FAQ's

• What does Home Retrofit mean?
• Why would I want to retrofit?
• Do I have to get a permit to do this work?
• I’m handy with tools. What if I want to do the retrofitting myself?
• I don’t feel comfortable doing this work. Are there contractors who can?
• I am having a contractor do the work. Do I need to attend the homeowner class?
• A contractor is remodeling our kitchen. Can this same contractor do the retrofit work as well?
• Who can I call if I have questions about retrofitting?
• Will my home qualify under the Home Retrofit Standards?
• How much does it cost?
• Will I be able to get earthquake insurance if I retrofit?

What does Home Retrofit mean? It is the process of bolting a wood-frame home to its foundation, and providing sheer/pony wall strength. The goal is to increase a home’s structural integrity, but does not mean it is "earthquake proof" (as there is no such thing). It can still sustain damage.

Why would I want to retrofit? Past earthquakes have shown that homes not bolted to their foundation, or without proper sheer wall reinforcement (see photo), can sustain significant damage and make it unlivable. If your home is severely damaged, can you afford both your mortgage and rent for temporary housing? Most people can’t, so why not do what you can today—BEFORE disaster strikes. It can safeguard your investment, may enable you to qualify for earthquake insurance, and help protect the lives of you and your family.

Do I have to get a permit to do this work? Yes. In addition, it's in YOUR best interest as a homeowner to have your house inspected to make sure the work was done properly. Contact your local building department with questions and permitting process.

I’m handy with tools. What if I want to do the retrofitting myself? Take the Home Retrofit Homeowner class to help you evaluate your home, learn about the permitting process, and find out about bolt and plate installation, safety, and engineering solutions. You will receive a packet of literature and detailed drawing plansets. Once you have taken the class, a tool lending library is available to help you complete this work and save you money on tools.

I don’t feel comfortable doing this work. Are there contractors who can? Yes. We have Home Retrofit Professional Training for contractors through the University of Washington. Once a contractor has completed training, we check to see they have a valid contractor license, and we put them on our "Contractor Referral List". You are strongly encouraged to check with the Department of Labor & Industries for any changes in licensing status.

Please read:
We cannot recommend specific contractors, so we suggest that homeowners do additional research, including checking references, experience, and current professional standing before selecting a contractor to help with home projects. Contractors listed may offer other services in addition to residential retrofitting, such as new construction and remodeling. Unless otherwise noted on Seattle's Contractor Referral List, they are licensed as general contractors.  *For more information on hiring a contractor, see the Labor and Industries web site

I am having a contractor do the work. Do I need to attend the homeowner class? Yes. We recommend that you still begin the process by taking the Homeowner Class so you understand the retrofitting process and what it entails. It makes you a more informed consumer when working with your contractor.

A contractor is remodeling our kitchen. Can this same contractor do the retrofit work as well?  That is not recommended unless the contractor has attended the Professional Training. If you have a contractor you’d like to work on your home, encourage them to attend the Professional Training at UW so they learn the methods and can perform the work properly. It serves no purpose to have someone retrofit your home ineffectively.

Who can I call if I have questions about retrofitting? Contact your local building department.

Will my home qualify under the Home Retrofit Standards? That is not an easy question to answer. Not all homes qualify. The Home Retrofit Standards' simple solutions target certain types of older, wood frame homes. There are over 250,000 homes in the region that could qualify. If your home requires a more complicated retrofit, you may need to bring in an engineer for assistance. While that will increase the cost of your work, the protection a properly designed retrofit can provide may well be worth it. Just because a home does not fit the standard, it doesn't mean that it can't be retrofitted.

If you have questions about your home, ask them at the Home Retrofit Homeowner Class and if you still have questions, call your building department.

How much does it cost? If you do the work yourself, your average cost is $1,000 - $3,500 for parts and materials; the rest is sweat equity. For a contractor to complete a home that fits the standard averages between $5,000 and $15,000. It's a good idea to get multiple bids, since contractors' prices vary.

Will I be able to get earthquake insurance if I retrofit? Every insurance company has different requirements. Retrofitting may increase your home’s ability to qualify for earthquake insurance, but it doesn't guarantee it. Call your insurance agent for specifics on their earthquake policy. Retrofitting may help make your home and family safer, and that's the most important point to keep in mind. It may also help to protect the financial investment you've placed in your home.

CALL 1-877-2-BOLT-IT for more information!

 

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