California has an average of about 21 earthquakes per day, 150 quakes per week, 7,750 a year.

Most are too small to be noticed, yet our state sees more seismic activity than virtually any other place in the world. California also experiences more earthquake damage than other parts of the U.S. due to densely populated cities and infrastructure located along active faults.

We need to learn to live with earthquakes, and to prepare ourselves for when the next Big One strikes. That’s why a growing number of cities throughout California are considering adopting new laws that would require retrofits of buildings that have been proven to be vulnerable in a quake.

Naturally, there can be concerns whenever a new law comes out. People frequently ask, “How much is it going to cost me?” “Will my tenants have to relocate?” “Why should I do it now?”

It can be costlier to wait

Most earthquake retrofit laws give apartment owners several years to get the work done. Still, many owners are acting now to protect their investment and the safety of their tenants. They also know that as deadlines draw nearer, costs for the retrofit work will increase and construction timelines will be tighter.

There are liability issues to consider as well. Case law has set a precedent that puts the responsibility for death, injury or property damage in the hands of the property owner. Owners of the Northridge Meadows Apartment complex – the structure that collapsed during the 1994 Northridge quake, settled multiple claims filed by the families of the victims. A more recent case out of Paso Robles found property owners liable for $2 million in damages due to negligence in the deaths of two people during the San Simeon earthquake of 2003.

Liability issues are also prompting lenders and insurance companies to require property owners to perform seismic retrofits on their buildings in order to obtain new financing or insurance coverage.

A smart investment for the future 

Retrofits have proven effective in preventing damage, and they can be cost-effective, too.

Property owners can expect to save up to $7 in direct losses for every dollar spent on a soft-story retrofit, according to a Caltech study. Had the research factored in loss to contents, alternate living expenses or deaths and injuries, the cost-to-benefit ratio would have been significantly higher. Another study by NIBS put savings at $13 for every dollar invested in retrofits.  A more recent study from The study by structural engineer Keith Porter, an expert on California seismic safety issues put savings on multifamily buildings at $32.

Incentives are available in some cities that are offering special low-cost loan programs or allowing apartment owners to recoup some of the cost through rent increases.

Plan your retrofit with tenants in mind

Most cities require landlords to mitigate unacceptable living conditions caused by construction and/or renovation work. The thought of having to relocate tenants, can be daunting. But in virtually all circumstances, Optimum Seismic has found it to not be necessary.

It’s important to select a seismic engineering and construction company that has a history of accommodating tenants while doing the work. Much of that entails their construction schedule, whether they cover and clean up their work to avoid disrupting tenants during non-business hours, and if they complete retrofits on time, on budget and without any complications in the local Tenant Habitability Process.

Preserve parking spaces

You don’t have to lose parking with a soft-story retrofit.

Proper engineering identifies the most effective and economical option for each individual property. When the done right, the project can be completed with minimal impact to the structure and its residents. It also avoids permitting delays and/or the need for costly revisions in the future.

If you own a building that you believe may be vulnerable to damage – or if you live or work in one – it’s important to educate yourself on cost-effective measures that can be taken to save lives, protect property, and preserve the well-being of the community-at-large.

Find out the risks you face. Call Optimum Seismic at 833-978-7664 for a free building evaluation today.