EBB Retrofit Preparation & Guide

For Homeowners Working with Avant-Garde Construction Enterprise

Licensed • Bonded • Insured | Serving the Entire San Francisco Bay Area

🛠️ 1. Preparing for Your Consultation

Before your consultation with Avant-Garde, we recommend:

• Gather Documents: Locate any original building plans, engineering reports, or past retrofit documentation.

• Take Photos: Photograph your crawl space, foundation edges, any visible cracks, and areas of concern.

• Clear Access: Ensure easy access to the crawl space and foundation—remove stored items or debris.

• List Concerns: Write down any structural issues you’ve noticed (e.g., uneven floors, moisture, odors).

📋 2. Questions to Ask All Contractors

Ask these questions while selecting which contractor will be trusted to protect your home and family:

Technical

• What is the current condition of my crawl space and foundation?
  If the response if short and vague, beware.

• Will you use structural screws or nails — and why?
  There is a huge disparity between the two.

• How do you deal with tight crawl spaces, wiring, plumbing, or HVAC obstructions?
  Look for well defined answers.

• What are your recommended upgrades beyond the required work, if any?
  If there are none, avoid at all costs.

• Why do you seismic retrofit homes, and when did you start?
  If it is only to participate in the work provided from the EBB program,  they are probably not a real seismic retrofit expert.

• What other services do you provide?
  If seismic retrofit work is not their main service, you may want to reconsider choosing them.

EBB Program & Compliance

• Will this retrofit qualify for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program?

• Do you help with the EBB documentation and photo uploads?

• Can I see examples of previous compliant EBB projects you’ve completed?

Timeline & Logistics

• What’s the estimated start date and how long will the job take?

• Will I lose access to utilities during any part of the work?

• Do I need to vacate or modify anything inside my home?

Quality & Assurance

• How do you ensure my systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) won’t be damaged?

• Do you provide before & after photos for transparency?

• What warranties or post-retrofit support do you offer?

• What quality control practices do you have in place?

📑 3. Permits, EBB Reimbursement & What to Expect

Permits

• Required for any retrofit — Avant-Garde handles permitting, plan submission, and inspections.

EBB Reimbursement

• You may qualify for a $3,000- $10,000 grant if accepted into the EBB Program.

• Requirements:

  • Use an EBB-registered contractor (Avant-Garde qualifies)

  • Complete the retrofit and pass city inspection

  • Submit signed contract, photos, permit, and final inspection approval online

What to Expect During the Retrofit

• Expect:

  • Dust (controlled), noise, and limited crawl space access for a few days

  • Most EBB retrofits take 1–5 working days

  • Professional site protection and daily cleanup from Avant-Garde’s team

✅ 4. Post-Retrofit Inspection Guide

Once the job is done, make sure:

• Bolts are installed properly, per plan

• Shear walls (plywood bracing) are securely and neatly fastened (if your home has cripple walls)

• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are undisturbed

• Crawl space is safe and clean

• All construction debris is removed

• A final inspection is passed and signed off by the city

🔒 You Will Receive:

• 📷 Before & After Project Photos

• 🧾 Final Invoice

• 📝 Permit Copies & Approved Drawings

• 📂 EBB Documentation Packet (Avant-Garde assists with this)

🧠 Questions? Need Help?

Avant-Garde Construction Enterprise is with you every step of the way.
Contact Matthew Gatterman directly if you need guidance before or after your retrofit.