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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION

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Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Paul Davis Restoration is multi-peril insurance repair experts in both residential and commercial properties. Since our beginnings in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration was the first network of contractors to partner with the insurance industry. Our people have extensive industry, construction and mitigation knowledge. We are a community of experts, who have come from different backgrounds rich in experience. We are licensed and our staff trained using IICRC-sanctioned restoration techniques.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.

Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk.

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.

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.

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

The New Castle, VA 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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