Why Should I Retrofit My California Home?
When most people think of Southern California and areas like Desert Hot Springs, they think that earthquakes are common. Though the area is prone to earthquakes big and small, they aren't a daily occurance and many natives may feel that spending the money to have their house retrofitted can wait. Why put off protecting your home when a 'big one' cannot be forcasted? Below are reasons why those in Desert Hot Springs and throughout Southern California should invest in protecting their homes.
The structural frame of your home needs to be strong enough to withstand the ground forces from an earthquake; a continuous load path through the home needs to be established. For homes with a cripple-wall foundation, the International Existing Building Code Chapter A3 holds retrofit provisions that help homeowners improve the seismic performance of their homes. Not only should you retrofit to save your home, but it also improves the home's ability to serve as shelter for you and your family.
Retrofitting also improves the chances of a reduced cost of repairs to your home following a seismic event. Earthquake insurance is essential to Southern California homeowners, and a retrofit may reduce deductibles and premiums. Retrofitting also is more appealing to those looking to purchase a home in Southern California. Keep or improve your home's resale value.
