their homes and families.”
FEMA training is available online and EBB adds contractors to their Contractor Directory on an ongoing basis.
How to Get Started Contractors who want to join the EBB program and be part of the Contractor Directory must:
- be a California licensed contractor (with license type A or B) in good standing;
- create a free online account and complete registration as a contractor; and
- review all six education videos and successfully pass the quizzes associated with each section.
For more information or to get started, visit www.EarthquakeBraceBolt.com/Content/AboutContractorProgram. About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program,
About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)
Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. Residential seismic retrofits bolt the house to its foundation and add bracing, if required, around the perimeter of the crawl space making it more resistant to earthquake activity. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.
About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)
CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit CaliforniaResidentialMitigationProgram.com.