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USGS has estimated that there is a Los Angeles earthquake probability of a 75% likelihood of one or more magnitude 7.5 or greater quakes striking in the next thirty years, as of 2014. Seismologist Lucy Jones says the outcome will be worse if it happens on faults in metropolitan areas, such as Hollywood.

Earthquakes occur suddenly and without warning. The results are devastating. To minimize the loss especially multi-storeyed buildings is a must. 

Without getting accurate information and consulting a construction agency, some homeowners have spent thousands of dollars to retrofit their homes and protect their property from a major earthquake. But actually, so much expenditure was not required.

So, here in this post, we are going to get answers to our common queries like Why should homeowners in Los Angeles go for a retrofit solution? 

  • What type of house can withstand an earthquake? 
  • What makes a house earthquake-proof? 
  • How much does the retrofit solution cost? 
  • How should I choose a construction company?

Let’s dive in to look at the details:

Why do we need retrofitting?

 When the construction of the house starts getting old, the foundation weakens resulting the poor soil binding. The primary concern for retrofit is to build safer and less prone buildings. This way we can protect against major structural damage during an earthquake.

However, the retrofit solutions are so well structured that it has offered many more benefits, especially to the old buildings. The building owners are surely looking for a way forward to implement these solutions. These solutions are:

  • Energy saving

  • Providing durability

  • Increasing the life span of buildings

  • Reaping leakage and other damages

  • Making buildings more comfortable thus increasing resale value

  • Fulfilling all the Los Angeles  government requirements

  • Once we have decided to opt for the retrofit solutions, we have to plan by knowing

 How do I know if my house or residential building needs to be retrofitted?

 You can check by consulting with an earthquake retrofitting company in Los Angeles to do the investigation of the weak areas of the building. Some of the companies are offering this service for free in the city of Los Angeles. The following needs to be checked:

  • The strength of the foundation of the building

  • The sidewalls and boundary walls

  • The water leakages and flimsy crawl spaces

  •  Gas pipes and electricity fittings

  •  Bolting and Anchoring at the foundation

  •  Managing Airflow in the building

Note: What is seen may not be in actuality. Believe in this fact and let the experts do the investigation of your buildings. Sometimes, the issues are not visible but retrofitting is required.

How much does a complete residential retrofit cost?

 There is no specific cost for this. It all depends on the condition of the structure. However, the house that was built before 1978 requires retrofitting solutions as per the ordinance passed for Los Angeles.

Apart from the current structural state of the building, the other factors include the size of the building, the number of floors, the number of dwelling units, and so on. The typical cost of a retrofit also varies from $6,000 – $20,000 per unit or $25,000 – $100,000 per building.

As per the survey conducted by Lux Construction Group, for a medium-sized home with one-floor level, a crawl space area relatively free of obstructions, with wooden framed walls/cripple walls can range from $6,000 to $12,000.

What makes a building or house earthquake-resistant?

 An earthquake is a natural calamity and the Los Angeles area is prone to it. Soft Story Retrofitting is needed to ensure your how safety by applying certain construction techniques.  During an earthquake’s powerful shaking, the earth triggers landslides and turn the surface of the earth to liquid. 

This can cause serious structural damage to the building. So, clearly visible, a retrofit solution must be done with a material that can sustain the water flow. 

To prepare and protect your home against earthquake damage, follow the given tips:

  • Understand structural risks

  • Evaluate geologic hazards

  • Strengthen your home from time to time repairing

  • Change your surrounding from red zone to green by planting trees

The recent technological developments and instruments let you know the facts about your property and its possibility of minimizing the damage. Soft story retrofitting solutions thoroughly make observations that will show the exact status.

What are Retrofitting Solutions?

To start with retrofitting, take the quotation from the construction company whom you have hired and specifically take the cost estimation for the treatments they are doing. Some of the solutions include:

  • Cripple Wall Bracing

  • Foundation Bolting

  • Reinforce or Strap Chimneys

  • Reinforce Masonry Walls

  • Soft Story above the Garage

  • Titled plywood support for building Post and Pier House

  • Install Gas Shut-off Devices

  • Installation of air ventilators

After discovering the solution, you must get the construction plan approved and ask the government officials to evaluate your building once the retrofitting is complete.

Can I do the retrofitting myself?

A retrofit solution is different from a generic repair which is done after a thorough inspection of the building. Some experts take the help of the instruments and techniques. 

The decision is not merely based on observation rather on tools based observation. 

Additionally, the load of the building, surrounding area, covered and uncovered are, soil erosion and so many other factors are considered. It is teamwork that can’t be carried alone. 

That’s why you need to contact a construction company. The company assigns the work to a dedicated team lead by a structural engineer to make the decision and do the cost evaluation.

 Conclusion

Seismic retrofits are hazardous in ensuring human and public safety. When we talk about the old buildings that were constructed before 1978 in Los Angeles, it is compulsory. 

The decision is taken in the new ordinance passed and based on the possibility of occurrence of an earthquake. If you live in Los Angeles and you want to know if your building, home, or property requires a seismic retrofit, it is best to contact a  construction company or The Department of Building and Safety. 

You’ll get expert advice from the best structural engineers, architects, and project managers so that you can take a well-planned decision! You can contact us, our team will help you navigate the process of retrofitting your home from start to finish. Take quick action and go ahead to make your home an earthquake–resistant place.

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