Are seismic gas shut-off valves required in California?

• <div><p>Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-186081">Los Angeles Municipal Code</a>, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.</p></div>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Summerville, SC

Q: How long does an earthquake retrofit take?

• <div><p>Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between <b>two weeks and two months</b>. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.</p></div>

Q: Can I stay in my home during earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.</p></div>

Q: If my appliances have gas shut-off valves, do I still need a seismic shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Even if you invested in the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-adding-gas-shutoff-valve-built-oven.htm">cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven</a> and other appliances, it&rsquo;s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. </p><p>Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.</p></div>

Q: How do I prevent future damage?

• <div><p>Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.</p></div>

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1st Choice Painting and Construction

5.00(

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1st Choice Painting and Construction

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Call and make an appointment today. We do it all and will beat ANY estimate!

Superior Builders SC LLC

4.97(

)

Superior Builders SC LLC

4.97(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

We are a full-service construction company specializing in large home renovations and new home construction. We strive to provide you with not only top-shelf work, but a quality experience that is unmatched. Your satisfaction is our top priority and to us that means a high level of respect with a healthy dose of creative workmanship. Our passion truly lies in helping you generate creative ways to meet (and exceed) your expectations for your most beautiful home. Don't take my word for it, please check out our reviews! Reach out to me here: Phone: 843-532-3903 Email: [email protected]. (We are only able to service James Island, Downtown Charleston and majority of Mount Pleasant at this time due to travel time.)

"We highly recommend Superior Builders, they were great to work with and did an excellent job on our garage. We had them back to remodel our home as well."

Anne W on September 2020

"We highly recommend Superior Builders, they were great to work with and did an excellent job on our garage. We had them back to remodel our home as well."

Anne W on September 2020

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.

Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure.

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.

The Summerville, SC homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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