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 […]
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
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
Valley Village area Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
It’s a sound we have all heard: the 2 a.m. alarm chirp. Why does it happen in the middle of the night? Why cant it go off during the day? Well, it’s a simple matter of the battery’s charge level and a home’s air temperature. A drop in room temperature – especially in the middle
Get Ready for Annoying Smoke Detectors With Colder Temps Read More »
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
Do Garages Need Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors? Read More »
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
Do Basements Need Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors? Read More »
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)
What is a Code Compliance Retrofitter? Read More »
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
Retrofitting (Realtor Code Compliance) an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Read More »
Have an earthquake valve, and want it permitted? There are a few ways to accomplish this task: Any licensed plumber can easily apply for a permit inspection for your earthquake shut off valve in the city of Los Angeles, as well as confirm that the valve is ‘permittable’. Only earthquake valves that adhere to the
Here are some foundation retrofit – not code compliance retrofit – companies we have been told in 2023 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
Looking For Foundation Retrofit? Read More »
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
Zimas and Retrofitting Information Read More »
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
Where Can I Find My Gas Shut Off Valve? Read More »
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
Do Smoke Detectors ‘Time Out’ After Ten Years? Read More »
When should the retrofit inspection be ordered? RPA states that smoke detectors and CO detectors be installed (a part of the retrofit inspection) within 7 days of acceptance, or within the days noted. This is listed under item N(4) on page 2 of 12/21 RPA. See below. Who is responsible for the retrofit / code
When Should Agents Order the Retrofit Inspection? Read More »
With respect to Realtor code compliance retrofitting, our typical customer spends an average of $72 to become fully code compliant. This does does not include our $99 inspection fee. This cost will vary depending on the type of property and its condition, but generally the cost is below $200 total. It is rare that the
How Much Does It Cost to Retrofit a Typical Home? Read More »