How Fremont Homeowners Are Preparing for Earthquake Safety in New Construction
Written ByMaor Greenberg
Living in Fremont means enjoying the beauty of the Bay Area—but it also means living with the reality of earthquakes. With the Hayward Fault running directly beneath parts of Fremont, homeowners building or remodeling here need to think beyond style and square footage. Safety matters, and that starts with seismic design.
At Greenberg Construction, we’ve made earthquake-resilient building a top priority in every new construction project. Whether you’re building a custom home or remodeling an existing one, here’s what you need to know.
Why Seismic Safety Is Critical in Fremont
Fremont sits near one of the most seismically active zones in California. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is a high likelihood of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring in the Bay Area within the next 30 years.
That’s not alarmism—that’s planning. And it’s why more Fremont homeowners are choosing to build smarter, safer homes from the ground up.
What Are the Seismic Risks in Fremont?
- Proximity to the Hayward Fault
- Soft soil areas prone to liquefaction
- Older construction stock built before modern codes
- Multi-story homes with weak first floors (garage-level collapse risk)
Even if your neighborhood looks quiet and solid today, an earthquake can reveal hidden vulnerabilities in seconds.
How Today’s Building Codes Address Earthquake Safety
Fremont follows the California Building Code (CBC) and International Building Code (IBC), both of which include seismic standards that have evolved significantly in recent decades.
Key requirements include:
- Shear walls and braced frames to resist lateral movement
- Proper foundation anchoring to prevent sliding or uplift
- Hold-downs and tie-downs to secure upper floors
- Seismic-rated hardware and fasteners
- Soil tests and engineering reports to assess foundation risk
At Greenberg Construction, we always build to or above code—because the minimum isn’t enough when lives are at stake.
Retrofitting Options for Existing Fremont Homes
If you’re not building new, there’s still a lot you can do to improve safety. We’ve helped many Fremont homeowners retrofit their homes with:
- Foundation bolting – Anchoring the home to its foundation
- Cripple wall bracing – Reinforcing short walls between the foundation and first floor
- Soft-story reinforcement – Adding steel moment frames to garage-level structures
- Roof-to-wall anchoring – Preventing roof collapse
- Chimney bracing or removal – Reducing fall hazards
Even modest retrofits can dramatically reduce the risk of major damage—or worse.
Our Approach: Earthquake-Resilient Design and Construction
When you work with Greenberg Construction, seismic safety is baked into the blueprint. We collaborate with structural engineers, conduct proper site evaluations, and use materials and methods that meet today’s best standards.
Here’s what we focus on in every earthquake-resistant project:
- Site-specific seismic analysis
- Reinforced framing systems
- Deepened and anchored foundations
- Flexible structural connections
- Long-lasting, code-compliant materials
- Full permit and inspection management
We don’t just build homes—we build safe, resilient structures designed to protect what matters most.
Real Fremont Homeowners, Real Results
“When we built our new home in Fremont, seismic safety was a must. Maor and his team walked us through everything—from site prep to steel reinforcements. The peace of mind is priceless.”
— Asha & Raj K., Fremont
“Greenberg Construction helped us retrofit our 1970s home. We now feel much safer, and the project was completed on time and on budget.”
— Daniel M., Mission San Jose
Building a Safer Future—One Home at a Time
If you’re building or remodeling in Fremont, seismic planning isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s make your home beautiful, functional, and safe.
Whether it’s a full custom build or a targeted retrofit, we’re here to help you make the smartest choices for long-term safety.
