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DIY Earthquake Retrofitting for your Home

DIY Earthquake Retrofitting for your Home

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Homeowners who live in Washington State have to wonder: Will my home withstand the next major earthquake?

Prior to 1980, building codes did not require builders to secure houses to their foundation. If your home is not properly secured, it may be at increased risk of “slipping” off the foundation during a major earthquake. You can reduce damage caused during an earthquake by seismically retrofitting your home. 

Learn to become an informed consumer and how to do home retrofit yourself.

The Seattle Public Library system periodically hosts free 2-hour classes on DIY retrofitting.

Retrofit experts will show how to assess your home’s needs and how to use the City of Seattle’s pre-engineered Home Retrofit plans to permit and retrofit your home.

Here’s where to sign up and/or get more information: https://www.spl.org/event-calendar

Appliance rebates and home energy audits available from City of Seattle

Appliance rebates and home energy audits available from City of Seattle

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Did you know that Seattle City Light offers home energy audits for $95 to City Light customers living in single family homes? The City contracts with certified independent auditors who will visit your home and conduct a thorough assessment of its insulation level, leakiness and heating system efficiency. The auditor will leave you a report, specific to your home, with suggestions for energy-efficient upgrades, their estimated costs and the potential benefits to you and the environment.

Appliances make up about 20 percent of your home’s electricity use. Seattle City Light’s appliance rebates can help you upgrade to more efficient models – saving you money and electricity for years to come.

If you plan on buying new appliances (e.g. refrigerator, clothes dryer, water heater) any time soon, be sure to check the City of Seattle’s rebate program. You may qualify to get money back on selected models and even free pick-up and removal of your old appliances.

Rebate amounts vary, but here are the maximums:

Refrigerators: $50

Clothes Washers: $100

Heat Pump Water Heater: $500

Ductless Heat Pump: $1500

Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $30 plus free pick-up and removal of your old unit

You can download rebate forms and instructions from the Seattle City Light website.