Doing Reconstruction Work
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IV. Planning the Work Doing Reconstruction Work |
Earthquake upgrading will add value to your house, protect
your investment, and help keep your family safe in the event of
an earthquake. Though upgrading is itself a form of earthquake
protection, having an upgraded structure will also allow you to
obtain and maintain earthquake insurance. Insurance companies are
required to offer earthquake insurance, but they are not required
to continue coverage after the policy period. They are likely to
cancel high-risk policies.
Construction in your home may inconvenience you and your family,
especially if some of the upgrade work is performed in the main
part of the house. In cases where the house has to be lifted up,
you may have to relocate until the work is completed.
Construction will also be noisy and messy; furthermore, the work
may not be finished on time. It may also cost more than you
expected because of unknown conditions uncovered during
construction. Keep in mind that the work will provide valuable
protection for you and your family in a future earthquake.
Earthquake upgrading can be done in conjunction with other improvements such as adding insulation, installing solar panels, termite work, or remodeling. Coordinated construction work will often lower total costs although it requires a larger initial investment. Another good time for strengthening work is when the house is empty, as when you are just moving in or are in between tenants in rental property.