Earthquake Retrofitting – The Guide
Did you know that more than 1 million homes in California still need to undergo earthquake retrofitting?
If you own an older home in California, or recently purchased an older property, chances are you house is lacking the modern seismic safeguards to protect it from sliding off of its foundation during an earthquake.
Luckily, earthquake retrofitting as a simple process that’s not only cost-effective but will also add value to your home for years to come.
Most retrofits start around $5,000, which is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting your home from collapsing and destruction during an earthquake.
In fact, most homes can be repaired after a large earthquake if they stay on their concrete foundation.
If you’re in the market for a new home, be sure to ask your real estate agent about the home’s foundation. It’s important to inspect the property for the proper bolting and plywood that’s needed to reinforce the foundation.
And even if you rent in Los Angeles, it’s always a good idea to ask the landlord whether the building has been retrofitted for earthquakes and brought up to current safety codes.
The first step is to have the home inspected for foundation issues. If your home is in need of foundation repair and/or earthquake retrofitting, it’s important to look for a foundation repair company that has extensive experience servicing homes in your community and a good reputation.
The most common type of retrofitting done in Southern California is a Standard Plan Set 1 and the FEMA P-1100. These retrofits, because of how common they are, tend to take the least amount of time and cost the least amount of money.
Other homes, that require more time and work for earthquake retrofits, are hillside homes. These types of retrofits typically require a structural engineer and can cost around the $10,000 mark.
Of course, earthquake retrofitting is just one of the many precautions you should take as a homeowner living in California.
Because of California’s proclivity for producing large earthquakes, it’s important that all areas of your home are safeguarded.
Every home should have an automatic natural gas shut off valve. This can be installed on your gas main and is an essential component for preventing gas leaks and fires after a large earthquake strikes.
Another area to retrofit is your water heater. This should be strapped to your wall with studs to reduce the risk of water damage, gas leaks, and fires.
If you’ve noticed signs of foundation damage in or outside your home, it’s essential to contact a foundation repair company, like Julian construction, to inspect the property ASAP.
Signs of foundation damage include:
- Cracks in the walls and ceilings.
- Doors and windows that stick or that seem misaligned.
- Uneven or sloped floors.
- Drainage issues or pooling water.
- Floors and/or walls that seem to pull or separate.
When it comes to choosing a foundation repair company, it’s essential to research the company’s experience and credentials.
If you think your home is in need of foundation repair and/or earthquake retrofitting, contact Julian Construction today and we will send one of our foundation specialists out to conduct a free, thorough inspection with a quote for repair.
We have extensive experience serving our Los Angeles community and nearby regions. In fact, Julian Construction has inspected over 30,000 structures in the area!
Julian Construction was formed in 1994 and our focus has always been on building foundations, doing foundation repair and replacement, earthquake retrofitting, and house leveling.
When you work with Julian Construction, you get the principles of the company and the workers of Julian Construction under your home.
And in order to keep foundation repair affordable for our customers, we offer a price guarantee — because we know our quote for repair will represent your very best value.
Give us a call at (323) 733-3377 to schedule your free inspection or complete the inspection request form.
