Important Information About an Apartment Building Retrofit
The chances of an earthquake happening in California are very high. Seismologists say that the stress along the San Andreas fault has been building since the mid-1800s. What can you do to prepare yourself so that you can minimize any damage that occurs?
Benefits of a Retrofit
A retrofit is indeed an investment. However, that investment will pay off in numerous ways, both in safety and personal property. Here are some of the most important benefits that you’ll experience:
- Retrofitting your apartment building will save lives.
- The buyer of your property will discount the retrofit cost from the purchase price at an unfavorable rate.
- Retrofitting can help reduce owners’ liability for injuries or death because of an earthquake.
- Some insurance companies will offer more favorable options for those people who have decided to get an apartment building retrofit.
- Construction costs will rise with the demand for retrofits.
- You can get special property financing for your retrofit.
The New Frontier
In 2017, the LA Times wrote an article about earthquake safety and retrofitting, calling it the New Frontier. The city council discussed approving an ordinance that would require improving vulnerable buildings.
All of these buildings would undergo an evaluation and then be told if they needed an apartment building retrofit or not. In 2017, this was simply a proposal, but now it’s actually become a law that soft-story, steel moment frame concrete tilt-ups, non-ductile concrete, and unreinforced masonry buildings would ALL have to undergo the evaluation and undergo a retrofit if deemed necessary.
Steps to Getting a Retrofit for Your Apartment Building
If you’ve never been involved in an apartment building retrofit, you might have questions about how this process works. It’s intended to make it as simple as possible for a building owner.
- Consultation: When you first call a retrofit company, they will assign their experts to the project, discuss the different retrofit options available, and, of course, give you an estimate for the project.
- Engineer Evaluation: Next, you will receive an engineer report for the existing structure OR a blueprint and drawings to use for a building that will be constructed in the near future.
- Drawing Approvals and Permits: Next, they will provide drawings for the permit to submit all the necessary documents and get approval for the build.
- Construction: The last step in an apartment building retrofit is construction. Your plans will be implemented within a short period of time.
Protect Your Apartment Building with a Seismic Retrofit
Retrofitting your apartment building is a critical step in ensuring the safety of your tenants and protecting your investment. At Saunders Seismic, we provide expert guidance throughout the retrofit process, from evaluation to construction.
Contact us today to get started on safeguarding your property against earthquake risks.