Pro Contractor Referrals for Southern Californian Realtors and Their Clients

Below is a list of craftsmen, licensed contractors and general contractors who are referred to us, and hence referred by us, who reportedly ‘get the job done’ for a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. Their coverage range may vary. Please ask for additional referrals, licensing, or credentials if required for your or your […]

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9a Report for City of Los Angeles

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There’s a lot of confusion over the 9a report for the City of Los Angeles when selling. I’ll try to help out both agents and sellers and answer some questions you may have. What: The 9a report, located here, is a mandatory report that is typically filled out by escrow, and signed by both the

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3 Ways to Tell if Your Earthquake Shut Off Valve Is to Code or Not

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Do you have a seismic earthquake shut off valve on your home and not sure if it is ‘to code’ or not in the city of LA? Here are three simple ways to tell. 1- Check on the website here for the city of Los Angeles under LADBS – search the Parcel Profile Report link

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Bel-Air and Beverly Crest Retrofit (Realtor Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling

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Many Realtors in the Bel-air and Beverly Crest areas of Los Angeles, tend to ‘waive’ RPA governmental code compliance when selling, even though given the option, many sellers would opt for a ‘retrofit’ or ‘code compliance’ inspection upon sale to cover their liability after the close of their escrow. If noted on the RPA when

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Is Retrofitting (Realtor Code Compliance) Required When Selling in the State of California?

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Yes ! Various cities throughout the state of California may have more stringent code compliance requirements, but here is a list of requirements for California homes in cities without specific requirements when selling. Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures (Toilets, Showerheads, and Faucets) – Starting in 2017 the law requires the installation of water conserving plumbing fixtures if

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Retrofit (Realtor Code Compliance) Requirements For Apartments When Selling in the City of Los Angeles

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When selling an apartment (considered five units or more) in the city of Los Angeles, the following items must be certified as compliant for escrow purposes. Five units and above properties are considered apartment buildings in the city of Los Angeles. Both the city of LA 9a report, and LADWP Certificate of Compliance, are required

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Valley Village area Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling

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Many Realtors in the Valley Village area, and nearby San Fernando Valley areas, tend to ‘waive’ RPA governmental code compliance when selling, even though given the option, many sellers would opt for a ‘retrofit’ or ‘code compliance’ inspection upon sale to cover their liability after the close of their escrow. If noted on the RPA

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Do Garages Need Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

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Smoke and CO detectors are not required in garages when selling in California. But in some cases they are a good idea. In some cities, fire detectors (different than smoke detectors), are common for garages that are attached to neighbors (attached housing). Did you know that most house fires start either in or very near

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Do Basements Need Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

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Yes! Finished or semi-finished ‘California’ basements require smoke and CO – carbon monoxide – detectors. Why? Usually basements contain gas appliances and gas piping that is flammable. From the LADBS website regarding smoke detectors and CO detectors when selling in the city of Los Angeles: Also, according to the National Fire Protection Association , or

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What is a Code Compliance Retrofitter?

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There are a few types of retrofitters, but here we speak of code compliance retrofitters, not seismic (earthquake) building or foundation retrofitters, which work on buildings to make them safe in an earthquake. A code compliance retrofitter is a qualified, state certified or licensed dis-interested third party certifying that certain jurisdictional (city, county and/or state)

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Retrofitting (Realtor Code Compliance) an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

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ADU code compliance and retrofitting is the same as for the primary dwelling unit on the property as the ADU. For Southern California ADUs, the same rules apply with respect to code compliance and retrofitting. If there is gas connected to the ADU, a CO (carbon monoxide) detector is required for every level of the

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Looking For Foundation Retrofit?

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Here are some foundation retrofit – not code compliance retrofit – companies we have been told by others are worth a look and a talk to. Foundation retrofitters repair property foundations and strengthen structures against earthquakes. Note: RetrofitLA does Realtor code compliance retrofit services. We do not do building foundation retrofit services. Do you have

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Zimas and Retrofitting Information

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Zimas is the portal of real estate information for the city of Los Angeles. It is a great source of information for homeowners and investors alike. Zimas information is free and easily accessible to anyone. Here is the Zimas link. Zimas has information for the city of Los Angeles only. There is no other informational

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Where Can I Find My Gas Shut Off Valve?

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Every gas meter has at least one shut off valve, some have two shut off valves, some have more. The second shut off valve many times is the automatic earthquake shut off valve especially if the property is located in Southern California. Here below is a picture of the main shut off valve, and where

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Do Smoke Detectors ‘Time Out’ After Ten Years?

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Yes! Some brands of smoke detectors do ‘time out’ after ten years. This feature ‘sunsets’ the detector which requires the owner to replace it with a new detector. This is a safety feature to keep the smoke detector fresh with the newest technology for the safety of the occupants of the home. Some brands have

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