About Us

Earthquake Tech started out in 1995 as Steve Gemmell Contracting — a sole proprietorship founded on the principles of owner-operated, hands-on construction contracting. Fourteen years later these same values of progressive thinking, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are what keep Earthquake Tech a word-of-mouth business.

We believe in using the highest quality products and exceeding the expectations of our customers. As a licensed and bonded retrofitter, we are strong advocates for earthquake safety and ensure our services meet the strict code requirements enforced by local governments. We also enjoy educating our customers on the engineering behind seismic retrofits and foundation repair methodology.

Combining small-town loyalty with forward-thinking technology, we value the praise we’ve earned from customers, peers and local news media alike. Since we are uniquely qualified to perform retrofits and foundation reinforcements — unlike many other contractors in the business — we hope you will invest in us to reinforce your most valuable asset.

Retrofitting and Foundation Bolt-down Solutions

Securing your home, and other large structures, to the earth may involve one of several methods. It may require a typical seismic retrofit, using sill plate bolts and joist systems. Or, the solution may involve a more ambitious approach, to address and stabilize cracked foundations, using SR Wall engineering or cripple wall fixtures.

We recognize that every homeowner’s need is unique. That’s why we specialize in a host of foundation-related services that satisfy most structural challenges, including:

• Fixing failing foundation walls
• Righting concrete slippage
• Repairing basement cracks and cracked foundations
• Preparing new homes and remodels with earthquake-proof foundations
• Retrofitting and bolting down older homes to meet state code and earthquake insurance requirements
• Assembling, installing and bolting down fixtures, large shelving units and home improvement additions

Check Out These Links

• Watch Steve’s YouTube video about the retrofit process >
• See retrofitting project photos >
• Learn about SR Walls and cracked foundation repair engineering >
• Read these earthquake home safety tips >

Your Earthquake Insurance Guarantee

Our largest source of business is through Portland’s insurance companies, filling a niche that meets their stringent requirements. To certify this, we will provide to both you and your insurance agent the engineering records and city documents which illustrate in detail the work we complete.

As experts in bolting down all kinds of homes, we offer you the peace of mind knowing that both your family and your largest asset, your home, are protected. We also guarantee that our work helps you qualify for earthquake insurance.

“Earthquake Tech and Gemmell Construction were a pleasure to work with. They came in and within 2 days had securely bolted down our 80-year home. Now we can rest easier knowing our house is earthquake ready.”

Email Us or Call: 503-997-6129

Our Philosophy of Giving

We see the world as one giant community. That’s why we make it a priority to give back to causes and people in need—near and far—whenever and however we can.

To support our philanthropic vision, each year we support a variety of charity organizations by donating funds, labor, services or supplies. We may also participate in events that support various community and national causes, auction off services or contribute a portion of our sales for a limited time to a particular beneficiary.

Support This Year’s Beneficiary

This year, we have chosen Mercy Corps as our preferred charity beneficiary. We believe their passion for helping individuals and entire nations in crises is alleviating suffering across the planet. Their efforts to end poverty and hunger and provide crucial aid for disaster survivors is both inspiring and awesome.

Retrofit today and we’ll donate 5% of your total sale to Mercy Corps!

By enlisting services from Earthquake Tech, you can help rebuild earthquake-torn communities around the world. With each retrofit service you purchase, we’ll donate 5% of the sale price directly to Mercy Corps. Help “Be the change” by retrofitting today… and safeguard your own home against damage from seismic events and landslides.