Earthquake Retrofitting – Making Your Home Safer

What is Retrofitting?:

1. To modify equipment that is already in service using parts developed or made available after the time of original manufacture. 

2. To install, fit or adapt a device or system for use with something older.

Earthquake retrofitting’s main purpose  is to make the building safer and less prone to major structural damage during an earthquake.  Existing homes should be retrofitted because our understanding of the effects of earthquakes as well as construction techniques have improved after the homes were built.

Type of work done during a retrofitting:  Foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, foundation hold-down brackets, angle iron struts and foundation bolting, and soft story situations. 

Read more about the type of work done to homes at: http://www.earthquakesafety.com/retrofitting/seismic_retrofitting.html

To determine if earthquake retrofitting adds value to your home  you need an appraiser that specializes in building analysis.  Contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com; they have appraisers that are certified by The Building Performance Institute.

Some states offer tax rebates for earthquake retrofitting and ask your expert about available programs in your town.

See if your home is in an earthquake hazard zone at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm

Also check with your home insurance company as they may have discounts for homes that have been earthquake retrofitted.

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