Greg Sylvis

Business Details

Trusted Seismic Retrofitting Services in Pasadena

Greg Sylvis, General Contractor, Inc. has been a trusted provider of seismic retrofitting and structural safety solutions in Southern California for over 28 years. Our expertise in foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and chimney repair ensures homes remain secure during seismic events. We prioritize honest assessments, code-compliant workmanship, and personalized service for homeowners across Los Angeles, Hollywood, Pasadena, and surrounding areas. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to client education, helping families protect their investments and safety. With hundreds of satisfied customers and recognition in local media and industry publications, we maintain strong relationships with real estate professionals, builders, and property owners.

Our approach emphasizes transparency, with upfront pricing and detailed explanations of retrofitting needs. We actively participate in the Earthquake Brace + Bolt program, assisting clients with grant applications and compliance requirements. Our reputation for reliability, efficiency, and quality craftsmanship has been built through consistent delivery of timely, budget-conscious solutions that meet the highest safety standards.

Services

Seismic Retrofitting Foundation Bolting Chimney Repair Cripple Wall Bracing Masonry Upgrades

Highlights and features

We have over 28 years of specialized experience in seismic retrofitting and structural safety.
Our team provides honest, detailed assessments of retrofitting needs without upselling unnecessary services.
We maintain expertise in Earthquake Brace + Bolt program requirements and compliance standards.
Hundreds of satisfied customers across Los Angeles County attest to our quality workmanship.
We offer transparent pricing with clear explanations of all retrofitting procedures and timelines.

Associations and certifications

BBB
Angie's List

What people say

Excellent contractor Knowledgeable and professional Reasonable pricing Completed work ahead of schedule Highly recommended

Website

Update Listing

Services

Seismic Retrofitting

Our seismic retrofitting strengthens homes against earthquake damage through foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and structural reinforcement. We follow Uniform Code of Building Conservation standards to prevent displacement during seismic events. Clients receive comprehensive inspections and customized solutions that protect both property investments and family safety.

Foundation Bolting

Foundation bolting secures homes to their base structures using code-compliant hardware and techniques. We conduct interior and exterior inspections to identify vulnerabilities, then install earthquake-resistant connections that prevent lateral movement. Most projects complete within 2-3 days with minimal disruption to homeowners.

Cripple Wall Bracing

Cripple wall bracing reinforces vulnerable short walls between foundations and first floors using structural-grade plywood. This critical retrofitting addresses the most common cause of earthquake-related structural failure. Our installations meet Los Angeles Building Code requirements for enhanced seismic stability.

Chimney Repair

We repair and retrofit brick and masonry chimneys to prevent earthquake damage through structural reinforcement and flashing repairs. Our inspections identify hidden cracks and deterioration risks, with solutions that maintain aesthetic integrity while ensuring safety during seismic activity.

Masonry Upgrades

Masonry upgrades modernize aging fireplace systems while improving earthquake resistance. We replace damaged components, reinforce structural elements, and ensure compliance with current safety codes during all reconstruction projects for enhanced durability and functionality.

People

Greg Sylvis

General Contractor

Greg Sylvis is a licensed general contractor with over 28 years of experience in seismic retrofitting. He personally oversees all projects, providing honest assessments and code-compliant solutions. His expertise in earthquake safety has earned recognition in local media and industry publications.

Questions

What seismic retrofitting services do you offer?

We specialize in foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, chimney repair, and comprehensive structural inspections to earthquake-proof residential properties.

Are you certified for earthquake safety work?

We're a licensed general contractor with specialized expertise in seismic retrofitting standards and Earthquake Brace + Bolt program requirements.

How does the retrofitting process work?

We begin with a thorough inspection, provide detailed recommendations, create a customized retrofitting plan, and complete code-compliant installations within 2-3 days.

Do you serve areas outside Pasadena?

We serve all of Los Angeles County including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Glendale, Burbank, and the San Gabriel Valley region.

Can you help with EBB grant applications?

Yes, we guide clients through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt application process and ensure all retrofitting meets program requirements.

What's your typical project timeline?

Most foundation bolting projects complete within 2-3 days, with inspections scheduled promptly after work completion.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Tim S.

Nov 06, 2021 Report

I highly recommend working with Greg for brace and bolt retrofitting. He was friendly, responsive, and gave us lots of tips navigating the California EBB program. He made the process very easy and stress free.

Henny M.

Nov 04, 2021 Report

Greg did an extensive retrofit job on my 1908 house when I first moved in back in 2012. My house was built on river rock so it wasn't simply a retrofit but also entailed building a "sister wall". Don't ask me all the specifics b/c I'm no expert but Greg sure is! He's very personable and easy to work with. He put up with all my dumb questions and I believe the guy really loves his job. He would come over at 7am and work all day and I felt very confident that my 100+ year old house was in very good hands. Fast forward almost 10 years and I had to contact Greg about

Sayuri H.

Oct 15, 2021 Report

When's the next larger quake going to strike our neighborhoods? This morning, our house passed with flying colors a LA County inspection on a seismic retrofit that Greg did for us.

We're hoping that we may now qualify for a discount on our California Earthquake Authority earthquake insurance policy (our agent is looking into it). But even without an insurance discount, seismic retrofitting makes incredible sense in Southern California. We live in world-renowned earthquake country.

Greg was fanstastic. He is knowledgeable, highly communicative and responsive, thorough, quick and

Alex N.

Aug 25, 2021 Report

Greg, I would appreciate that we speak about the job you abandoned mid project via phone or email as I do not think that Yelp is the forum to discuss. It seems as though that is the only outlet you will actually warrant a response through unfortunately. Sadly there is no confusion on my end, I wish that we did not go down the path we did with you but I feel it is my duty to warn others of what you put us through. It was not right and we are still financially recovering. I again suggest we take this off of Yelp to remedy what you have done to us. Thank you

Kyle Z.

Jun 03, 2021 Report

Great work from beginning to end. Greg did a fast, thorough job with the actual seismic retrofit, but just as importantly, he was very communicative about the administrative hoops and hurdles of the EBB program. Also, he has established relationships with the other stakeholders in the process in the local area of Pasadena. I would highly recommend hiring Greg.

Cheers to the Big One, Greg!

Susan M.

Apr 10, 2021 Report

Greg definitely deserves all the rave reviews he receives. He's professional, easy to work with, shows up on time (a fairy tale when it comes to most contractors!) and does the work quickly and efficiently, for a fair price, explaining everything he's doing every step of the way.