Concrete Block Seismic Retrofitting (West Coast)

[Todd Ashley]

Hi, I am looking at a 1950’s single story small multi-family building (four 1br apartments) located in Portland, Oregon. The building is made from concrete blocks. Is this a “run away as fast as you can” scenario? Have any of you done seismic retrofits to a building like this? Any input is appreciated. Thanks! 

[Mathew Wray]

I tend to agree with Steve...you'll want to run the question by your insurer just to get another viewpoint but I'd be more concerned with the fact that they're four 1-bedrooms than with the potential for an earthquake. Not saying there aren't great reasons to have 1-bedrooms as rentals-just would want to be extra-careful that you're vetting your potential rental pool, future rent increases, etc.