Retrofitting 101 – A retrofit inspection is an inspection to see if a property that is up for sale and in escrow is up to its city code for the new buyer. Whether this inspection is required or not is determined by the purchase contract between buyer and seller. A retrofit inspection for this purpose […]
What is a Retrofit Inspection? Read More »
Most Realtors in Mission Viejo commonly ‘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. When selling a home in Mission Viejo, the following items should be checked by a independent third party retrofitter for
Mission Viejo Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
Do you need an earthquake shut off valve, and your gas meter is in the ground in your front yard, instead of next to your house on the side or front? If you are selling your home and an earthquake shut off valve is required, the shut off valve is required to be attached to
Seismic Earthquake Valves With Gas Meters in the Ground – What To Do? Read More »
When selling a ‘duplex‘ in the city of Los Angeles, the following items must be certified as compliant for escrow purposes. A ‘duplex’ is defined by public records or title, and contains two units which may be either attached or detached to each other. An ‘ADU’ is not considered a ‘duplex’ unit in the eyes
City of Los Angeles Duplex Retrofit Requirements When Selling Read More »
When we are on vacation hiking in the Eastern Sierras, we refer business to our competitors, who are listed below. When calling other retrofitters, call for price and availability – always shop around. Listed retrofitters here do similar work as we do. All companies listed here reportedly use state licensed plumbers and electricians. The list
List of Retrofitter (Realtor Code Compliance) Companies in Southern California Read More »
Our best overall smoke detector that we recommend is the Kidde! The new line of ‘DETECT” detectors from Kidde back in 2025 we find to be most reliable. Kidde is typically available only at Home Depot and Amazon. Kidde detectors are not currently available at Lowes. Kidde detectors appear to us to be manufactured better
Our Best Choice for Smoke Detector in 2026 Read More »
For 2025, as in previous years, state of California requirements for all home sink aerators is 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM) of flow. Any newly purchased sink fixture will be compliant if you purchased them in the state of California For older fixtures, you can easily measure the flow with using a marked water container.
Sink Faucet (and Low Flow Aerator) Requirements When Selling in California Read More »
Any attached home, whether it is a condo, thome, PUD, or similar, is required to have hard wired smoke detectors installed if it is in the city of Los Angeles. Battery only type detectors are not considered compliant. City of Los Angeles code is item #6, here. Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, may
The intention of code compliance is to make the property safe for the new buyer while at the same time limiting the sellers liability in case of injury or death after close of escrow. In addition, retrofitting is intended to comply with state mandated low flow water requirements to save water on plumbing fixtures in
Retrofitting a Complete Tear Down Read More »
Whether you are an agent or owner, its important to cover your liability to make sure the rented property is safe and ‘to code’ for the tenants. In case of injury or death of the tenant, your liability will be more protected if you have followed these simple steps. For most cities and jurisdictions in
Code Compliance When Leasing a House or Condo in Southern California Read More »
A ‘city report’ is a report that is required when selling in certain cities. A ‘city inspection’ is a requirement that a city employee visit the property to be transferred prior to the close of escrow. Some cities require these, most do not. Here is a current list of many cities in California and who
Most Realtors in the city of Long Beach commonly ‘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. When selling a home here, or anywhere in the county of Los Angeles, the following items should
City of Long Beach Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
There are mainly three different types of EQ or seismic earthquake shut off valves on the market today, and they all do about the same. Here they are: Brand Name – Little Firefighter Most popular in So California, 90% of all So Cal home have this unit. Easy to install and easy to re-set if
The Different Types of Seismic Earthquake Shut Off Valves Read More »
When selling a home in the city of Burbank, the following items should be checked by a independent third party retrofitter for full compliance. This ensures all parties, including agents and their brokers, will be covered in case of loss, injury or death after escrow closes. The incorporated city of Burbank requires working smoke detectors
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The incorporated city of Maywood requires smoke detectors in each bedroom, bedroom hallway, and on each floor. Seismic EQ valve on gas meter is not required. Carbon monoxide detector on each level at least. Hot Water heater tank must be double strapped. Tankless water heaters do not need to be strapped. Low flow toilets and showerhead in
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