The word retrofit was coined in the 1950s and is a combination of retroactive and refit. It means that some part or component is being added that wasn’t there when it was originally manufactured or built.
When contractors, inspectors or real estate agents refer to retrofitting, they mean altering some part of the building or system from its original condition to meet current building requirements.
Retrofitting includes the following: Water conservation, water heater straps, smoke alarms, seismic gas shut-off valves, door and window glazing, foundation bolting, and adding sheer panels to cripple walls. While foundation bolting and adding sheer panels to cripple walls are recommended by inspectors, they are not mandatory retrofits.
Mandatory Retrofits are as follows:
Water Conservation
This includes low flow high efficiency toilets, as well as faucets and shower heads with flow restrictors.
Water Heater Straps
While all of California requires two water heater straps, some larger water heaters may require special strapping. Get more info here.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms must be installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in each story of the building. This does not include areas that are not inhabitable, such as attics and crawl spaces.
Seismic Gas Shut-off Valves
This is installed on the gas line that runs from the gas meter to the building. The gas shut-off valve is intended to protect the building in the event of an earthquake or other catastrophe that damages the line. The valve automatically shuts off the flow of gas to prevent a leak which could result in an explosion. This is not required in all cities.
Door and Window Glazing
This is a film that is installed as a hazard prevention on non-tempered glass. City of Los Angeles requires this glazing on glass sliding doors or panels when selling a house, condo, townhouse or an apartment building.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Any dwelling with “fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached garage” must have carbon monoxide alarms. Get more information here.
Each of the above varies from municipality to municipality. For instance, some cities may be stricter than state law. And because of the above variations, real estate inspectors are not required by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the California Real Estate Inspection Association to include retrofit notes in the report. However, it is up to the individual inspector if he or she chooses to go above and beyond those standards.